Lord Ganesh is considered the closest god to human beings. He is also addressed with the name ‘Vinayak’ and today on the occasion of ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’, we celebrate his divine presence around us.
Many of us have heard that lord Ganesh is ‘Pratham pujya’ or the deity who is worshipped first. It is a norm in Hindu households to begin any aarti i.e. worship by reciting Ganesh Ji’s aarti and seeking his blessings to begin the function. The reason for worshipping lord Ganesh can be known from Indian Mythology.
Ganesh Chaturthi Special: Stories of Lord Ganesh
Indian Mythology tells us of two popular tales associated with lord Ganesh, his mother Parvati (Adi Shakti) and his father Lord Shiva (Mahadeva). The first tale begins when goddess Parvati assigns the work of guarding her chamber to her son. Lord Ganesh keeping his mother’s order over everything, stopped his father when he tried to enter the chamber.
Mahadeva, in a fit of rage, cuts the head of Lord Ganesh. After knowing this, an infuriated Parvati asks her husband to return her son or else she will bring the whole universe to its end. Then, a baby elephant’s head was attached to Lord Ganesh’s body.
Mahadeva blessed lord Ganesh, making him the only god to get worshipped before anyone else.
Another story narrates the competition between Lord Ganesh and his elder brother Kartikeya. Mahadev and Parvati came up with a task in which the winner will be decided based on who comes first after completing three rounds (parikramas) of the universe.
Kartikeya embarks on his journey as he thinks that Ganesh would not be able to compete with agility. Meanwhile, Lord Ganesh encircles Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, thrice; indicating that they are his world.
Looking at Ganesh’s devotion and admiration towards his parents, Devi Parvati and Lord Shiva blessed him with an abundance of knowledge and prosperity.
That is why, before starting any ritual or puja, the first deity to be worshipped is Lord Ganesh.
Ganesh Chaturthi Shubh Muhurat
Ganesh Chaturthi is an eleven-day long festival celebrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. People bring Ganpati idols in their homes and in the end, immerse the idol while hoping that Bappa will return soon.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from 10th September to 21st September. It is coinciding with the Bhadrapada month’s Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha.
According to the Hindu calendar, the shubh muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi remains throughout 10th September and will end at 9:57 p.m. It is believed that you should avoid the sighting of the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Today’s moon sighting time is from 9:12 a.m. to 8:53 p.m. Moon sighting is considered inauspicious on this day. It may cause Mithya Dosha owing to a curse. Mythology tells us that even Lord Krishna has Mithya Dosha due to moon.
Share these Wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya! Wish you and your family a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi.
As rains bless the Earth, likewise, may Lord Ganesha bless you with never-ending happiness. Keep smiling and chanting Ganapati Bappa Morya! Happy Vinayak Chaturthi 2021!
May Lord Ganesha bless you with love and peace. Wishing you and your family a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi.
I pray to Ganpati that you have a prosperous and long life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Hoping this Ganesh Chaturthi will be the start of the year that brings happiness for you.
May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha bring you eternal bliss and peace, protect you from evil and wrongdoings, and fulfill all your wishes and desires. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!