Ganesh Chaturthi: Hallmark for a pious beginning

Salutations to the Beginner of eternity who is the supreme lord and is the source of all the bliss himself. Lord Ganesha is considered to be the bestower of all the virtuous qualities and the attainer of all the successful undertakings.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular Festivals amongst the Hindu fraternity. Largely speaking this festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha and it befalls on the 4rth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada in the month between August – September.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival observed world wide with utter diligence by devoted hindu . Enthusiasm reigns in much before the commencement of the festival. Clay figures of the diety are made and are being worshipped. The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi may start on from 2 days which lasts for even 10 days like in the state of Maharashtra and then it is submerged in water bodies.

Mythology goes with the predicament that Lord Ganesha is the god with elephant's head. He is said to be worshipped first before any auspicious activity or prayer. He is said to be the Lord of Power and wisdom and is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Gauri .By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to get the virtues and the knowledge of Lord Ganesha in their kids.

The following story goes as about the birth of lord Ganesha and how he got an elephant's head.

Once upon a time Goddess Gauri ( consort of Lord Shiva) , while bathing created the mighty lord Ganesha out of the mud of her body. She placed the live idol on the entrance of the house instructing not to allow anybody in while she was bathing. In the meantime Lord Shiva was returning home quite thirsty and he was stopped by Ganesha at the entrance which infuriated Lord Shiva. Shiva was enraged and cut off Ganesha's head thinking him to be an outsider.

This incident led into an utter en grief in goddess Gauri. Knowing his mistake Lord Shiva ordered to get him the head of any creature sleeping facing his towards the north.. The servants finding nothing fruitful got the head of an elephant which was joined by the lord on the body of Ganesha.

Lord Shiva also blessed Ganesha making him worthy of worship at the beginning of all the activities, marriages, studies etc. He anointed the annual worship of Lord Ganesha on the fourth day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada.

It is believed that without the blessings and the grace of lord Ganesha nothing fruitful can be achieved.

Lord Ganesha is said to be very fond of sweet puddings or balls of rice flour with a sweet tinge.

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi, it is believed to meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha.