❖How did the birth of Lord Ganesha and why he got the face of the elephant❖
Ganesh’s father, Lord Shiva was away in war for a long time and Goddess Parvati was scared of being alone. Therefore she created a son, out of the sandalwood paste she used to bath with, and breathed life into him. She then named him Ganesh, and his purpose was to protect the house. As Ganesh’s mother, went for a shower, she left Ganesh on the lookout for danger. Not knowing that Lord Shiva was his father, he refused to let him in the house. Lord Shiva got angry and chopped of Ganesh’s head. When Parvati came out of the shower, she was grieved to see her son dead. Shiva vowed that he would cut of the head of the next animal to walk up the hill and replace it with Ganesh’s. An elephant marched up the hill and instantly his head was cut off and placed on Ganesh’s body. Lord Shiva also promised that to make up for what he had done, Ganesh would be the first of the Lord’s to be worshipped.
❖Why is Ganesha first worship❖
Ganesh had a brother called Kartikeya, who was very proud of his wisdom, speed and efficiency. He challenged Ganesh to a race around the world seven times. As Kartikeya made a tour of the world, Ganesha simply walked around his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seven times, claiming victory. This shows the importance of God and parents in everyone lives.
❖Ganesh Chaturthi❖
This festival is the celebration of Ganesh’s birthday. However, it is celebrated in a very different way. It comes on the 4th day on the bright half of the month Bhadarvo. Months in advance, the excitement and enthusiasm begins, as models of Ganesh are being made in different poses (according to research, there are 91 poses that Ganesh’s murti’s can be found in), colours and sizes. They are usually made in Bombay, Pune and Pen. Then they are often imported to other countries or villages. These are used for worship in houses and temples from one to ten days, depending on the family’s tradition. Indian sweets are made, containing coconut and sugar. They are shared with friends and family on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all!
May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path!
May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!