Lord Ganesha, also popularly known as Vinayaka Or Vigneshwara, the remover of obstacles is one of the important deities in the Hindu religion. Lord Ganesha is the ultimate divine power of the universe from which everything manifests itself! This article will take you to the world of mythological stories and scriptures to unleash everything you need to know about Ganpati Bappa. This article will reveal the answers to questions such as why Ganpati is worshipped first, why Ganpati has elephant head and why Lord Ganesha has one tooth. This article will also answer questions such as why Ganapati is called Morya and why Tulsi is not offered to Lord Ganesha.
All You Need To Know About Ganpati Bappa
The son of Mahadev and Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, is known as the God of eternal knowledge and wisdom. Before we jump directly to know more about Ganpati Bappa, let us first know the birth history of the God of wisdom. We all are aware that Lord Ganesha is the son of Mahadev and Parvati. But, do you know how he manifested into his current form? Read more.
Why Ganpati Has Elephant Head – The Story Of His Birth
According to mythological scriptures, Parvati decided to take a bath while her husband, Lord Mahadev, was away for meditation. But, there was no one on Kailash to guard her while she bathed So, she carved out a figure from clay and breathed life into him. Soon, Parvati encountered a little boy standing before her, with a beautiful face and shiny eyes. The Goddess was very pleased to have her son right before her. Later, she asked her son to not let anyone in while she bathed herself.
Listening to his mother’s advice, the young boy stood before the entrance, keeping an eye for any intruder. A few moments passed and Lord Shiva appeared on the scene. When Mahadev stepped in to look for his beloved, the little child stopped him at the door. Furious at his deeds, Lord Shiva cut his head. When mother Parvati came to know about the death of her beloved son, she was furious at her husband and asked him to bring the boy back to his life.
Soon, Lord Shiva realised that the boy whom he had killed beared the identity of his son, he ordered his men to head out and bring the head of anyone sleeping and pointing in the North direction. On their way, the men found an elephant in his sleep and they soon cut his head and presented it before Lord Shiva. Mahadev then attached the head of the elephant to the neck of the little boy and finally, Parvati was happy to have her son back. This is why Ganpati has elephant head and since then, Lord Ganesha is also known as Gajanan.
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Why Ganpati Is Worshipped First?
Two anecdotes are prevalent in the Hindu mythology as to why Ganpati is worshipped first before any other Gods.
The first story revolves around the birth history of Vigneshwara. When Lord Shiva had cut his head out of anger, he ordered his men to find out a substitute to place in the torso of the little boy. His men in a hurry could only arrange for the head of an elephant. Soon, Lord Shiva placed the head of the elephant on the neck of the little boy and brought him back to life. Later, Lord Shiva blessed his son Ganesha that before any good deeds are to be done, people will always worship Lord Ganesha first. Since then, he is being worshipped first.
According to another saga, Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva were curious to know who is more intelligent among the two- Lord Murugan or Lord Ganesha. So, they both asked two of their sons to take a round of the universe and the one who comes first will be counted as the winner. Lord Kartikeya being arrogant about his grace and powers, ordered his peacock to carry him and encircle the universe. But, Ganesha did not move an inch. Instead, he took one round of his parents. When asked about his actions, he replied that his parents are his world. Impressed by his intelligence and respect towards his parents, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati blessed him to be worshipped first before others.
Why Lord Ganesha Has One Tooth?
Lord Ganesha is manifested in his eternal form bearing the head of an elephant with four hands, beautiful eyes and one tooth or tusk. But, most of us are unaware of why Lord Ganesha has one tooth. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, let us throw some light on the same. There are many different stories revolving around why Lord Ganesha has one tooth.
According to Brahmanda Purana, Bhagwan Parshuram, the sixth manifestation of Lord Vishnu once headed to take blessings from his God, Lord Shiva. But, he met with a hindrance when Lord Ganesha stopped him saying that he cannot be allowed to meet Kailashpati, as it was resting time. Enraged with young Ganesha’s act, he initiated a fight with the young boy when in his defence, Parshuram threw his axe at Ganesha.
Realising that the axe was a gift from his father to Parshuram Rishi, Lord Ganesha received the axe with his left tusk and as a result, his left tooth broke. Since then, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped as Ekadanta!
Another legend that follows Lord Ganesha being called Ekadanta is that Vyasa muni was instructed by the Gods to create the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. But, Maharishi Ved Vyasa wanted someone very intelligent and knowledgeable to transcribe the piece and pen it down. So, he approached Lord Ganesha for the same.
But, after listening to the Maharishi, Ganesha replied that he is ready to pen his imaginations on paper but Ved Vyasa cannot stop in between. In reply, the Maharishi too had put a condition that before penning down anything, the Lord must understand the meaning and significance of each line of the epic. But, while Ganesha was able to complete his task successfully, the pen which he used in writing continued to wear away from continuous work.
But, unable to find any other alternative he pulled out his own tusk to complete writing the piece. He did not prefer to stop in the middle of his writing as was promised to Ved Vyasa. Since then, Lord Ganesha has had one tooth only!
Why Ganapati Is Called Morya?
We must have chanted those three powerful words while worshipping Lord Ganesha, Ganapati Bappa Morya! But, do you know why Ganapati is called Morya? During the 14th century, a man named Morya Gosawi was known to everyone for his great devotion and respect to Lord Ganesha.
Pleased with his devotion, when Lord Ganesha asked him about his wish, the devotee replied that he wishes to have his name called too when people remember Lord Ganesha. From that day, everybody started chanting Ganapati Bappa Morya together.
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Why Tulsi Is Not Offered To Lord Ganesha?
Tulsi or the holy Basil is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion. The plant is worshipped in every household and is used as an offering to God. But, do you know why tulsi is not offered to Lord Ganesha?
The daughter of Dharmaraja, Tulsi was an ardent devotee of Lord Narayana. Once while walking along the Ganges, she encountered the beautiful Lord Ganesha and fell in love with him. Lord Ganesha was there for the purpose of meditation.
Soon, Tulsi approached the meditating Lord Ganesha and asked him to marry her. But, being a brahmachari, Ganesha politely rejected her proposal. Angered by the rejection, she cursed Lord Ganesha that one day he will have to get married against his wish. This in turn angered Lord Ganesha and he also cursed Tulsi that she will get married to a demon.
Realizing her mistake, she pleaded for forgiveness. The humble Lord Ganesha assured her that later in her life, with blessings from saints, she will convert into a plant and will be worshipped in households. But, Ganesha also said that Tulsi will never be offered to him.
Conclusion
Lord Ganesha is known as, Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam, which means that the elephant-headed God is unborn, meaning he has no beginning and thus no end – he is eternal, attributes less and bears no form or is nirakar.
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