Exploring the Rich History Behind Ganesh Chaturthi : A Celebration of Faith and Devotion

Ganesh Chaturthi traditional Rituals and Practices

The Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated worldwide with joy and devotion. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity. U

The festival has deep roots in Indian culture and religion, with several legends explaining the origins of Lord Ganesha. These stories were later popularized by the ancient Sanskrit poet Kalidasa's play, "Mudrarakshasa," which dates back to 4 CE. The festival is even mentioned in the Mahabharata, a text written between 8 CE and 4 CE.

Origin of Festival - Pre-Independence era

The festival is believed to have originated during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj in 1630 CE in Maharashtra. His devotee, Moropant Peshwa, composed numerous hymns dedicated to Lord Ganesha during this time. Since then, people have been bringing Ganesha idols to their homes and performing puja for 10 days, followed by immersion in water bodies such as rivers or seas.

In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the father of Indian unrest, transformed private house worship into a state communal affair. In Pune, he established the oldest Mandal Kesavi Nayak Chawl and turned Ganesh Utsav into a national festival that bridged the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins. The festival was a response to British anti-public events. Tilak turned a small private festival into a 10-day celebration with dance, music, and feasting, culminating in a procession and a visarjan. The festival became a big mass movement in areas like Amravati, Nagpur, and Wardha in Maharashtra. One fascinating ritual is Dhol Tasha, which traces its history back to soldiers beating drums under Peshwa rule to prepare for warfare and the battlefield. In the 20th century, the British were afraid of public celebrations, as evidenced by the Rowlett Committee report. When the celebrations were halted, young people protested en masse, singing songs against British rule.

How is lord Ganesha associated with Muladhara chakra?

Can you explain how Lord Ganesha is related to the Muladhara chakra? According to Kundalini Yoga \ the human body receives subtle cosmic energies from seven chakras that are ruled by different gods. The Muladhara chakra, also known as the "root" or "foundation" chakra, is one of the seven main chakras and is primarily associated with the action of flow. It represents support and is linked to survival and safety, teaching us to stand up for ourselves.

A healthy Muladhara chakra manifests as a strong sense of security, practicality, and a healthy physique. However, if this chakra is blocked, an individual may experience a loss of belonging, weak physical structure, problematic bones, weight issues, and a fearful outlook toward life.

Mula means "main," "root," or "original," and Adhara means "base." This means that Lord Ganesha is the root cause of our familial happiness and domestic peace, which are absent without his blessings. In the Ganapati Atharvashirsa, it is explained that "Lord Ganesha continually dwells in the sacral plexus at the base of the spine,

Muldhara Chakra. He resides permanently in every living being at the Muladhara. He guides all other chakras, thereby leading the forces that propel the wheel of life”. He removes all the obstacles in all your activities. It is recommended to meditate on Him every day in the morning.

What is the significance of Gauri Pujan during Ganesh Utsav?

During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra, Gauri Puja, also known as Mangala Gauri, holds significant importance. It is typically observed on the fourth or fifth day of the festival and is an integral part of the festivities in Maharashtra. The Gauri idol is brought home either a day before the Puja or with the Ganesh idol. While some people choose to worship an image of Goddess Gauri, others prefer a simple picture on paper. "Mangala" in Mangala Gauri symbolizes auspiciousness and holiness.

Devotees believe that during the Gauri Puja, the holy rays emanating from the idol or image bring an end to suffering and bring prosperity and well-being.

Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival in India that represents hope, positivity, and unity among people of various religions and cultures. It brings everyone together to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesh, who brings peace into our lives. Join in this joyful event and experience its grandeur like never before!