Hindu mythology and religion states that Lord Ganesha is the symbol of wisdom and good luck. He needs to be revered and invoked before starting any good work. On the propitious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, most Hindus bring home the idols of Ganesha and worship him to bestow them with prosperity, good health and wisdom. Before beginning the puja they prepare various sweets, especially 'ladoos', and decorate them on platters to place them in front of the idol. While performing the puja people sing devotional songs in praise of Ganesha. Children take a break from studies and keep some of their books for worshipping. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of most awaited festivals of India. People not only indulge in ceremonies and celebrations but also make promises to follow the course of morality and humanity and to serve the mankind. There are several legends in connection Ganesh Chathurthi which are worth knowing about. These stories have been passed on through generations since times immemorial and people have immense belief in these religious tales. Read through the article to know more.
Lord Ganesha Birth Legends
Legend of Birth of Ganesha
This is the most popular legend found in the religious text of Shiva Purana. Once goddess Parbati created a small figurine from the dough she used to take bath and brought him to life. This is how Ganesha was born. She asked him to guard the entrance of the bath place and she did not want any visitors. One day Lord Shiva wanted to visit Parbati, but was stopped by Ganesha as it was her bath time. Ganesha did not know him and did not allow Shiva even after asking to let him in repeatedly. This infuriated Lord Shiva and he beheaded Ganesha with his trident. When Parbati heard a cry he came out to see that her boy, whom she called her son, was lying dead. An angered Parbati asked her husband to bring the boy back to life or witness her destroying the world. Left with no choice Lord Shiva travelled to the earth with Lord Vishnu to bring the head of the very first living being to install it on the body of Ganesha. They brought the head of an elephant and fixed on Ganesha's body. He apologized and declared that Ganesha would be worshipped before all Gods and Goddesses.
Legend of Ganesha and Kartikeya
Once a competition was held between Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya, in which the winner would be declared the leader of all Gods. A race was conducted between the two and whoever took seven rounds of the earth first would be crowned the Ganadhipati or the leader of the gods. So, the race started and Karthikeya sat on his vehicle peacock and took off. Ganesha also sat on his vehicle rat, but knew it was not easy task for him because his vehicle was so small. So, used his intelligence and took seven rounds of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parbati. He explained that his parents were the creator of the whole universe and therefore taking seven rounds of them was more than enough. All the gods were pleased and delighted by Ganesha's wisdom and declared him the winner. Since then, he was called Ganadhipati or the leader.
So these were two of the common tales associated with Ganesha the leader of all Gods and also the wisest. Ganesh Chaturthi is therefore one of the most important of all Hindu festivals.