INTERESTING AND UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT LORD GANESHA AND GANESH CHATURTHI

Origins of Community Celebration

We often credit Lokmanya Tilak with starting the public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, and that’s partly true. In 1894, Tilak wrote in "Kesari" about celebrating Ganpati as a community event. However, he was inspired by Babusaheb Lakshman Javale, who first initiated the idea in 1892.

Timing of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhaadrapad during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the lunar cycle. For regions following the solar calendar, the date isn't fixed. In the Tamil calendar, for instance, it can fall in either Aavani or Purattaasi.

Unique Ganesha Idols

Hampi in Karnataka has two massive stone idols of Ganesha, each nearly 20 feet tall. Curiously, they're named “Saasuvey Kaalu Ganesha” (mustard seed) and “Kadaley Kaai Ganesha” (groundnut) Ganesha. The idea behind these names is that for a deity as vast as Ganesha, even a 20-foot idol is as small as a mustard seed!

Nara Mukha Vinayaka

While Ganesha is known for his elephant face, there are temples in Chidambaram and Trichy where Ganesha is worshipped with a human face, known as “Nara Mukha Vinayaka.”

Maha Kaaya vs. Vaamana Roopa

The chant "Vakra Tunda Mahaa Kaaya" depicts Ganesha as huge, yet another shloka describes him as “Vaamana Roopa,” or having a tiny form. Which is true? Both! According to the Upanishads, "Anoraniyaan Mahato Mahiyaan" — He is smaller than the atom and larger than the largest, transcending spatial concepts.

Dazzling Like a Million Suns

The line "Vakra Tunda Mahaa Kaaya Surya Koti Samaprabha" refers to Ganesha shining as brilliantly as a million suns, reminiscent of Lord Krishna's universal form in the Bhagavad Gita, where the brightness of a thousand suns is used as a comparison. This also hints at the overwhelming nature of divine presence, often missed due to our ignorance.

Ganesha, the Prankster

Ganesha, often referred to as "Vikata" — the prankster, is known for his mischievous acts that serve a greater good. Notable stories include tricking Ravana at Gokarna, spilling the sacred water at Talakaveri to create the river Kaveri, and deceiving Vibhishana at Srirangam to place the idol of Lord Ranganatha on the ground permanently.

Tapping the Forehead

Many start their prayers by tapping their forehead with clenched fists while chanting “Shuklaambaradharam.” This gesture traces back to the story of Agastya, who initially clenched his fists in anger when his sacred pot was overturned by Ganesha in disguise but later tapped his forehead in remorse after recognizing Ganesha.

The Short and the Hungry

Ganesha and the sage Agastya share similarities — both are short (Vaamana Roopa) and known for their massive appetites. Agastya is famed for drinking the ocean and digesting the demon Vatapi, while Ganesha is fondly remembered for his love of modakas. The story goes that Agastya even brought the Vatapi Ganapati idol from Badami to Tamil Nadu, inspiring Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s famous kriti "Vatapi Ganapatim."

Ganesha’s Broken Tusk

There are many stories about Ganesha’s broken right tusk. The most popular one says he broke it to write the Mahabharata. Another tale involves him throwing his tusk at the demon Gajamukhasura, who also had an elephant face. In another interpretation, the broken tusk symbolizes Ganesha's Ardhanareeshwara form, where his right side represents the feminine aspect, differing from the usual depiction of his parents, Shiva and Parvati.

Symbolism of Ganesha's Trunk and Ears

Ganesha's trunk, which often covers his mouth, symbolizes humility. Though a repository of wisdom ("Vidya Vinaya Sampannah"), Ganesha is also an epitome of modesty. His large ears, on the other hand, signify his attentiveness to our pleas and prayers, and also his rhythmic flapping, which keeps the beat, highlighting his connection to dance and music.

The Universality of Ganesha's Belly

Ganesha’s large belly is said to hold multiple universes, depicted as an egg (anda) to represent infinity. His name "Lambodara" in his 16 names (Shodasha Naama) signifies this encompassing nature.

Ganesha's Modakas

Ganesha's favorite sweet, the modaka, symbolizes happiness and fulfillment. The outer dough, which appears plain, hides a sweet filling inside, much like life’s true joys that lie beneath the surface. This sweet metaphor emphasizes the need to look deeper into life to experience true bliss.

Ganesha’s Divine Relations

Ganesha has a close relationship with many gods, such as his maternal uncle, Lord Vishnu. Stories tell of Ganesha humorously snatching Vishnu's chakra and only returning it when Vishnu, in jest, performs sit-ups, holding his ears — a tradition that’s mirrored by devotees during prayer.

Lessons of Humility and Devotion

A famous story involves Kubera, the god of wealth, who boasts of his riches by hosting a grand feast. Ganesha humbles him by eating everything and still demanding more. Kubera, taught a lesson in humility by Lord Shiva, finally satisfies Ganesha with a simple handful of rice offered with true devotion, illustrating that pure intent and humility are valued over opulence.

These stories not only highlight Ganesha’s many forms and attributes but also convey deeper spiritual lessons, reflecting his role as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom and humility.