Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beloved festivals, cherished for the vibrant energy and joy it brings. Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh – the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) – it holds a special place in people’s hearts. In recent years, its popularity among children has grown immensely, thanks in part to family-friendly films like My Friend Ganesha and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge.
The festival has also seen a surge in traditions at home. Sales of Ganesh idols have risen by around 40%, with children eagerly urging their parents to bring Ganpati home. Many are inspired by the belief, often depicted in films, that Ganpati Bappa carries away people’s sorrows when he departs. Motivated by this sentiment, more and more families are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with wholehearted devotion and enthusiasm.
The Story of Ganesha’s birth
It all began with the curse given by Sanatkumara Rishi (known as the mind-born sons of Brahma). He was deeply immersed in tapasya (penance). Parvati Mata unknowingly and playfully interrupted the sage. The sage became infuriated and cursed her that she would never be able to bear a child.
Parvati Mata immediately asked the sage for his forgiveness and to lighten the curse. The sage accepted her request for forgiveness, but explained that the nature of the curse was such that it could never be reversed. Its impact could, however, be reduced with exceptions if the curse giver wished. So the sage introduced an exception — she could indeed have children, but not in the natural way.
One day, Parvati Mata was sitting on the banks of Mansarovar Lake. She was going to be in deep penance while taking a bath. She smeared her entire body with turmeric and sandalwood paste. As she rubbed her body, the paste was coming off.
Once she had gathered a good amount of the paste from her body, she began crafting a baby, keeping in mind the intent: I am crafting a baby who will respect me and who will protect me.
Soon after, the idol transformed into a human. Parvati Mata was overjoyed to see her child. She hugged him tightly, tears of happiness streaming down her face. She named him Vinayak, which means “the one who removes obstacles” or “the leader without a master above him.”
Parvati Mata now wished to take her happy bath, as it was a special day — not only had her son been born, but it was also the time when Mahadev would return to Kailash after twelve long years. She imagined how happy Mahadev and Vinayak would be to see each other, and she also daydreamed about spending joyful time with both of them.
Before bathing, she instructed Vinayak to stand at the entrance and make sure no one entered while she was taking her happy bath. Vinayak was delighted to receive this task and excited to serve his mother, as it was the first command she had ever given him.
Meanwhile, Shiva returned after twelve long years. He was eager to meet his beloved wife after such a long separation. It is said that Shiva was inebriated and happy. He inquired about Parvati Mata and was told that she was bathing at the bank of Mansarovar. Vinayak again stopped him, saying, “Sorry, you can’t go in. Mata Parvati is inside and she has instructed that she must not be disturbed and that nobody should be let in.”
Shiva said, “That command must not be for me. I am her husband, after all.”
But Vinayak blocked his path once again, which began to anger Shiva. He asked Vinayak in a harsher tone to give him way and let him pass. Vinayak, however, was determined to follow his mother’s orders and didn’t want to disappoint her. He firmly said, “I won’t let you go.”
This time, Shiva was in full rage and demanded passage. Vinayak replied, “You will have to defeat me if you want to see Mata.” Angry, Shiva agreed to the challenge, and in his fury, he beheaded Vinayak with a flick of his sword.
Parvati Mata sensed that something was wrong and anxiously rushed to the scene. On seeing the beheaded Vinayak, she was heartbroken. She cried out, “Swami, what have you done? He was our son!” Shiva was filled with regret.
Parvati Mata, however, was angry and demanded that he bring back her son. Shiva replied, “The dead cannot be made alive, Parvati.” But she was adamant and insisted that her son’s life be restored.
Shiva then instructed his ganas (those who lived at Kailash with him) to go towards the north and bring back the head of the first living being they encountered — but it had to be a creature facing away from its mother.
The first such being they came across was an elephant, and so they brought back its head. Shiva placed it on Vinayak’s body and revived him, giving him the name Ganesha, making him the leader of his ganas and the deity revered before all others.
They attached Vinayak’s body with the elephant’s head, and Vinayak came back to life. He was known as Ganpati (Chief of Ganas, Shiva’s Attendants).
