Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Hinduism is considered to be the world’s oldest and richest religion. According to sources, there was no single founder of the religion. Hinduism is believed to involve many gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga, Kali, and many more. With around 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third most followed religion in the world. It is believed to have been known as Sanatana Dharma (the natural and eternal way to live) around 6000 years ago.
Meaning Of “GANESHA”
Ganesha means Lord (Ishwar) of Gan ( Common man). He is a prominent deity worshipped by Hindus and is also known as “Pratham Pujniya,” which means the God to be worshipped before any endeavour, such as marriages, childbirth, housewarmings, and many other events. Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is also known as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), Ganpati, and Vinayak (Lord of intelligence). He has the upper body of an elephant with large ears and a trunk. His trunk symbolizes change, making way for progress and destroying all hindrances and obstacles.
In India, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fun and excitement. It is the day when Lord Ganesha was born and is observed on the fourth day of Bhadrapada (August-September). This 10-day festival celebrates the birth of Lord Vinayak to bring prosperity and wisdom. During this festival, people begin the rituals by bringing clay idols of Lord Ganesha home and to pandals, where they keep them for 10 days. The houses are thoroughly cleaned. The idol is worshipped in the morning and evening by the family, and people offer durva, modaks, dhup, and bhog prasadam to the idol. On the tenth day, known as Anant Chaturdashi, the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting of bhajans by family and friends. Finally, the idol is immersed in a nearby waterbody such as a river, sea, or pond.
On Diwali night, Lord Ganesh is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi to invite money, wealth, wisdom, and good luck into the home. Lord Ganesh is revered as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, and as a result, his idols are renowned worldwide. Reflecting the virtues and inspiring deeds of Lord Ganesh, his idols are crafted in varied styles and forms, from the five-faced Panchmukhi Ganesh to the four-armed Ganesh with a third eye, showcasing diverse perspectives of life. Lord Ganesha in his panchmukhi avatar represents the five elements of the human body through his five faces. With his four arms, he demonstrates his supernatural power to overcome problems and eliminate evil from the world. This form also symbolizes calmness and peace of mind during difficult times, as well as his enjoyment of his favorite sweets, modaks.
Lord Ganesha has a pot belly and a sparkling smile. He is also known as Atharva, as he is believed to have written all the four Vedas of Hindu religion. His idols always depict a mushak (mouse), which is said to be his vahan (vehicle). According to mythology, Lord Ganesha had to destroy all the demonic qualities of a demon named Mooshikasur after fighting with him. It is said that Lord Ganesha had to save the world from his horrible acts of havoc. To show remorse, Lord Ganesha made this demon his mushak.
In many idols and pictures, Lord Ganesha is often depicted with his two consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. This signifies Lord Ganesha’s power to bestow material wealth (riddhi) and spiritual fulfillment (siddhi).
How to worship Lord ganesha idol
God of wisdom and prosperity is worshipped in every Hindu household with great pride and excitement.
- Always clean the temple space after taking a morning bath.
- Keep Ganesha’s idol or photograph clean by wiping it with water.
- Apply chandan (sandalwood paste) to his forehead.
- Offering red flowers and modaks (a type of sweet) pleases him.
- Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped with Durva grass.
