Significance and Legend of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, the grand celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Lord Ganesha, also known as Siddhi Vinayak, is revered as the harbinger of success and the remover of obstacles. No auspicious work is considered complete without invoking his blessings. He is the first deity to be worshiped at the start of any ceremony, and his simple yet powerful form of worship endears him to devotees.

Lord Ganesha, often called the “God of Gods” (Devadhidev), holds immense importance in Sanatan Hindu Dharma. His presence is ubiquitous, with idols of Lord Ganesha adorning the doorframes of ancient mansions, forts, and old houses. This tradition underscores the belief that no housewarming or new beginning should occur without paying homage to Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Those who receive his blessings are believed to be shielded from the troubles of life. 

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birthday of this beloved deity, celebrated with immense joy and devotion. According to the Vedic calendar, this festival falls on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. The celebrations begin on this day, and Lord Ganesha is worshipped fervently until Anant Chaturdashi. Devotees believe that his blessings during this period can remove all the challenges they face in life

• Ganesh Chaturthi – Saturday, 7 September 2024
• Midday Ganesh Puja Muhurta – 11:07 AM to 01:33 PM
• Time – 02 hrs 27 minutes
• Chaturthi Tithi starts – 06 September 2024 from 03:01 pm
• Chaturthi Tithi ends – 07 September 2024 evening 05:37 pm

Importance of worshipping Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a celebration of Lord Ganesha’s birth; it is a reminder of the importance of worshiping him. Lord Ganesha is the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. His blessings are sought for success in all endeavors, and his devotees believe that by worshiping him, they can overcome obstacles and achieve happiness, good fortune, and prosperity.

Birth of Lord Ganesha

The origins of Ganesh Chaturthi are rooted in a fascinating legend. According to the Ganesha Purana, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati. One day, before taking a bath, Parvati fashioned a child out of the dirt from her body and named him Ganesha. She instructed Ganesha to guard the entrance and not let anyone enter while she bathed.

As fate would have it, Lord Shiva arrived and tried to enter, but Ganesha, unaware of who Shiva was, refused him entry. Despite Shiva’s explanations that he was Parvati’s husband, Ganesha remained resolute in his duty. Angered by the child’s defiance, Shiva, in a fit of rage, severed Ganesha’s head with his trident and entered the house.

When Parvati discovered what had happened, she was devastated and furious. She demanded that Shiva bring her son back to life, refusing to be consoled by any of the gods who had gathered. To pacify Parvati, Shiva sent Lord Vishnu to find the head of a child whose mother was sleeping with her back turned to her child. Vishnu’s search led him to a female elephant, and he brought back the head of her calf.

Shiva placed the elephant’s head on Ganesha’s body and brought him back to life. To appease Parvati further, Shiva granted Ganesha a boon, declaring that from that day forward, Ganesha would be worshipped first in any ritual or puja, ensuring the success of all endeavors.

The grace of Lord Ganesha is eternal, and his significance in Sanatan Dharma is unparalleled. As the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, devotees across the world prepare to welcome Ganpati Bappa into their homes, hearts, and lives, seeking his divine blessings for a prosperous future.