The Significance Of Lord Ganesh
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This day falls on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The celebration, joy, and Mirth of welcoming Lord Ganesha on earth go on for ten days. It ends with a grand procession on the Ananth Chaturdashi, which marks the culmination of the festival.
The Story Behind Lord Ganesh’s Unique Look
Lord Ganesha is the younger son of the mighty Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On earth, we recognize Lord Ganesha to be the harbinger of wisdom, luck, and prosperity. The story runs that Lord Shiva severed the head of Ganesha in anger when he was stopped by his little child to meet Parvati.
When Parvati saw the decapitated head of Ganesha, she was furious. Lord Shiva realized his mistake and promised to return life back into the body. But the head that Lord Shiva’s weapon cut off was impossible to put back together. So, the head of an elephant sleeping with its head towards the north was taken and placed on the body of Ganesh to make him whole again.
The Significance of Lord Ganesh’s Body Parts
To many persons, Lord Ganesh might look weird, but there is a significance of each of his parts.
The Elephant Head of Ganesha
The large head of Ganesha is something that everyone notices as soon as one beholds an idol. It signifies his astute ability to judge right from wrong. It also denotes knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom.
Broken Teeth of Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is in constant search for knowledge and is an avid writer. Mythology says, with his broken tusk, he wrote the epic Mahabharata.
Lord Ganesh’s Large Ears
Ganesh hears our prayers and answers them. It is his large ears that let our prayers and pleadings reach him quickly.
Four Arms of Lord Ganesha
Each of the arms of the Lord represents an attribute that runs in all human beings. His first arm denotes the ‘Mind.’ The second arm symbolizes ‘ Intellect.’ The third arm represents ‘Ego,’ and the fourth one stands for ‘consciousness.’
The Trishul on Lord’s Forehead
There is a ‘Trishul’ on the forehead of the Lord. The Trishul consists of three arrows, which signify the ‘past,’ ‘present,’ and ‘future.’ The presence of Trishul on Ganesh’s forehead denotes his mastery over time.
The mantra of success for everyone
Lord Ganesha has a mantra of success for all of us. His big head indicates that we should always think big and bold and large ears signify that we should listen more calmly and patiently. Similarly, small sharp eyes signify that we should always be focussed. And large stomach teaches us to peacefully digest all good and bad in life.
As years are passing by, the caste-discrimination among the Hindus is lessening. Ganesh Chaturthi is not only the celebration of Lord Ganesh’s birthday but also spreads a social message of a lifestyle devoid of prejudice against any particular caste. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi lets be one and celebrate a better and a more prosperous tomorrow.
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With the divine blessings of HH Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and the enlightened guidance of Dr. Archika Didi Ji, the transformative 4-day Raghav Dhyan Sadhana Shivir unfolded successfully from December 2nd to 6th, 2023, in the sacred city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Organised by Vishwa Jagriti Mission.