Ganesha
The Divine Story
Lord Ganesha, the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), is revered in the Rig Veda as 'Gananam tva ganapatim havamahe' - the leader of divine hosts. As mentioned in the Ganapati Upanishad, he is the embodiment of Om and the source of all knowledge.
First Manifestation
According to the Ganesha Purana, Lord Ganesha first manifested in Satya Yuga as the son of Shiva and Parvati, appearing whenever obstacles needed divine intervention in cosmic order.
Divine Purpose
To remove obstacles (Vighna Harta) from the path of righteousness, bestow wisdom (Buddhi), and ensure auspicious beginnings in all spiritual and material endeavors, serving as the gateway to divine grace.
Spiritual Significance
The Mudgala Purana declares Ganesha as 'Sarva Vighnopashantaye' - the pacifier of all obstacles. He is invoked before beginning any sacred ritual, as stated in countless Hindu scriptures including the Grihya Sutras.
Sacred Stories & Legends
Gajamukha Avatara - The Elephant-Headed Form
As narrated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, when Lord Shiva severed Ganesha's head unknowingly, he replaced it with that of Gajendra (the noble elephant), symbolizing wisdom, memory, and auspiciousness.
Teaching: The elephant head represents 'Gaja-Gamana' (majestic movement) and 'Matsara-rahita' (freedom from jealousy), embodying the qualities of a perfect devotee as described in ancient texts
Vakratunda and the Broken Tusk
The Ganesha Purana describes how Ganesha broke his own tusk to write the Mahabharata as dictated by Sage Vyasa, demonstrating sacrifice for knowledge preservation.
Teaching: Symbolizes the importance of knowledge over physical beauty and the duty to preserve sacred wisdom for future generations
Divine Family
Divine Consort
Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual accomplishment)
Divine Children
Shubh (auspiciousness)
Labh (profit/gain)
Divine Parents
Lord Shiva
Mata Parvati
Sacred Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi
Timing: Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (August/September)
Significance: Celebrates the divine birth of Vighnaharta, as mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana. Devotees observe 'Ananta Chaturdashi' as the culmination, symbolizing the eternal nature of divine consciousness
Sacred Temples & Holy Shrines
Siddhivinayak Temple
Location:Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Period:Built in 1801 CE
Architecture:Traditional Hindu temple architecture with modern additions
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: One of the most revered Ganesha temples, famous for wish fulfillment and visited by millions of devotees
Trinetra Ganesha Temple
Location:Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan, India
Period:13th century CE
Architecture:Rajasthani fort temple architecture
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: Unique three-eyed Ganesha temple, believed to be over 700 years old
Ashtavinayak Temples
Location:Maharashtra (8 locations), Maharashtra, India
Period:Various periods from 1st to 18th century CE
Architecture:Traditional Marathi temple architecture
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: Eight ancient Ganesha temples representing different aspects of the deity