10/09/21
Ganesh Chaturthi is here! The religious-cultural festival is a 10-day-long celebration of Lord Ganesha’s birth.
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is the epitome of wisdom, remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), symbol of happiness, master of knowledge (Vidya). In India, religious ceremonies always begin with offerings to Lord Ganesha. He holds the unique distinction of being the “Prathama Pujaya” (first lord to be worshipped). The most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon, Ganesha is also known as the lord of prosperity and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi is the perfect opportunity to learn some of the eternal lessons that Lord Ganesha offers.
As per a legend, Kubera, the God of wealth, was very proud of his boundless fortune.
One day, he organized a gorgeous feast; among other famous guests, the divine couple, Shiva and Pârvatî, with their son Ganesha, were also invited.
Ganesh Ji, still a child, started to eat and he appeared to be insatiable.
Soon, the other guests found plates and dishes empty. Alas ! Not satisfied with all the available food, Ganesh started to devour plates and dishes, the furniture and all the content of Alakapuri, the main city of Kubera.
When his hunger was still not satisfied, the child Ganesha threatened to swallow Kubera himself.
Frightened, the God of wealth rushed forward to Shiva’s feet to implore his help, since Ganesh’s voracious appetite seemed to be unlimited.
The remedy was simple but spectacular : Shiva gave his loving son a handful of roasted cereal grains. Ganesh ate it and, wonderfully, his hunger stopped immediately.
This legend teaches us that a handful of common food, given with love, and eaten with devotion, is more important and more sustaining than the banquet offered by Kubera to impress the Gods.
From a different angle, this story shows that assets and properties cannot bring peace and satisfaction to anybody.
The only path to self-realization and self satisfaction requires us to burn our ‘Vasana.’
The destruction of the vasana is symbolized by the consumption of the grilled rice; indeed, when the rice has been cooked, it loses its germinative capacity.
Similarly, the seeds of our hidden desires lose strength and possibility to come back further.
Lord Ganesha’s Big Head inspires us to think big and profitably.
His big ears prompt us to listen patiently,
Narrow eyes point to deep Concentration,
long nose to poke inquisitively,
and small mouth to speak less and listen more.
And the Prasada to share and care.
Jai Ganesha! Jai Ganesh Devaa!
Mata Jiskee Parvati, Pita Mahadeva!
Jai Ganesh,Jai Ganesh Devaa!
Let’s Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in the right spirit, let’s share and care and Stay Blessed forever!