Lord Vinayaka is the first god in the Hindu tradition. Every Hindu worships Lord Vinayaka as the remover of obstacles, and people pray to him daily before beginning their routines.
Lord Vinayaka symbolizes wisdom and faith. He is regarded as the god of gods. Lord Ganesh temples are found in nearly every part of India. He can even be found under a tree in some places. He cannot be ignored when starting a new venture or undertaking any new engagement.
My mother, Mrs. R. Saraswathi, wrote Sri Vinayaka Puranam along with Muruga Puranam (Two Parts) for Prema Pirasuram, Rangarajapuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai, during the 1960s. These books are still available in all leading bookstores. Several times, Lord Ganesha has safeguarded her from various accidents and ill health.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated across India with much joy and enthusiasm. Idols of Vinayaka are placed all over the streets during Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is mentioned in our Puranas that even divine gods worship Lord Vinayaka before beginning any new activity. Such is the importance given to Lord Ganapati. Since he emerged from Goddess Parvati, he embodies the element of Shakti, which means protecting and safeguarding people while removing the evil forces from their lives.
In almost all Shiva and Vishnu temples, there is an idol of Lord Vinayaka. Abhishekam (ritual bathing) and Archanai (worship with offerings) are performed with great devotion. He is also known as Aingaran, with five hands, including his thumb. Aingarathane and Anaimugane are the most popular songs sung in temples during Vinayaka Chaturthi.
Lord Vinayaka’s statue is found in nearly all Hindu temples. In some Raghavendra Mutts and Sai Baba temples, an idol of Lord Vinayaka is placed at the entrance. People can perform pooja (worship) to Lord Ganapati with ease. By offering Arukampul (a sacred plant) during the Archana, he will be pleased and fulfill our needs and desires.
If we worship him with pure devotion, he will be readily available to bless us and accept our offerings.
Lord Ganesha’s history is described in many Puranas. He was blessed with various boons and was granted the position of the first god by the divine gods.
He is the elder brother of Lord Muruga and is described as a playful boy during his childhood, much like Lord Krishna. He is particularly fond of Mothagams (sweet dumplings). It is advisable to prepare Mothagams during every Sankatahara Chaturthi (which occurs once a month) and offer them to Lord Ganapati along with flowers and Arukampul. If we face any problems and call upon him, he will instantly come to our aid and remove the obstacles in our lives. His vehicle (vahana) is the mouse (Mushika).
In the Hindu trinity, Lord Vinayaka is praised by various sages as the remover of obstacles, the bringer of luck, the fulfiller of desires, and the grantor of salvation.
He is honored with many slokas (hymns). The female sage and poet Avvaiyar has also composed songs in his praise. Therefore, it is advisable for everyone to worship Lord Ganapati before beginning any task and before worshipping any other god.
Some of his famous temples include the Kanipakkam Vinayaka Temple in Chittoor District, the Ganeshji Temple in Mumbai, the Idagunji Vinayaka Devaru Temple in Karnataka, and the Malaikottai Temple in Trichy. In many temples, free food (Prasadam) is offered to 100-200 devotees daily.
OM SREE GANESAYA NAMAHA
WRITTEN BY: R. HARISHANKAR
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