Ganesh Chaturthi

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय कोटि सूर्य समप्रभ |
निर्विघ्नं कुरु म देव शुभ कार्येषु सर्वदा ||

Bakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprbha|
Nirbighnam Kurume Deva Sarwakaryeshu Sarwada ||

“You of the twisted trunk and massive body with the dazzle of millions of suns, Lead me, Lord, on a path that has no obstacles or hindrances in all my good endeavors.”

Ganesh is easily the international star of Hinduism. Who hasn’t seen his iconic adorable elephant face? The popularity of Ganesh is universal. He is known by various names, Ganapati, Vinayak, Ekadanta, Gajaanan, Lambodara, Heramba, Vighneswar, Mangalmurti, and the list goes on.

Ganesh has traveled far and wide. One can find Ganesh appearing in cultures all over Asia; as Kangiten in Japan, as Phra Phikanet in Thailand, as Ganapati in Cambodia, as Shoten in China, and so on. Ganesh is so popular in Nepal, we even have a mountain dedicated to Ganesh, named Ganesh Himal (7422 m).

Festival of Ganesh in Nepal

Hindus in Nepal celebrate two main festivals to worship Ganesh. First one being, Ganesh Chaturthi/ Vinayaka Chaturthi, and the second is Ganesh Jayanti. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Sukla paksha (the fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Bhadra of the Nepalese calendar (August/ September).

Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated on the Chaturthi of the Sukla paksha (fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Magh (January/ February). Hindu devotees in Nepal pay homage to Lord Ganesh on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti.

All the famous and local temples of Ganesh receive devotees in huge numbers during both festivals. Devotees fast and sing praises of the lord.

There is a popular belief that one should refrain from looking at the moon during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Looking at the moon is believed to bring you Mithya Dosh (false accusation) of stealing. Hence people avoid looking at the moon this evening. However, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley have an interesting tradition of making an offering to the moon at night during this festival, without looking at the moon itself.

Legend has it, once Ganesh was returning home on his vahana mouse; Chandra, the Moon-god poked fun at Ganesh commenting on his belly and the tiny mouse. Miffed by the moon, Ganesh cursed him that no light would ever fall on him. Thus, the moon disappeared in the skies.

The moon sought pardon and Ganesh acceded. However, once a curse is pronounced it cannot be repealed entirely. Hence, he said that sighting the moon on Chaturthi would be as good as a curse.

According to another Puranic legend, Lord Krishna was once accused of stealing a precious gem ‘Syamantaka’. After seeing the plight of Lord Krishna, Sage Narada informed him that he had sighted the moon of Ganesh Chaturthi and hence he has been accused of stealing the gem. On Narada’s advice, Lord Krishna observed a fast on Ganesh Chaturthi to get rid of the Mithya Dosh.

Ganesh’s Iconography

Ganesh appears in different forms and manifestations across different regions. The generic form of Ganesh is often depicted with four arms holding Sweet (laddu or modak), a lasso (Pasha), an axe or a goad, and Abhaya Mudra, the hand gesture of fearlessness. His attributes vary enormously according to his forms & manifestations.  He sometimes holds a lotus flower, sometimes his own broken tusk, sugarcane, a pomegranate, or a radish depending on his forms & where the image originates. Ganesh holding a radish has been considered to be a special feature of Nepalese Ganesh seen nowhere else.

A Mouse, Ganesh’s Vahana (mount)

His vahana (mount) is a rat or a mouse. It is very interesting to see a generous-sized Ganesh riding on top of a little mouse. The first mention of a mouse as Ganesh’s vahana appears in a Hindu Scripture called “Matysa Purana” and later in Mudgala & Ganesh Puranas as well. Although a mouse is his principal vahana, we occasionally see him on other Vahanas in other manifestations such as Heramba Ganapati rides a lion, Vikata Ganesh rides a peacock, and Vighnaraja is manifested on top of a Shesha Naag ( the divine king of the nagas/serpents).

According to Mudgala Purana, a celestial musician named Krauncha in Indra’s (King of Gods) court accidentally stepped on the foot of Muni Vamadeva, who in anger cursed the ill-fated musician to become a big mouse. Poor Krauncha who was now a mouse was so huge, he would knock down the ground he stepped on. Once when Lord Ganesh was invited at Maharshi Parasar’s ashram, the big rat ended up toppling down rishi’s little cottage. Ganesh determined to teach the mouse a lesson, unleashed his Pasha and subdued the mouse under his feet. Krauncha asked Ganesh to forgive him and to accept him as Ganesh’s vahana. However, there is another fascinating interpretation of the mouse as Ganesh’s Vahana. The mouse symbolizes the fickle human mind, always reckless and restless. The elephant symbolizes the intellect which controls and focuses the mind to overcome obstacles.

Ganesh in Hinduism

The word Ganesh (Gana+Isha) is a Sanskrit word where “Gana” means a group, multitude, or categorical system and the word “Isha” means lord or master. Therefore Ganesh means the Lord of the Gaṇas.

Ganapati is worshipped on many religious and secular occasions especially any the beginning of starting a business or building a house, starting a project and so on. Ganesh holds an important position in the Hindu Pantheon. Ganesh is the remover of obstacles, the god of luck & fortune.

Every Hindu prayers & ceremony begin with an invocation to Ganesh. Every tole (settlement) in Kathmandu must have a local Ganesh shrine, usually on the roadside, protecting the locals. Numerous temples & shrines, big and small; are scattered all over Nepal. Kathmandu valley has four ancient shrines of Ganesh in the form of Vinayak: Surya Vinayak in Bhaktapur (seen on featured photo), Chandra Vinayak and Jal Vinayak in Kathmandu, and Karya Vinayak in Lalitpur.  Many of these temples feature Ganesh together with his two consorts: Riddhi and Siddhi, whereas some traditions consider him to be a Bal-Bramhachari, a celibate ascetic.

Origin of the Elephant Headed Lord

Ganesh is the son of the celestial couple Shiva & Parvati.  Legend has it,  Lord Ganesh’s mother, Goddess Parvati, carved an idol of a boy out of turmeric powder which she used as a body scrub and breathed life into it, Lord Shiva, her husband, was unknown of this creation. And it was on this day, Ganesh Chaturthi day, Ganesh was brought into life.

So, when Ganesh denied Lord Shiva entry into his own abode because Goddess Parvati was bathing inside, Shiva decapitated Ganesh’s head in anger. Parvati was furious to learn about his death and threatened to destroy the universe if Ganesh is not resurrected into life. According to the legend, Shiva set out in a search assuring Parvati that the first animal he would find would become the head for Ganesh. Incidentally, an elephant was the first animal that was found when he went out to look for one (to replace Ganesh’s head).

Sibling rivalry with his brother Kumar Karitikeya

Once the divine parents (Shiva & Parvati) of Ganesh & Kumar decided to hold a competition between the two boys. Both boys were eager to win; the term being whoever circled the world thrice would win. Kumar hopped onto his vahana peacock and zoomed off in a jiffy while this left Ganesh in a predicament, for he has a plumpy body and a tiny mouse for the mount.

Ganesh, the embodiment of wisdom and wit, went back to his parents. He asked them to sit together, folded his hands, and circumambulated them thrice. To his confused parents, he said, “You are my parents, you are the world to me. So when I went around you thrice, it’s equal to going around the world.” The parents nodded and smiled while Ganesh claimed victory.

Shiva declared Ganesh to be the “Pratham Poojya”, (the first God to be worshipped before any gods) henceforth. This is why every Hindu ritual & ceremony beings with an invocation to Ganesh.

Ganesh in Buddhism

In Nepal, within Mahayana Buddhism Ganesh appears in the form of the Buddhist god Vinayaka.  His image often appears in Buddhist scriptures shown dancing whereas, in  Vajrayana Buddhism, he appears in the form of the Buddhist god Vināyaka or Ganapati.

The primary function of Ganapati is that of a wealth deity – medications & rituals are done for the purpose of obtaining wealth. He can also be a Yidam (meditational deity) or a Dharma protector deity. Sometimes Ganesh is seen as a worldly deity dedicated to protecting Buddhism, but in some Mahayana stories, he is a Bodhisattva placed in the Chakrasamvara Mandala Cycle of Tantra.  Another popular form of Ganesh in Buddhism is Rakta Ganapati who is considered to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

The Symbolism of Ganesh’ Manifestation

Ganapati is worshipped in different forms such as Baal Ganesh (child God), Siddhi Ganesh (God of Achievement) Karya Vinayak (Lord of rightful deeds) etc. Much as the round form of Ganesh is beloved to us, we should look beyond the obvious into the symbolism of this form.

• • His large and rounded body denotes the entire universe. He is the embodiment of all.
  • The Elephant, which is a vegetarian and doesn’t kill to eat, signifies gentle strength. An elephant also responds to love and affection as God will respond to our love.
  • The large head symbolizes wisdom. The large ears sift truths from untruths.
  • The curved trunk denotes the primal sound, the mystic OM. This symbol in Sanskrit ॐ resembles an elephant and his trunk.
  • The trunk also is a symbol of discrimination – the same trunk has the strength to pull up a tree or pick delicately at the smallest of things.
  • The great stomach symbolizes that Ganesh swallows the sorrows of the universe and protects the world.
  • The mouse which is underfoot symbolizes the petty desires and ego of man which needs to be vanquished.
  • Ganesh is shown to hold different items in his hands, about 40 different ones being common. Each represents an attribute. In the picture above, one hand in the Abhaya pose says ‘Don’t fear, I am here.
  • A hand holds the double-headed axe to symbolize his destruction of impediments and evil.
  • A hand holds the lotus flower, which indicates purity as the flower grows unsullied even in the dirtiest of ponds.
  • The fourth hand holds Modaks, the sweet dear to Him. Today thousands of worshippers will offer these sweets to their dear deity. Modakam in Sanskrit means that which gives joy and pleasure (Moda); just as this sweet gives us joy, Ganesh too, blesses us with joy.

Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali

1. Om Vinayakaya namaha (The blessed one)
2. Om Vighnarajaya namaha (The king of obstacles
3. Om Gauriputraya namaha (The son of Gauri)
4. Om Ganesvaraya namaha (the Ishwara of the Ganas)
5. Om Skandagrajaya namaha (the borther of Skanda)
6. Om Avyayaya namaha (the one who is eternal)
7. Om Putaya namaha (the one who shimmers)
8. Om Dakshaya namaha (the expert)
9. Om Adhyakshaya namaha (the one who leads)
10. Om Dvijapriyaya namaha (The one who is born twice)
11. Om Agnigarbhachide namaha (He one with fire in his belly)
12. Om Indrasripradaya namaha (the one who granted fame and power to Indra)
13. Om Vanipradaya namaha (the one who grants voice)
14. Om Pramodaya Namah (the one who is happy)
15. Om Sarvasiddhipradaya namaha (the one who grants spiritual powers)
16. Om Sarvajnanayaya namaha (the one who knows everything)
17. Om Sarvaripriyaya namaha (the one who is loved by everyone)
18. Om Sarvatmakaya namaha (The one who is present in every soul)
19. Om Srushtikatre namaha (The one who creates)
20. Om Devaya namaha (The one who is God)
21. Om Anekarchitaya namaha (the one who is present in people’s heart)
22. Om Sivaya namaha (the son of Shiva)
23. Om Suddhaya namaha (the one who cleanses)
24. Om Buddhipriyaya namaha (the one who appreciates wisdom and knowledge)
25. Om Santaya namaha (the one who is like a saint)
26. Om Brahmacharine Naamaha (the one who is a Brahmachari)
27. Om Gajananaya namaha (the one with the face of an elephant)
28. Om Dvaimatreyaya namaha (the one who has two mothers)
29. Om Munistutyaya namaha (the one who is hailed by the sages)
30. Om Bhaktavighnavinasanaya namaha (the one who removes hurdles from the path of his Bhakta)
31. Om Ekadantaya namaha (the one with one tusk)
32. Om Chaturbahave namaha (the one with four hands)
33. Om Chaturaya namaha (the one who is the cleverest)
34. Om Saktisamyutaya namaha (the one blessed with powers)
35. Om Lambodaraya namaha (the one with a huge belly)
36. Om Surpakarnaya namaha (the one who has ears like winnows)
37. Om Haraye namaha (the son of Hara, Shiva)
38. Om Brahmaviduttamaya namaha (the one who knows the Brahma knowledge)
39. Om Kalaya namaha (the one who is the keeper of time)
40. Om Grahapataye namaha (the chief of the planets)
41. Om Kaamine namaha (the one who fulfils desires)
42. Om Somasuryagnilochanaya namaha (the one who has eyes like the Chandra and the Surya)
43. Om Pasankusadharaya namaha (the one who holds the paasa and the kusha)
44. Om Chandaya namaha (the fiercest one)
45. Om Gunatitaya namaha (the one who has the qualities of the Sun)
46. Om Niranjanaya namaha (the pure one)
47. Om Akalmashaya namaha (the spotless one)
48. Om Svayamsiddhaya namaha (the one who is a Siddha himself)
49. Om Siddharchitapadambujaya namaha (the one whose feet are worshipped by the Siddhars)
50. Om Bijapuraphalasaktaya namaha (the one who likes the results of the seeds)
51. Om Varadaya namaha (the giver of boons)
52. Om Sasvataya namaha (the eternal one)
53. Om Krutine namaha (the performer)
54. Om Shripataye Namah (the one who is the giver of good fortune)
55. Om Vitabhayaya namaha (the one who is fearless)
56. Om Gadine namaha (the one who is the ultimate goal)
57. Om Chakrine namaha
58. Om Vishnupriyaya Namah (the favourite of Lord Vishnu)
59. Om Ikshuchapadhrite namaha (He holds the sugarcane)
60. Om Sridaya namaha (the giver of wealth)
61. Om Ajaya namaha (the invincible one)
62. Om Utpalakaraya namaha (the one who holds the lotus)
63. Om Sripataye namaha (the lord of auspiciousness)
64. Om Stutiharshitaya namaha (the one who is pleased by prayers)
65. Om Kuladribhettre namaha (the one who broke the mountain)
66. Om Jatilaya namaha (the ascetic)
67. Om Kalikalmashanasanaya namaha (the one who destroys the dark age)
68. Om Chandrachudamanaye namaha (the one who sports the crescent moon)
69. Om Kantaya namaha (the one who is pleasing)
70. Om Papaharine namaha (the one who frees a person of his/her sins)
71. Om Samahitaya namaha (the affable one)
72. Om Asritaya namaha (the one who protects)
73. Om Srikaraya namaha (the doer of good)
74. Om Saumyaya namaha (the one who is compassionate)
75. Om Aishwaryakaranaya Namah (the giver of fame and luxuries)
76. Om Shantaya namaha (the peaceful one)
77. Om Kaivalyasukhadaya namaha (the one who is the giver of pleasure of liberation)
78. Om Sachidanandavigrahaya namaha (the one who is the personification of happiness)
79. Om Jnanine namaha (the epitome of knowledge)
80. Om Dayayutaya namaha (the merciful one)
81. Om Dantaya namaha (the one with the tusk)
82. Om Brahmadveshavivarjitaya namaha (the one who ended enmity with Brahma)
83. Om Srikanthaya namaha (the one who is like a glorious light)
84. Om Vibhudesvaraya namaha (the one who is divine)
85. Om Ramarchitaya namaha (the one who is in the heart of Shri Rama)
86. Om Vidhaye namaha (the learned one)
87. Om Nagarajayajnopavitavate namaha (the one who wears a snake like a yagnipavita)
88. Om Sthulakanthaya namaha (the one who is fat)
89. Om Svayamkartre namaha (the self born)
90. Om Samaghoshapriyaya namaha (the one who sings the Sama Veda)
91. Om Parasmai namaha (the one who is beyond everything)
92. Om Sthulatundaya namaha (the one with a big tusk)
93. Om Agranye namaha (the first one)
94. Om Dhiraya namaha (the bravest)
95. Om Vagisaya namaha (the God of words)
96. Om Siddhidayakaya namaha (the one who gives spiritual awakening)
97. Om Durvabilvapriyaya namaha (the one who loves the durva and vilva)
98. Om Avyaktamurtaye namaha (the unmanifested one)
99. Om Adbhutamurtimate namaha (the one with a wonderful form)
100. Om Sumukhaya Namah (the one with auspicious face)
101. Om Samastajagadadharayai namaha (the one who carries the universe)
102. Om Mayine namaha (the one who has an illusionary form)
103. Om Mushikavahanaya namaha (the one who rides on the mouse)
104. Om Parvatinandanaya Namah (the son of Mata Parvati)
105. Om Tushtaya namaha (the one who is always satisfied)
106. Om Prasannatmane namaha (the one who has a pleasant attitude)
107. Om Pramukhaya Namah (the supreme lord)
108. Om Mahaganapataye Namah (the greatest of all)