Ganesha Chaturthi 2023

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. For the next 10 days, this festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. The name Ganesha in Sanskrit, comes from the root word gana, "meaning the hosts, multitudes or troops of inferior deities who are a part of Shiva (Ganesha's father) and the word sha, "meaning ruler, supreme god or sovereign." This is synonymous with the name "Ganapati."

Ganesha was not a natural birth; instead he was created parthenogenetically. Ganesh was created from his mother Parvati from pure Shakti energy. In Tamil Nadu, he is known as Pilliaye which translate to the "the boy." It is only after the beheading, that the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Ganesha is created.

The origin story of Ganesha can vary depending on the iteration. No matter the version you read or hear, this is a story like no other.

    

    Parvati is lonely and waiting Shiva to come home. She decides to pass the time by taking a bath however she keeps getting interrupted. She gets annoyed and decides to do something about it. She takes the oils from her skin, with sandalwood, turmeric, ghee, and brings a boy to life. Pilliaye stands at the threshold. His mother instructs him to stand guard and to not let anyone in. 

Later that day, Shiva decides to come home. He is dumbfounded to find a boy standing guard and not permitting him entrance. Shiva shouts at the boy telling him he is the Lord of Universe. The boy hears none of it. Echoing the sentiments of his mother, no one is allowed past the threshold, not even Shiva. 

At this point, Shiva is angry and instructs his men to remove the boy. Pilliaye is strong and is able to fend off all attempts. Shiva is getting more upset and calls upon his best men - Brahma, Indra and Vishnu to help. Finally, Vishnu is able to distract the boy enough for Shiva to decapitate the boy's head. Parvati comes out from her bath to see the chaos. Shaken by pain and anger, Parvati demands Shiva to fix the mess and bring her son back to life. 

Shiva sends his men to look for the first creature they see facing North. An elephant is spotted and brought back to Shiva for him to do as Shakti requested. Shiva places the head of the elephant on the body of the boy, while Parvati sings, and the boy- Ganesha is brought back to life. 

Ganesha is considered as the god of knowledge, wisdom and new beginnings. He has a talent for unweaving complicated situations and making them simple. At any time you are about to embark on any sort of endeavor you can evoke him. He will help to set boundaries and protect you. He is the remover of obstacles but can easily put obstacles in front of you too. And when he does, it's an opportunity for you to grow.

In honor of Ganesha's birthday, I would like to offer him love, thanks and praise. I know I have not come this far, just to come this far. I know I still have work to do but even that is a just stepping stone towards growth. I appreciate you Ganesha more than I can put into words. Now, let's celebrate with some sweets and some chanting. OM Shri Ganesha Namaha

Additional Ganesha Tidbits

- We don't look at the moon on Ganesha's birthday. Ganesha was riding into town when his mouse was spooked by a snake. The moon saw this and laughed at him. Ganesh not liking being laughed at put a curse on Chandra and said anyone who looked at the moon on his birthday would have bad luck. 

- He is the writer of the epic Mahabharata. He used one of his tusks to write down what Vyasa had witnessed.

- There are thirty-two murthis of Lord Ganesha. These are the forms (statues) of Ganapati.