According to Hindu Panchang, every month is divided into two Pakshas – Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. That’s why Chaturthi comes in both these Pakshas. Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is known as Sankashti Chaturthi and Shukla Paksha Chaturthi is known as Vinayak Chaturthi. One of the important things related to these dates is that both are known as Ganesha Chaturthi.
Chaturthi Tithi is loved by Lord Ganesha. This Tithi is associated with Lord Ganesha’s birth. Many stories can be found in ancient scriptures concerning Ganesha Chaturthi which shows the glory and intensity of this Tithi. Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha every month is celebrated as Vinayak Chaturthi Vrat and the Chaturdashi Tithi of Bhadrapad month is celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi. As Lord Ganesha was born on this day, it is celebrated with excitement and happiness by one and all.
Vinayak Chaturthi Katha
Vinayak also means without Nayak. Lord Ganesha was solely created by Goddess Parvati that’s why he is known as Vinayak, one who is born without the participation of a Nayak (male). We can learn about this Katha by reading the ancient scriptures.
According to the story, Goddess Parvati makes Uptan before taking the bath. She applies the Uptan on her body and then removes it to bathe. She creates a child’s statue with the removed Uptan and gives life to it. Once the statue comes to life, she asks the child to stand at the gate and not allow anyone to come inside until she completes her bath.
After a while, Lord Shiva arrives. The child, however, doesn’t let him inside. Lord Shiva persuades and tries his best to convince the child. In spite of this when the child does not allow Lord Shiva to enter, Lord Shiva loses his temper and cuts off the child’s head as penance.
When Goddess Parvati sees this, she gets very upset. She is overcome by sorrow and anger. She wants the child back and decides to seek vengeance from Lord Shiva for the same. When Lord Shiva learns all the facts, he orders his workers to bring to him the first living creature or the first head they spot.
The workers set out on a hunt. The first living creature they find is an elephant. They get the elephant’s head to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva fixes that head on the body of the child. Once again he gives life to the child. He names the child Vinayak and appoints him as a leader. This is how the child came to be known as Ganesha.
Importance of Bhadrapad Ganesha Chaturthi
Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapad month is known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi. This Tithi is celebrated for ten days with great pomp and show. Especially in Maharashtra, the grandeur of this festival amazes the whole world. During this festival, the statue of Lord Ganesha is placed at home, Mandir or Pandal. The Janamotsav of Lord Ganesha is celebrated for ten days and it ends on Anant Chaturdashi.
Pujan Vidhi of Ganesha Chaturthi
In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is treated as Aadi Dev. Any new work is started only after worshipping Lord Ganesha. Worshiping Lord Shri Ganesha especially on Ganesh Chaturthi brings happiness and prosperity. Let’s learn about the Puja Vidhi in detail –
Distribute the Prasad amongst the family members.
Worshipping Lord Ganesha in this manner on Chaturthi eliminates all the troubles and liberates one from all the obstacles that come in life.