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Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles and the offspring of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and his consort the goddess Parvathi. Several myths detail his birth and acquisition of the elephant head.
What does the god Ganesh represent?
Ganesha, also spelled Ganesh, also called Ganapati, elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, who is traditionally worshipped before any major enterprise and is the patron of intellectuals, bankers, scribes, and authors.
What are Ganesha powers?
Aggression kills peace and wisdom, Ganesha controls the evil inside us and motivates us to fulfil any promise with great courage. Ganapati, being the most popular deity in India who is worshipped on many religious and secular occasions by all castes of Hindus, Jains & Buddhists.
Why is Ganesh so special?
You may recognize Ganesh — he’s famous around the world for his elephant head. Having an elephant head makes Ganesh special. He has all the wisdom, loyalty and compassion of an elephant and his large ears means he can clearly hear the needs of his people.
Is Ganesha the main god?
Hindu mythology identifies him as the restored son of Parvati and Shiva of the Shaivism tradition, but he is a pan-Hindu god found in its various traditions. In the Ganapatya tradition of Hinduism, Ganesha is the supreme deity.
Why is Ganesha head an elephant?
Lord Shiva, then placed the head on Ganesha’s body and gave him life and his blessings. Hence, Ganesha has a human body and an elephant head. According to some other legends, Ganesha’s elephant head is symbolic of his big brain or vast knowledge and wisdom.
Why do we pray to Ganesha first?
Seeing the love and devotion that His son Ganesha has towards Him and Parvati, Lord Shiva blessed Ganesha and told devotees to worship Ganesha before starting any auspicious activity. Many associate the elephant head of lord Ganesha with his wisdom. They thus start with a Ganesh aarti or Ganesha Mantra.
How do you pray to Ganesha?
Here are some simple steps to worship/pray to Lord Ganesha: Educate yourself about Lord Ganesha. Study the idol, photo or painting of Ganpati. Collect all the requisite items. Light the diya. Offer modakas, ladoos, and other retreats. Place a garland around the neck of Lord Ganesha. Chant one of Ganesha mantras.
How can I meet Lord Ganesha?
However, before you ask Ganesha for his favor, you need to prepare yourself to worship him and to offer him your respect and reverence.Speak to Lord Ganesha, once you’ve visualized him. Approach him in a relaxed manor. Speak to him in his right ear. Be assured of the personal connection between you and Lord Ganesha.
What are the 108 names of Lord Ganesha?
What’s in a name, Ganesha has 108! Akhurath: One who has mouse as his charioteer. Alampata: Ever eternal lord. Amit: Incomparable lord. Anantachidrupamayam: Infinite and consciousness personified. Avaneesh: Lord of the whole world. Avighna: Remover of obstacles. Balaganapati: Beloved and lovable child.
Why does Ganesha ride a mouse?
According to Ganesha Purana, there was a celestial musician-god named Krauncha. He accidentally stepped on the foot of Muni Vamadeva who cursed him to become a mouse. The giant mouse damaged everything that came in its path. The prophecy was fulfilled when the mouse became the vahana of Ganesha.
Why did Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head?
So, when Ganesha denied Lord Shiva entry into his abode–because Goddess Parvati was bathing inside–Shiva decapitated Ganesha’s head in anger. According to legend, an elephant was the first animal that Lord Brahma later found when he went out to look for one (to replace Ganesha’s head).
Why does Ganesh have four arms?
Hindu deities are often depicted with multiple arms to symbolize a multiplicity of superhuman powers. Ganesha has four arms, which would each hold the deity’s usual attributes. He would have held a bowl of sweets in his lower left hand, which his trunk extends toward to eat.
Which holy animal head was on Bal Ganesh?
The ganas left and almost immediately saw an old tusker shuffling down the path. They cut off its head and took it to Shiva. Shiva knelt down by the headless body of the boy and placed the elephant’s head on the raw, bleeding neck.
What is Shiva the god of?
Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. Shiva’s role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change.
What is Brahma the god of?
Brahma is the first god in the Hindu triumvirate, or trimurti. The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. The other two gods are Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma’s job was creation of the world and all creatures.
Why do we put Ganesha in water?
The ritual is done to signify the birth cycle of Lord Ganesha; just as he was created from clay/Earth, his symbolic statue is as well. The idol is immersed in water so that Ganesha may return to his home after his ‘stay’ at the devotees’ home or temple where the Ganesha Chaturthi rituals are conducted.
Who killed Ganesha?
Parashurama hurled himself at Ganesha with his axe and Ganesha (knowing that this axe was given to him by Shiva) allowed himself, out of respect for his father, to be struck and lost his tusk as a result.
Why is Shiva’s skin GREY?
Another explanation for Shiva’s strange coloring is his habit of smearing his body with human ashes–reflecting how often he visits the cremation grounds, and possibly his blue-greyish complexion. The ashes are said to represent the end of all material existence.
Where should you place Ganesh in your home?
Vastu experts prescribe placing Lord Ganesha’s idol either in the west, north-east or north direction. Never let the idol face south because it can do more harm than good. It should never be near a washroom, toilet or against a wall attached to it.
Which states celebrate Ganesh?
Although the festival is observed across the country but it is celebrated with much pomp and fervour in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Also known by the name Vinayaka Chaturthi, it celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
What planet is Ganesha associated with?
Lord Ganesha is also related to Mercury – the planet for intelligence, brilliance and business. The planet that gives financial prosperity is Jupiter, which is also closely related to Lord Ganesha.
