The Legend of Lord Ganesha and Sankatahara Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka or Ganapati, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is believed to be the remover of obstacles and the lord of intellect and wisdom. Lord Ganesha is worshipped by millions of people around the world, and his popularity is evident in the grand celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most important festivals dedicated to him. Among the various forms of worship, Sankatahara Chaturthi holds a special significance. In this article, we will delve into the legend of Lord Ganesha and the observance of Sankatahara Chaturthi.
Legend of Lord Ganesha:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva, the supreme god, and Goddess Parvati. There are different versions of the legend of his birth, but one of the most popular ones goes as follows:
Goddess Parvati, while preparing for a bath, created a boy out of the dirt from her body and breathed life into him. She assigned the boy the task of guarding the entrance to her bath and instructed him not to let anyone enter. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva returned home after a long absence and was denied entry by the boy, who did not recognize him as Parvati’s husband.
Angered by the boy’s refusal, Lord Shiva engaged in a fierce battle with him. During the encounter, Shiva severed the boy’s head. Realizing the mistake, Lord Shiva and Parvati were grief-stricken. To console them, Lord Vishnu suggested finding the head of the first living being they encountered and attaching it to the boy’s body. The first being they encountered was an elephant, and thus Lord Ganesha, with the head of an elephant, was born.
Lord Ganesha’s venerated form with a potbelly, elephant head, and a broken tusk has become iconic. He is often depicted riding a mouse, which symbolizes his mastery over desires. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before the commencement of any auspicious event, as he is believed to remove obstacles and grant success and prosperity.
Sankatahara Chaturthi:
Sankatahara Chaturthi, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi, is a monthly fasting observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day after the full moon or the new moon, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees observe fast from sunrise to moonrise, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and praying for the removal of obstacles from their lives.
The word “sankatahara” means “relief from troubles,” and hence this day is considered highly auspicious for seeking the lord’s blessings. It is believed that by observing the fast, one can mitigate the negative influences of the planets and overcome challenges and difficulties. Devotees often visit Ganesha temples, offer special prayers, and chant hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
FAQs about Lord Ganesha and Sankatahara Chaturthi:
Q: Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped before the commencement of any auspicious event?
A: Lord Ganesha is believed to be the remover of obstacles. By invoking his blessings, devotees seek to ensure the success and smooth execution of any undertaking.
Q: What is the significance of Lord Ganesha’s broken tusk?
A: Lord Ganesha’s broken tusk symbolizes sacrifice and the renunciation of worldly desires. It represents the idea that true wisdom lies in letting go of attachments.
Q: How is Sankatahara Chaturthi celebrated?
A: Devotees observe a strict fast on Sankatahara Chaturthi, from sunrise to moonrise. They visit Ganesha temples, offer special prayers, and chant hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Q: Can anyone observe the Sankatahara Chaturthi fast?
A: Yes, anyone can observe the fast. It is believed to bring relief from troubles and is not limited to any particular age, gender, or caste.
Q: Are there any specific rituals associated with Sankatahara Chaturthi?
A: Devotees often perform an elaborate puja (worship) of Lord Ganesha, offer modak (a sweet delicacy considered Ganesha’s favorite), and recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha, a sacred text dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
In conclusion, the legend of Lord Ganesha and the observance of Sankatahara Chaturthi are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. Lord Ganesha’s popularity as the remover of obstacles has made him a beloved deity among millions. Sankatahara Chaturthi provides an opportunity for devotees to seek his blessings and find relief from troubles in their lives. Through fasting, prayers, and rituals, devotees express their devotion and gratitude towards Lord Ganesha, fostering a sense of peace and harmony.
