Lord Ganesh

God of knowledge and

Remover of obstacles

By: Avanti Uma Mukerjee

Ganesha’s Looks Details

• The son of Shiva and Parvati has four hands, elephant's head and a big belly.

• His vehicle is a tiny mouse. • In his hands he carries a rope (to carry

devotees to the truth), • an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), • and a sweet dessert ball -laddoo- (to

reward devotees for spiritual activity). • His fourth hand's palm is always extended

to bless people.

How Ganesha Got His Head (as depicted in the Shiva Purana)

• Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom.

• When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage.

• Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north.

• The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy.

• Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops.

Ganesha, the Destroyer of Pride

• Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride.

• He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations.

• He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles.

• He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.

Offerings given to Lord Ganesh

• Devotees usually present their Lord with a garland of red hibiscus flower which is His favorite, a bunch of three blade grass, incense sticks, camphor, coconut and sweetmeats like Modak and Laddoos.

• Some also offer garments like shawl, dhotis etc on special festivals.

• Lord Ganesh only needs sincere and pure devotion from His devotees.

• Pure thoughts is all what He asks for.  

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

• Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten day festival in August or September, is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh.

• The Hindus believe that praying to Lord Ganesh during the festival will bring good luck and prosperity for the family.

• For 10 days, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. • On the 11th day, the image is taken through the streets in

a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea.

• After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is made, people carry the idol to the river to immerse it.

References

• http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordganesha/a/ganesha.htm

• http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God8.html

Quiz

1. Lord Ganesha is a God of what? (Name 2 things)2. What 3 things the devotees offer to Lord Ganesh?3. What is the name of 10 day festival we celebrate

to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha? 4. Who are his parents? 5. What is his brother’s name?6. What does He hold in his four hands? 7. Why did Lord Shiva call him “Ganapati”?8. What 2 things people believe that the Ganesh

Chaturthi festival brings to the family?