The Birth of Lord Ganesha: Long ago, in the heavenly abode of Mount Kailash, the goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, decided to take a bath. Before doing so, she wanted someone to guard her chamber and ensure that no one entered while she bathed. To fulfil her wish, she took sandalwood paste and moulded it into the shape of a boy. She breathed life into the figure, and thus, a beautiful child was born. She named him Ganesha. Parvati instructed Ganesha not to let anyone enter the chamber, as she wanted to take a bath in private. Ganesha dutifully followed his mother's orders and stood guard at the entrance. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva returned to Mount Kailash and tried to enter the chamber. He was surprised to find a young boy blocking his way. Ganesha, not recognizing Shiva as his father, stopped him from entering. This angered Lord Shiva and a fierce battle ensued between father and son.
Despite Ganesha's courage and valour, he was no match for Lord Shiva's divine power. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva brandished his trident and beheaded Ganesha. When Parvati learned what had happened to her beloved son, she was overcome with grief and anger. Realizing their mistake: Seeing Parvati's inconsolable grief, the gods and goddesses intervened. Lord Brahma suggested finding the head of the first living being they came across and attaching it to Ganesha's body. The first living being they found was an elephant. They removed the elephant's head and placed it on Ganesha's body. Resurrection of Ganesha: Lord Shiva used his divine powers to bring Ganesha back to life, and thus, Ganesha was reborn with the head of an elephant. Lord Shiva blessed him and declared that Ganesha would be revered as a deity of wisdom, knowledge, and the removal of obstacles. He also announced that Ganesha would be worshipped before all other gods during auspicious occasions and ceremonies.
The Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi:
To celebrate Ganesha's rebirth and his special status, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi was established. It became an annual celebration to honour Lord Ganesha's birth. People create clay idols of Ganesha, worship them with devotion, and offer prayers, and sweets (especially modak), and perform rituals during this festival. On the last day of the festival, the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha's return to Mount Kailash.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of joy, devotion, and community celebration, and it brings people together to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to you all!!!
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