Unveiling the Spiritual Splendor: Celebrating Ganesh Chaturti

Ganesh Chaturti, also known as Vinayaka Chaturti and Ganeshotsav, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. This grand and vibrant festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people. Its history is as rich and diverse as the culture of India itself.

Today is the day when we all pray to Ganpati Bappa. Here we'll learn about 4 lesson of Ganesha that is relevant to today's modern world.

Lesson-1:

Why does Lord Ganesha have a big stomach?

At the time of Samudra Manthan, When Devas and Asuras churned the ocean and nectar came out. Then to divide the nectar properly, Lord Vishnu took Mohini Avtaar. After looking at Mohini, both Asuras and Devas were awestruck. Lord Shiva is also attracted to Mohini's beauty. When Lord Vishnu left Mohini's avatar, Lord Shiva was angry. So angry that an Asura was formed out of it. Its name was 'Krodhasur'(The monster of anger). Krodhasur soon captured the entire world and started ruling over all three lokas. All Devas started telling Lord Shiva that this Asura needs to be stopped. Then Lord Shiva prayed to Lord Ganesha and lord Ganesha took Avtaar of  Lambodar. After fighting with Krodhasur and winning over him Lord Ganesha forgave him. But, he said that now you will be under my control.

Lambodar means Pot-Bellied, which means big stomach. Who can control a destructive force like anger? who are not able to control their anger, will harm themselves. Lord Ganesh's big stomach is the symbol, that he has controlled his anger.

Lesson-2:

So does Lord Ganesha not get angry?

Once Lord Ganesh was riding in his vehicle Mushaka. After looking at Lord Ganesha riding on a small Mushaka, the moon started laughing. Lord Ganesha cursed him that he would disappear. Moon realized his mistake, and he apologized from his heart immediately. A curse cannot be taken back. But, Lord Ganesha got a solution. He said, that you will be disappeared, but will start appearing slowly. He made a mistake, but Moon was not a bad person. From this Lord Ganesha teaches that self-respect is important. But a person needs to learn to forgive too.

By forgiving him, lord Ganesha befriended a possible enemy. In his Balchandra form, you can see this moon on his forehead.

Lesson-3:

Why is Lord Ganesha called "elephant-headed" (Gajanana)?

Elephants have family-like bonding. so much that, they don't forget things, people, or their friends over the years. Elephants are smart. Elephants signify wisdom. Amongst any land animal their head -size is the biggest. In their brain, they have 3 times more neurons than any human. They can understand different human languages, and they can use different tools. Elephants are emotional. And lord Ganesha's head is not of any ordinary elephant, it is Airavat's head. Airavat was not a normal elephant, it was the vehicle of Lord Indra. Airavat is the symbol of rain, fertility, and prosperity.

Lesson-4:

Does Lord Ganesha not face any problems?

We call Lord Ganesha Vignaharta. Vigna="Obstacles" Harta=" one who solves it". After the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas in Kurukshetra. Sage Vyas took the responsibility to write Mahabharat. But the information was so huge that he needed someone who could write with the same speed as he was being told by him. And this work cannot be done by anyone else other than Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was ready to write Mahabharath but on one condition, Vyas won't stop. Sage Vyas smiled and told his condition too, that you would not write until you understood it. A Lord of intelligence and a great poet both agreed and started writing Mahabharat. SageVyas started telling the Shlokas and Lord Ganesha started writing it. At one time Lord Ganesha's feather knib broke. Lord Ganesha got trapped due to his own condition. He broke one of his tusks and started writing with it. And completed Mahabharst. Ved Vyas was very impressed by this and he named him "Ekdant", which means one who has only one tusk. 

Even the Lord faces problems, but it does not mean that it is the end. A great person is not great because they don't have any problems in their life, but he is great because he has the capability of finding a solution.

Ancient Origins:

The origin of Ganesh chaturti can be traced back to ancient India, where Lord Ganesha is believed to have been worshipped in different forms for 1000 years. However, the festival, as we know it today, has its roots in the Maratha Empire, particularly during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The great Maratha ruler was a devout follower of Lord Ganesha and initiated the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturti.

Public Celebration Begins:

Ganesh Chaturti gained immense popularity during the time of Peshwa Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Tilak, a freedom fighter and social reformer, recognized the potential of the festival to unite people during the struggle for Independence from British colonial rule. He encouraged public celebration and transformed Ganesh Chaturti into a community event that transcended caste and class boundaries.

Tilak's efforts led to the festival becoming a significant public affair, fostering unity and a sense of pride among the people. The tradition of installing large, elaborately crafted Ganesha idols in public padals(temporary structures) became a common practice, and the festival began to assume its grand, communal character.

Conclusion:

Ganesh Chaturti is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of culture, unity, and tradition. Its history is a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and the ability to adapt to the changing times while preserving the essence of the past. As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturti each year, we not only honor Lord Ganesha but also the centuries-old history and heritage that have made this festival a cherished part of our lives.