Ganesh Chaturthi 2023
Ganesh Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival, unfolds annually on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the Bhadrapada month. According to legend, Lord Ganesha, born during Madhyahan Kaal on a Monday in the Swati Nakshatra with Leo ascendant, bestows this day with immense importance. It is also renowned as Vinayaka Chaturthi, Kalank Chaturthi, and in certain regions, Danda Chauth.
Ganesh Chaturthi Muhurat
- The festival is commemorated during the Madhyahan Kaal on the Chaturthi day.
- When the festival coincides with a Sunday or Tuesday, it is referred to as Maha Chaturthi, signifying its heightened significance.
Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat & Puja Procedure
- For those observing the fast, acquiring an idol of Ganesha made from materials such as gold, copper, or clay is essential. This idol is obtained after completing the morning rituals.
- After placing Lord Ganesha over a newly filled Kalash of water, covering its mouth with a fresh cloth, and adorning it with vermillion and Durva grass, offer 21 Laddoos as holy food. Out of these, reserve 5 Laddoos for Lord Ganesha and distribute the rest among Brahmins and those in need.
- Evening is the time for worshipping Ganesha. Commence with the recitation of the Ganesh Chaturthi Katha, followed by the Chalisa and Aarti. Offer water to the Moon without direct gazing.
- On this occasion, Ganesha’s Siddhi Vinayak form is revered.
Important Notes
- The Moon should not be seen on this day, as it is believed to bring a curse. In the event of an accidental sighting, the curse can be mitigated by chanting the provided Mantra 28, 54, or 108 times. Alternatively, reciting the 57th Adhyaya of the 10th Skanda of Srimad Bhagwat is believed to lift the curse.
Chandra Darshan Dosha Elimination Mantra:
सिंहःप्रसेनमवधीत् , सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मा रोदीस्तव, ह्येष स्यमन्तकः।।
- While performing the Ganesh Puja, avoid using basil leaves, as Ganesha prefers all leaves and flowers except Tulsi (basil).
- A ritual of circumambulating Ganesha, often done three times, holds significance for some.
Legends of Ganesha
Numerous ancient legends surround Lord Ganesha, including these notable narratives:
- Goddess Parvati, during her bath, created an idol out of lather and bestowed it life. She appointed this creation, Ganesha, as her guardian. Ganesha tried to prevent Lord Shiva’s entry into their abode, resulting in a confrontation leading to Shiva severing his head. In response, Parvati grieved deeply, prompting Shiva to replace Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, giving him the name “Gajanan.”
- Another legend tells of Parvati’s fast dedicated to Lord Krishna to obtain Ganesha, as she had not borne a child since her marriage. Her fast led to Ganesha’s birth, followed by Lord Saturn’s visit, resulting in Ganesha losing his head due to Saturn’s gaze. Vishnu replaced it with an elephant’s head.
- As per beliefs, Parashurama visited Kailasha, guarded by Ganesha. Ganesha’s refusal led to a confrontation, during which Parashurama cut one of Ganesha’s teeth, earning him the name “Ekdant.”
Fascinating Facts About Ganesha
- Lord Ganesha is worshipped prior to commencing any new endeavor. The phrase “Shri Ganesh” precedes any new venture, reflecting the customary practice. Scriptures universally instruct the worship of Ganesha before initiating any Puja.
- Lord Ganesha has been revered since Vedic times, with his Mantras documented in Rig Veda and Yajur Veda.
- Ganesha stands among the five main Devtas, along with Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Surya, emphasizing his significance.
- “Gana” signifies a community or group, while “Isha” represents the Lord. As the leader of Shiva’s followers and Devas, Ganesha is known as Ganesha.
- Ganesha’s family includes Shiva as his father, Parvati as his mother, Kartikeya as his brother, and Riddhi-Siddhi as his wives, with Kshema and Labha as his sons.
- Ganesha is known by 12 names in the Shastras: Sumukh, Ekdant, Kapil, Gajakarna, Lambodar, Vikat, Vighnanashan, Vinayak, Dhumraketu, Ganadhyakshaya, Bhalchandra, and Gajanana.
- Ganesha is credited with transcribing the Mahabharata. When Ved-Vyasa conceived the Mahabharata, Ganesha aided in its composition on Lord Brahma’s recommendation.
- In ancient texts, the sacred syllable “ॐ” is equated with Ganesha. His Puja precedes all other worship, enhancing the potency of Mantras.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
According to legend, Lord Krishna faced a blame related to the theft of Syamantak Mani. Narada informed him that the unintended sight of the Moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi brought about his predicament. Ganesha, on the same day, had cursed the Moon. Following Narada’s counsel, Krishna observed Ganesh Chaturthi (also known as Vinayagar Chaturthi) and absolved himself of the accusations. Thus, Vrat and Puja are believed to have cleansed one of the allegations.
In Indian culture, Ganesha is revered as the bestower of wisdom and knowledge, remover of obstacles, bestower of blessings, provider of protection, Siddhi, prosperity, power, and honor. Although Vainayiki Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi are observed each month during the bright and dark fortnights, respectively, the annual Vinayaka Chavithi holds paramount importance due to Ganesha’s birth. If Ganesh Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is termed Angarak Chaturthi, capable of absolving sins and curses. Similarly, if Sankatahara Chaturthi falls on a Sunday, it is considered propitious.
In Maharashtra, this festival transforms into Ganeshotsava (Ganesh Festival), spanning ten days and culminating on Anant Chaturdashi (Ganpati Visarjan). During this period, Ganesha
is adorned and worshipped, and on the final day, his immersion into water is celebrated with grandeur.
For these reasons, Ganesh Chaturthi is regarded as a spiritually enriching festival that bestows significant blessings. With this brief overview, we extend our wishes for abundant blessings from Lord Ganesha on this auspicious occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi.
