Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Every year in the month of Bhadrapada, when the beat of drums and the echo of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" dissolve into the air, everyone's heart fills with devotion and enthusiasm. We all welcome Bappa with great pomp, but have you ever thought deeply about why exactly Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated?
Being an astrologer and a spiritual seeker, people often come to me and ask why we celebrate this 10-day festival. What is the significance of Lord Ganesha in this play of Cosmic Energy and planets and constellations?
Until we understand the 'real story' and the core meaning behind any festival, our worship merely remains a ritual. Today, let's explore in very simple language the amazing story of Gajanan's birth, which not only enhances our spiritual knowledge but also offers great lessons for our lives and relationships.
What is the Astrological Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Ganesha was born on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada during the Madhyahna (afternoon). This day holds special significance in astrology because it is the time when the energies of Mercury (Intellect) and Ketu (Salvation and Intuition) are balanced in the universe. Gajanan is the ruling deity of both these planets. That is why worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day brings sweetness to every sphere of life, especially mental peace and communication in relationships. We celebrate this birth anniversary as 'Ganesh Chaturthi'.
The Real Story of Gajanan's Birth
The story of Lord Ganesha's birth is narrated very touchingly in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. It is not just a story, but a symbol of the boundless love between a mother and a son.
According to the legend, Goddess Parvati was once going to take a bath on Mount Kailash. There was no one to guard the door. Then, Goddess Parvati removed the sandalwood paste (a mixture of turmeric and clay) applied to her body and sculpted a very beautiful idol of a boy from it. Through her divine powers and mantras, the Goddess breathed life into that idol.
This boy was none other than our beloved Ganesha. Goddess Parvati ordered him, "Son, I am going for a bath. Do not let anyone inside until I return." The obedient son accepted his mother's command and started guarding the door.
Arrival of Lord Shiva and a Fierce Battle
After some time, Lord Shiva himself returned to Kailash and started going inside. But the boy Ganesha stopped him right at the door. Ganesha did not know that Lord Shiva was his father and the master of the universe. He firmly said, "No one can go inside without my mother's permission."
Lord Shiva's attendants (Ganas) tried hard to reason with the boy, but Ganesha did not waver from his duty. Seeing this, Lord Shiva became furious. He felt that this was no ordinary boy, but some illusionist creating an obstacle in his path. In a fit of rage, Mahadev severed the boy Ganesha's head from his body with his trident.
When Goddess Parvati saw this sight, her heart cried out in agony. The grief and anger of the Mother of the Universe were so fierce that the entire creation reached the brink of destruction. She said to Lord Shiva, "You have killed my innocent son. If he is not brought back to life, I will destroy this entire creation."
Why an Elephant's Head?
To calm Goddess Parvati's anger and rectify his mistake, Lord Shiva ordered Lord Vishnu to bring the head of the very first living being found sleeping with its head facing the North direction. Lord Vishnu found an elephant (Gaj), whose head he cut off and brought back. Lord Shiva attached that head to the boy's body and brought him back to life.
A great secret is hidden here: Why an elephant's head? An elephant's head is large, which is an indicator of deep intellect (a symbol of the planet Jupiter in Zodiac analysis). His large ears teach us that in interpersonal relationships and communication, we should always listen more to others. His small eyes are a symbol of microscopic vision, and his small trunk teaches us to speak less, but work more.
Pleased, all the gods and goddesses blessed Ganesha, and Lord Shiva gave him a boon that "From today onwards, in any auspicious work, worship, or marriage in the universe, Ganesha will be worshipped first (Pratham Pujya)."
Why is the 10-Day Ganeshotsav Celebrated?
Why does Bappa come to our homes for 10 days, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi? The real story behind this is connected to Maharishi Ved Vyas.
According to the legend, Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata, but he needed a scholar who could write it down continuously without stopping. Lord Ganesha agreed to this, but his condition was that Vyas ji would not stop speaking. Vyas ji also laid down a condition that Ganesha would not write without understanding the meaning of the verses.
On the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, Ganesha started writing the Mahabharata. He wrote continuously for 10 days. Due to extreme concentration and energy, the temperature of Ganesha's body rose significantly. On the 10th day (Anant Chaturdashi), Maharishi Ved Vyas bathed Bappa in a cool water pond to cool down his body. That is why we serve Bappa for 10 days and immerse him in water (Ganesh Visarjan) on the 10th day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ans. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. On this very day, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from a clay paste and breathed life into him.
Q2. Why is Lord Ganesha called the 'First Worshipped' (Pratham Pujya)?
Ans. When Lord Shiva mistakenly cut off Ganesha's head, he was resurrected by attaching an elephant's head. It was then that Lord Shiva and all the gods granted him a boon that Ganesha would be the very first to be worshipped in every auspicious work in the universe.
Q3. What does Ganesha's elephant head symbolize?
Ans. In astrology and spirituality, the elephant's large head is considered a symbol of boundless intellect, the large ears signify listening carefully to others (better communication), and the small eyes represent focusing on the goal.
Q4. Why is Bappa kept at home for exactly 10 days?
Ans. According to mythology, Lord Ganesha continuously wrote the Mahabharata for 10 days while listening to it from Ved Vyas ji. This caused his body temperature to rise, and to calm him down, he was bathed in water on the 10th day.
Q5. Why is sighting the moon forbidden on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ans. It is believed that on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, the moon mocked Ganesha's elephant-faced (Gajmukh) appearance. Ganesha then cursed the moon that anyone who looks at it on this day will incur false allegations (stigma). Therefore, one should not look at the moon on this day.
Conclusion
This holy festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious celebration. It teaches us that no matter how big an obstacle comes in life, it can be overcome with intelligence and wisdom. The real story of Bappa is the greatest example of dedication to our family relationships, communication, and duties. When you perform Bappa's Aarti on Ganesh Chaturthi this year, do not just ask him for wealth, but ask for the wisdom and knowledge that will always maintain sweetness in your life and relationships.