Lord Ganesha revered as the "Remover of Obstacles" and the "Lord of Beginnings," is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. With his distinct elephant head, large ears, and pot-bellied form, Ganesha embodies wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is often invoked at the start of any new venture, ritual, or journey to ensure success and remove any hindrances along the way. Whether in times of joy or challenge, Lord Ganesha is the comforting presence that guides his devotees with wisdom and grace.
Did you know that Lord Ganesha once cursed the moon for mocking his appearance? This intriguing myth not only explains why it's considered unlucky to look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, but it also adds a fascinating layer to Ganesha's character. Curious to learn more?
Unknown facts about Lord Ganesha
1. The Origin of Ganesha’s Elephant Head
One of the most distinctive features of Lord Ganesha is his elephant head, which has a deep symbolic meaning. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath. When Ganesha stood guard while she bathed, Lord Shiva, unaware of his identity, beheaded him in a fit of rage. To pacify Parvati, Shiva replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and prosperity.
2. The Curse of the Moon
One of the more curious beliefs surrounding Lord Ganesha is the idea that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is considered bad luck. The origin of this belief lies in a story where the moon laughed at Ganesha's pot-bellied appearance, which led to Ganesha cursing the moon. As a result, it is believed that anyone who gazes at the moon on this day will be falsely accused of wrongdoing.
3. The Tale of the Banana-Bride
In West Bengal, an intriguing tradition during Durga Puja involves Lord Ganesha and the "Banana Bride." According to folklore, when Ganesha questioned Goddess Durga about her feasting habits, she hinted at concerns over his future wife’s hospitality. In response, Ganesha cut down a banana tree, dressed it in a saree, and presented it as his bride. This banana tree, known as "Kola Bou," is symbolically placed beside Ganesha during the festival, representing his wife.
4. Ganesha’s Marital Status
In South India, Lord Ganesha is often revered as a celibate deity, embodying the qualities of Brahmacharya (celibacy and self-discipline). However, in North India, Ganesha is traditionally depicted as a married deity with two wives, Riddhi (Goddess of Prosperity) and Siddhi (Goddess of Intellect). These two consorts are said to have blessed Ganesha with two sons: Shubha (Auspiciousness) and Labha (Profit), symbolizing the blessings of prosperity and success.
5. The Cooling Gift of Arugampul
In Hindu mythology, Analasuran, the demon son of Yama, turned people to ashes. When the gods couldn't defeat him, they sought Lord Ganesha's help. Ganesha swallowed the demon, causing a fiery heat in his stomach. Despite efforts with Ganges water and ice, the heat remained. Finally, the Saptarishis placed Arugampul (a grass) on Ganesha's head, cooling him down. Grateful, Ganesha declared Arugampul as his favorite offering.
6. Transcribe of Mahabharata
According to legend, Lord Ganesha is considered the original scribe of the Mahabharata. The great sage Vyasa, recognizing Ganesha’s wisdom and understanding, chose him to transcribe the epic. Vyasa recited the Mahabharata to Ganesha, who diligently wrote it down without pause. During the process, when Ganesha’s quill broke, he famously broke one of his tusks to continue writing the epic.