Wikimedia Commons - Tete-de-statue-de-Ganesh.jpg
Vinayaka Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi) celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity who removes obstacles and bestows wisdom. This festival is marked by elaborate celebrations across India.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). The festival continues for 10 days, culminating in Anant Chaturdashi with the immersion (Visarjan) of Ganesha idols.
Significance of Lord Ganesha
Ganesha holds a special place in Hindu tradition:
- Remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta): Invoked at the beginning of all new ventures
- God of wisdom and learning: Patron of arts and sciences
- First among gods: Worshipped before all other deities
- Lord of beginnings: Auspicious for starting anything new
Astrological Significance
In Vedic astrology, Ganesha is associated with:
- Ketu: Some traditions connect Ganesha with Ketu, the south lunar node
- Mercury (Budha): Intellect and communication
- Jupiter (Guru): Wisdom and divine knowledge
Worshipping Ganesha is beneficial for those experiencing Ketu dasha or seeking to improve Mercury-related matters like education and communication.
Traditional Practices
Installation (Pranapratishtha)
Clay idols of Ganesha are brought home and installed with Vedic rituals. The idol is treated as a living deity during the festival period.
Daily Worship
- Morning and evening aarti
- Offering of 21 modakas (sweet dumplings) - Ganesha's favorite
- Durva grass, red flowers, and hibiscus
- Coconut and jaggery
Mantras
- Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha - Beej mantra
- Vakratunda Mahakaya - Ganesha shloka
- Ganapati Atharvashirsha - Powerful Upanishadic hymn
Visarjan (Immersion)
The festival concludes with the immersion of the idol in water, symbolizing Ganesha's return to Mount Kailash. This can be done after 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.
Famous Ganesha Temples
- Siddhivinayak, Mumbai: Most famous Ganesha temple in India
- Ashtavinayak temples, Maharashtra: Eight ancient temples
- Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh: Self-manifested (swayambhu) idol
- Rockfort Uchi Pillayar, Tiruchirappalli: Temple atop a rock
- Dagdusheth Halwai, Pune: Famous during Chaturthi celebrations