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 "Pratham Tula Vandito
Ganraya ! Pratham Tula Vandito" you might be wondering
because starting words are from our regional language
Marathi meaning "Before of all Gods I am worshiping you
and bowing before you".
This is common tradition in India, every good dead of
life, new business enterprises is started with remembrance
and worship of Lord Ganesha. Most commonalty pronounce
Shlok [Chant] of Ganesha pooja is "Vakratunda Mahakaya
- Suryakoti-sama-prabha - Nirvighnam kuru me deva -
Sarva-karyeshu sarvada".
According to Hindu religious books Ganesha is Manas Putara
[Spiritual son] of Goddess Paravati, wife of God Shiva.
Hindu Puranas says that Ganesha was brought to life by
Goddess Paravati, she created him from outer dusty layers
of her body in absence of Shiva and assigned him duty of
safe guarding entrance of her residence so she can take
bath without disturbance. While Paravati was taking bath
Lord Shiva return home and was denied entrance by Ganesha.
Both Shiva and Ganesha were not aware of each other's
relation with Goddess, hence in anger Lord Shiva used his
Trishul and cut the head of Ganesha. Afterward to please
Paravati, Shiva brought Ganesha back to life but with
elephant head. Paravati looking at her beloved son asked
about the insult that might other can do, due to elephant
headed body. Lord Shiva at that moment blessed Ganesha
with boon that he always will be worshiped ahead of all
Gods.
Lord Ganesha is most worshiped deity of India and even in
many other countries of the world. Maharashtra is famous
for Ganeshoutsav, during the British rule, Bal Gangadhar
Tilak has started the tradition of public celebration of
this religious festival and since that time Maharashtra,
specially cities like Pune, Mumbai and Kolhapur become
famous for this.
Lord Ganesha is treated as the God of education & wisdom,
there is story about the wisdom of Lord Ganesha, once
Ganesha and his big brother Kartikay were in race for
completing seven rounds of the world. Kartikay was
confident of winning this race as his vehicle is Peacock
and of Ganesha is Rat. Kartikay set off for the journey
where as Ganesha was staying there only, he got up, made
seven Pradashinas (moved arround) of Lord shiva and
Goddess Parvati, this shows the wisdom of Ganesha, as for
the children world starts and ends around his parents. |
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Idol of lord Ganesha are
generally created from the earth, which indicates relation
of God and life. In common idol form this Elephant headed
God have four hands
Right Hand [1]: holding Parsha expressing divines
powers
Right Hand [2]: is the one stretched with blessings
and boons, insuring devotee for remaining away from all
types fears, agony and hurdles. (often worshiped as
Vighanharata)
Left Hand [1]: Holds "Ankush" a common device used
to control moments of gigantic animals like elephants,
symbolising powers of removing ignorance and anguish.
(often worshiped as Dukh harta)
Left Hand [2]: holds modaks - favorite sweet dish
of lord - indicating that God brings the favorite things
and joy in the life of devotee. (often worshiped as Sukh
Karata) |