GANESH CHATHURTHI GREETINGS !
1. Just as India is a land of varieties, Hinduism also carries lot of blend. We worship various Gods with different festivals. Everything has it’s own pomp and significance. Sivarathri for Siva, Thai Poosam for Muruga, Janmashtami / Krishna Jayanthi for Lord Krishna, Navarthri, Durga Pooja for Sakthi and so on. Besides these Deepavali, Pongal, Holi, Onam etc for different regions. In that way Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated almost throughout our country and many places in abroad as well. The celebration extends for 10 days. It is supposed to be the birth day and descending of the God to our Boologa.
2. Of all the Gods Vinayaka assumes greater significance and prominence in many ways. He is the eldest son of God Shiva and Parvathi, the younger one being Muruga. We are all aware of the story of the competition for “ Mango Fruit “ which He got from His parents by going around them instead of the whole world using his intellect. No wonder He is called as God of Wisdom and Prosperity.
3. He is also Vigneswara meaning remover of obstacles. That is why we always pray to Him first while commencing any auspicious work. Even in other poojas we invariably perform Ganapathi Pooja first with basic rituals. We follow the habit of starting any writing with Pillayar Suzhi at the top centre. This is a blessing poured on Him by His parents.
4.Lord Vinayaka’s image is very peculiar with big ears signifying the importance of listening. His stomach is always bulky as the entire universe is within Him. He has elephant face for which various reasons are attributed for the orgin.One tusk is broken as He used the same for writing Mahabaratha. The eyes are small but sharp. He has the tiny Moonjuru as His vagana indicating every creature is unique and great.
5.The worshipping of Lord Vinayaka goes back to centuries and centuries. Initially the worshipping was being close only at houses. It assumed the nature of Gala Public Celebration during Maratha leader Shivaji’s period (1631-80) which was revived later by Indian fighter Lokamanya Thilak as a means to circumvent the British Govt ban on Hindu gatherings.
6. The celebration become more and more popular over a period of time and has spread to many states including Tamilnadu apart from Maharashtra. The celebration involves installation of Ganapathi Idols in different sizes and models in a protected Pandal or Shamiyana across the streets. Apart from the Poojas, cultural event also take place making the event more absorbing.
7. Different prasadams including Sundals are prepared and distributed. The entire community become joyful in the Dharshan and develop a celebrative mood. The idols are submerged in the water at rivers, sea etc. bidding good bye to Vinayaka till his next birth day so that He can come afresh once again and grace us.
8. In houses as you are aware the celebration involves getting a fresh clay idol of Vinayaka and garlanding Him with Yerukkampoo malai besides placing a special umbrella (Chatram) too. We do the pooja as per the rituals Manthram in the pooja book and doing the Archana with varieties of flowers and leaves including Arugampul by reciting His Ashtothram and by chanting His Namavali and Mantras which are very significant.
9. As He is fond of sweet, Mothaka, Laddu and Payasam are prepared invariably along with vada. Varieties of fruits are also offered including His favorite banana fruits and ofcourse coconuts. Before that the entire house is well decorated with Kolam, Mavilai, Thoranam etc. After the pooja Naivedyam and Deepardhan as take place with the sound of bell. The prasadam along with tasty food is enjoyed by the family members making it a memorable feast.
10. The Ashtotara Namavali and Purana explain His significance in detail. For instance He is called as Ganapathi as He is the controller of Ganas who may misuse their powers. Our senses are like the Ganas and the success of life depends very much on their control. It is said invocation of His blessings will give us enough power to master the senses. Likewise His blessings also count a lot for early settlement of marriages as He is Vigneswara.
11. To conclude Ganapathi Pooja is unique and great and the rituals with Mantras are highly valuable. Let us redouble our faith in Lord Vinayaka and make it a point to worship Him daily. May Lord Vinayaka bless all our clients to make their Wedding Dreams a reality at the earliest.
Ganesa Charanam, Caranam Ganesa !
Ganapathy Bappa Morya !
Happy Greetings !
Best Wishes & Kind Regards,
Dr.N.PANCHAPAKESAN
Founder
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