Whenever we begin something new, be it a business, a pooja, a wedding, or even a housewarming, there’s one phrase that comes to us almost instinctively: “Chalo, Shri Ganesh karte hain.” It feels natural, almost ritualistic. But have you ever stopped to wonder why Lord Ganesha is always the first name we remember, invoke, and honor regardless of the occasion, the region, or the tradition?
To understand this, we must start where every sacred beginning truly begins with Shri Ganesh himself.
Who is Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganpati, Vinayaka, and Vighnaharta, is the son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Recognized instantly by his elephant head, big belly, and mischievous charm, Ganesha is the god of wisdom, intellect, new beginnings, and prosperity.
He’s not just a mythological figure’s a part of our everyday lives.
Story of Ganpati Bappa?
According to the Shiva Purana, once, when Parvati wanted to bathe undisturbed, she created a child from the turmeric paste on her body child was Ganesha. She instructed him to guard her privacy. When Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha, unaware of his father’s identity, stopped him. A conflict broke out, and in divine fury, Shiva beheaded the boy.
Later, upon realizing the truth, a grief-stricken Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of a baby elephant and granted him life again. But not just life, he gave him something far more powerful:
“You shall be worshipped first, before even the great gods. No puja shall begin without your name.”
Spiritual Meaning Behind Worshipping Ganesha First
1. Vighnaharta – The Remover of Obstacles
The Sanskrit word Vighna means obstacle, and Harta means remover. As Vighnaharta, Ganesha clears the path, be it in the physical world or within our minds. Be it fear, ego, self-doubt, or negative karmahis blessings purify the way forward.
2. Buddhi & Siddhi – The Lord of Wisdom and Success
Ganesha isn’t just about beginnings; he’s about right beginnings. He governs intellect (buddhi) and achievement (siddhi). That’s why students, writers, entrepreneurs, and artists worship him before any pursuit of knowledge or craft.
3. Symbolism in His Form
➤ Elephant Head: Represents wisdom, memory, and calm power.
➤ Large Belly: Acceptance and contentment.
➤ Mouse (Mushak): Desires small but is restless. Ganesha rides it, showing control over the mind’s cravings.
➤ Trunk: Both delicate and strong, showing adaptability in life.
Scriptural Validation: Where It’s Written
The practice is not just cultural, it’s scripturally rooted.
➤ In the Ganesha Atharvashirsha (a sacred Sanskrit text dedicated to Ganesha), it is mentioned:
“त्वं पूषा त्वं पावमानी: You are the one to be worshipped first.”
➤ In the Rigveda, Ganesha is referred to as Brahmanaspati, the Lord of Prayer, and the one invoked at the beginning of all Vedic rituals.
Ritual Practice: How We Begin Any Puja with Ganpati
Before any major pooja, we recite the Ganapati Mantra:
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
This is a prayer to the lord with a curved trunk and a massive form, brighter than a thousand suns. We ask him to remove all obstacles from every action we undertake.
From Pandals to Prayers:
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotion across many Indian states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Among these, Maharashtra stands out for its grandeur—cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur come alive with vibrant pandals, processions, and cultural festivities.
One of the most iconic representations of this devotion is the Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai, established in 1934. This majestic murti draws millions of devotees every year, many of whom wait in line for hours just to seek blessings. For Mumbaikars, it’s not just a celebration—it’s an emotion.
During this sacred time, many also chant Ganesha’s most powerful beej (seed) mantra: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.” Chanting this mantra 108 times daily is believed to bring clarity, courage, and success. For best results, sit in a quiet space facing east, use a japa mala with 108 beads, focus on your intention, and chant slowly from the heart—ideally for 21, 41, or 108 consecutive days.
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at Home: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
1. Clean your home and set up a puja space
2. Place an idol (preferably eco-friendly clay) facing east or west
3. Light diya, DevDarshan Dhoop Incense Sticks, and Dhoop
4. Chant mantras or aarti
5. Offer Modaks, Laddoos, Fruits, Durva Grass
6. Perform Aarti and distribute prasad
7. On Visarjan Day, do a final aarti before immersion
Rituals of Ganesh Visarjan: The Final Goodbye
The last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, called Anant Chaturdashi, is for Visarjan (immersion).
Before visarjan:
1. Perform Uttarang Puja
2. Do final Aarti
3. Carry the idol with devotion
4. Immerse it in a water body with eco-awareness
It signifies letting go, surrender, and the cycle of creation to dissolution.
A Few Essentials for Ganesha Puja:
➤ Modaks & Laddoos: His favorite offerings.
➤ Durva Grass: Offered in 21-blade bunches.
➤ Red Flowers (Hibiscus): Symbol of energy and devotion.
➤ DevDarshan Dhoop Chandan, Haldi, Kumkum: Used to honor his divine presence.
➤ Mantras: Recite “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” for strength and clarity.
Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali: 108 Names of Lord Ganesha for Chanting
| क्रमांक | संख्या / नाम | अर्थ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | अखुरथ | जिसका वाहन मूषक है |
| 2 | अलंपट | शाश्वत भगवान |
| 3 | अनंतचित्स्वरूपमयम् | अनंत और चैतन्य से युक्त |
| 4 | अमित | अतुलनीय भगवान |
| 5 | अवनीश | संपूर्ण विश्व के स्वामी |
| 6 | अविघ्न | विघ्नों को दूर करने वाले |
| 7 | बालगणपति | प्रिय और प्यारे बालक |
| 8 | भालचंद्र | माथे पर चंद्र धारण करने वाले |
| 9 | भीम | विशाल और विराट |
| 10 | भूपति | देवों के स्वामी |
| 11 | भुवनपति | तीनों लोकों के देवता |
| 12 | बुद्धिनाथ | बुद्धि के देवता |
| 13 | बुद्धिप्रिय | ज्ञान प्रदाता |
| 14 | बुद्धिविधाता | बुद्धि के नियंता |
| 15 | चतुर्भुज | चार भुजाओं वाले |
| 16 | देवदेव | देवों के देवता |
| 17 | देवांतकनाशकरिन | असुरों और बुराइयों का नाश करने वाले |
| 18 | देवव्रत | सभी तप स्वीकार करने वाले |
| 19 | देवेन्द्रशिका | सभी देवताओं के रक्षक |
| 20 | धार्मिक | दान करने वाले |
| 21 | धूम्रवर्ण | धुएँ के रंग वाले |
| 22 | दुर्ज | अजेय भगवान |
| 23 | द्वैमातुरा | दो माताओं वाले |
| 24 | एकाक्षर | एक अक्षर के रूप में विद्यमान |
| 25 | एकदंत | एक दंत वाले |
| 26 | एकदृष्ट | एक लक्ष्य पर ध्यान केंद्रित करने वाले |
| 27 | ईशानपुत्र | भगवान शिव के पुत्र |
| 28 | जगदधाराय | संसार का आधार |
| 29 | गजकर्ण | हाथी जैसे कानों वाले |
| 30 | गजानन | हाथीमुख वाले |
| 31 | गजाननेति | हाथीमुख वाले |
| 32 | गजवक्र | हाथी की सूंड जैसे |
| 33 | गजवक्त्र | हाथीमुख भगवान |
| 34 | गणाध्यक्ष्य | सभी गणों के स्वामी |
| 35 | गणाध्यक्षिण | देवसेनापति |
| 36 | गणपति | गणों के अधिपति |
| 37 | गौरिसुत | गौरी के पुत्र |
| 38 | गुणिन | सभी गुणों के स्वामी |
| 39 | हरिद्र | पीतवर्णीय भगवान |
| 40 | हेरंब | माँ का प्रिय पुत्र |
| 41 | कपिल | पीला-भूरा रंग |
| 42 | कवीश | कवियों के स्वामी |
| 43 | कृति | संगीत के स्वामी |
| 44 | कृपालु | दयालु भगवान |
| 45 | कृष्णपिंगाक्ष | पीतवर्णी नेत्रों वाले |
| 46 | क्षमाकरम् | क्षमाशीलता के धाम |
| 47 | क्षिप्र | त्वरित प्रसन्न होने वाले |
| 48 | लंबकर्ण | लंबे कानों वाले |
| 49 | लंबोदर | बड़े पेट वाले |
| 50 | महाबल | महाशक्तिशाली भगवान |
| 51 | महागणपति | परम गणपति |
| 52 | महेश्वरम् | संपूर्ण सृष्टि के स्वामी |
| 53 | मंगलमूर्ति | मंगलकारी रूप |
| 54 | मनोमय | हृदयों के विजेता |
| 55 | मृत्युंजय | मृत्यु पर विजय पाने वाले |
| 56 | मुंडकारम | आनंद का स्थान |
| 57 | मुक्तिदाय | मोक्ष देने वाले |
| 58 | मूषकवाहन | मूषक वाहन वाले |
| 59 | नादप्रतिष्ठ | संगीत प्रिय |
| 60 | नमस्तेतु | पापों का विनाशक |
| 61 | नंदन | आनंदित पुत्र |
| 62 | निदीश्वरम् | धन के प्रदाता |
| 63 | ॐकार | ॐ के स्वरूप |
| 64 | पीतांबर | पीतवस्त्रधारी |
| 65 | प्रमोद | आनंद के देवता |
| 66 | प्रथमेश्वर | सभी देवों में प्रथम |
| 67 | पुरुष | परम सत्ता |
| 68 | रक्त | लाल वर्ण वाले |
| 69 | रुद्रप्रिय | शिवजी को प्रिय |
| 70 | सर्वदेवात्मा | सभी देवों के आत्मा |
| 71 | सर्वसिद्धांत | ज्ञान के प्रदाता |
| 72 | सर्वात्मा | सभी के रक्षक |
| 73 | शांभवी | पार्वतीपुत्र |
| 74 | शशिवर्णम् | चंद्र समान वर्ण |
| 75 | शूर्पकर्ण | विशाल कानों वाले |
| 76 | शुभान | शुभता के स्वामी |
| 77 | शुभगुणकनन | सभी शुभ गुणों के स्वामी |
| 78 | श्वेत | शुद्ध और उज्ज्वल |
| 79 | सिद्धिधाता | सिद्धियों के दाता |
| 80 | सिद्धिप्रिय | वरदान देने वाले |
| 81 | सिद्धिविनायक | सफलता के दाता |
| 82 | स्कंदपूर्वज | स्कंद के अग्रज |
| 83 | सुमुख | मधुर मुख वाले |
| 84 | सुरेश्वरम् | देवताओं के स्वामी |
| 85 | स्वरूप | रूप प्रेमी |
| 86 | तरुण | सदैव युवा |
| 87 | उद्दण्ड | अधर्म का संहारक |
| 88 | उमापुत्र | उमा के पुत्र |
| 89 | वक्रतुंड | टेढ़ी सूंड वाले |
| 90 | वरगणपति | वर देने वाले गणपति |
| 91 | वरप्रद | इच्छा पूर्ण करने वाले |
| 92 | वरदविनायक | सफलता के प्रदाता |
| 93 | वीरगणपति | वीरता के प्रतीक |
| 94 | विद्यावारिधि | ज्ञान के सागर |
| 95 | विघ्नहर | विघ्नों के हरणकर्ता |
| 96 | विघ्नहर्ता | विघ्नों को नष्ट करने वाले |
| 97 | विघ्नराज | विघ्नों के राजा |
| 98 | विघ्नराजेन्द्र | सभी विघ्नों के स्वामी |
| 99 | विघ्नविनाशनाय | सभी बाधाओं का नाश करने वाले |
| 100 | विघ्नेश्वर | विघ्नों के ईश्वर |
| 101 | विकट | भव्य रूप वाले |
| 102 | विनायक | गणों के नेता |
| 103 | विश्वमुख | संपूर्ण ब्रह्मांड के स्वामी |
| 104 | विश्वराज | संपूर्ण विश्व के राजा |
| 105 | यज्ञकाय | यज्ञों को स्वीकार करने वाले |
| 106 | यशस्करम् | यश देने वाले |
| 107 | यशवसीन | सदैव प्रसिद्ध |
| 108 | योगाधिप | योग के स्वामी |
Final Thoughts: Why He Still Comes First
In a world full of distractions and constant noise, Lord Ganesha teaches us one powerful lesson:
“Begin with clarity, act with wisdom, and surrender with devotion.”
Whether you’re starting a new job, praying for a child’s future, launching a venture, or even just lighting a diya at home, remember, beginnings are sacred. And Ganpati Bappa, the eternal remover of obstacles, is always ready to walk the path with you.
Answers to Everyday Devotional Questions
➤ Can I Keep Two Ganpatis at Home?
Traditionally, one is ideal to avoid spiritual imbalance. During festivals, temporary idols are welcomed but must be immersed.
➤ Which Direction Should I Keep on the Idol?
Facing east or west is ideal. Never place it near bathrooms or against walls that touch restrooms.
➤ Which Ganesha Photo is Good for the Entrance?
A standing Ganesha at the entrance is auspicious. His back should face the inner part of the house.
➤ Which Incense is Best for Ganesh Puja?
Choose chandan (sandalwood), guggul, or loban dhoop. They cleanse energy and attract divine vibrations.
➤ Where Can I Buy Decoration Items?
Local craft shops, online portals, or eco-friendly vendors offer clay idols, torans, flowers, and biodegradable decorations.
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