Ganesh Chaturthi- Festival of Learning, Knowledge and Vidya

The image of Lord Ganesha with a human body and an elephant’s head is very interesting to watch. It is said that once Lord Shiva, not knowing that Ganesha was his son, killed him out of anger and ignorance and when Parvati insisted that the boy should be given life immediately. Lord Shiva fixed an elephant’s head on Ganesha’s shoulder. From that day Ganesha is being worshipped as the god of learning, knowledge and Vidya fighting against Avidya and ignorance. He is worshipped as Gajanana. This story is mentioned in the Rudra Samhita of Shiva Purana.

There are two other remarkable things about Lord Ganesha. That he is only one toothed whereas other elephants have two teeth. In this connection it is said that once Parasurama wanted to visit Shiva and Paravati. But he was not allowed by Ganesha. A fight ensured between the two and in the course of this fight Ganesha lost one of his teeth. Another remarkable thing is that lord Ganesha has a rat as his ‘Vahana’. 

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and famous India festivals. It is celebrated in schools and colleges, shops and offices. Hindus also observe it at home and perform this Puja with great devotion.

Of course, Lord Ganesha is invoked in the beginning of every Puja as Gananayak and Vighna-nashak. But, the puja during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is observed once in the year with great interest and enthusiasm.