Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Vinayaka Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved god of wisdom and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, created from the dirt of Parvati's body. This festival brings together people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, religion, or background, and fosters a spirit of unity. The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is a religious event and a significant part of India's cultural and historical heritage.
While some of Lord Ganesha's names like Ganpati and Vinayak are widely known, few are aware that he is also called by 108 other names. These names are collectively known as the Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Lord Ganesha. Each name holds a special meaning and significance, symbolising different aspects of his divine personality.
Number | Name | Attribute |
---|---|---|
1 | Akhuratha | One whose chariot is pulled by a mouse |
2 | Alampata | One who is forever eternal |
3 | Amit | One who is incomparable |
4 | Anantachidrupamayam | One who is the personification of the infinite consciousness |
5 | Avaneesh | Master of the universe |
6 | Avighna | The remover of obstacles |
7 | Balaganapati | Beloved child |
8 | Bhalchandra | One who is moon crested |
9 | Bheema | One who is gigantic |
10 | Bhupati | The lord of lords |
11 | Bhuvanpati | The lord of the heaven |
12 | Buddhinath | The God of wisdom |
13 | Buddhipriya | One who bestows knowledge and intellect |
14 | Buddhividhata | The God of knowledge |
15 | Chaturbhuj | The four-armed lord |
16 | Devadeva | The lord of lords |
17 | Devantakanashakarin | Destroyer of evils and demons |
18 | Devavrata | One who accepts all penances |
19 | Devendrashika | The protector of all gods |
20 | Dharmik | One who is righteous and charitable |
21 | Dhoomravarna | One whose skin is smoke-hued |
22 | Durja | The invincible |
23 | Dvaimatura | One who has two mothers |
24 | Ekaakshara | One who is of a single syllable |
25 | Ekadanta | Single-tusked |
26 | Ekadrishta | Single-focused |
27 | Eshanputra | The son of Shiva |
28 | Gadadhara | One whose weapon is the mace |
29 | Gajakarna | One who has elephantine-ears |
30 | Gajanana | One who has an elephantine face |
31 | Gajananeti | One who has the looks of an elephant |
32 | Gajavakra | The trunk of an elephant |
33 | Gajavaktra | One who has an elephantine mouth |
34 | Ganadhakshya | The lord of lords |
35 | Ganadhyakshina | Leader of all celestial bodies |
36 | Ganapati | The lord of lords |
37 | Gaurisuta | The son of Gauri |
38 | Gunina | The lord of virtues |
39 | Haridra | One who is golden-hued |
40 | Heramba | Mother's beloved son |
41 | Kapila | One who is yellowish-brown |
42 | Kaveesha | The lord of poets |
43 | Kirti | The lord of music |
44 | Kripalu | Merciful lord |
45 | Krishapingaksha | One who has yellowish-brown eyes |
46 | Kshamakaram | The abode of forgiveness |
47 | Kshipra | One who is easy to appease |
48 | Lambakarna | One who has large ears |
49 | Lambodara | One who has a big belly |
50 | Mahabala | One who is enormously strong |
51 | Mahaganapati | The Supreme Lord |
52 | Maheshwaram | Lord of the universe |
53 | Mangalamurti | All auspicious lord |
54 | Manomay | Winner of hearts |
55 | Mrityuanjaya | Conqueror of death |
56 | Mundakarama | The abode of happiness |
57 | Muktidaya | Bestower of eternal bliss |
58 | Musikvahana | One who rides a mouse |
59 | Nadapratithishta | One who appreciates music |
60 | Namasthetu | Destroyer of evils and sins |
61 | Nandana | Lord Shiva's son |
62 | Nideeshwaram | Bestower of wealth |
63 | Omkara | One who has the form of 'Om' |
64 | Pitambara | One who has yellowish skin |
65 | Pramoda | Lord of all abodes |
66 | Prathameshwara | First among all Gods |
67 | Purush | The omnipotent personality |
68 | Rakta | One who is blood-hued |
69 | Rudrapriya | One who is the beloved of Shiva |
70 | Sarvadevatman | One who accepts all celestial offerings |
71 | Sarvasiddhanta | Bestower of skills and knowledge |
72 | Sarvatman | Protector of the universe |
73 | Shambhavi | Son of Parvati |
74 | Shashivarnam | One who has a moon-like complexion |
75 | Shoorpakarna | One who is large-eared |
76 | Shuban | The all auspicious Lord |
77 | Shubhagunakanan | One who is the master of all virtues |
78 | Shweta | One who is as pure as the white |
79 | Siddhidhata | Bestower of accomplishments and successes |
80 | Siddhipriya | Giver of wishes and boons |
81 | Siddhivinayaka | Bestower of success |
82 | Skandapurvaja | Elder of Skanda or Kartikya |
83 | Sumukha | One who has an auspicious face |
84 | Sureshwaram | The lord of lords |
85 | Swaroop | Lover of beauty |
86 | Tarun | One who is ageless |
87 | Uddanda | The nemesis of evils and vices |
88 | Umaputra | The son of Goddess Uma |
89 | Vakratunda | One with a curved trunk |
90 | Varaganapati | Bestower of boons |
91 | Varaprada | One who grants wishes |
92 | Varadavinayaka | Bestower of success |
93 | Veeraganapati | The vigorous lord |
94 | Vidyavaridhi | The God of wisdom |
95 | Vighnahara | Remover of obstacles |
96 | Vignaharta | Destroyer of all obstacles |
97 | Vighnaraja | Lord of all obstacles |
98 | Vighnarajendra | Lord of all obstacles |
99 | Vighnavinashanaya | Destroyer of all obstacles |
100 | Vigneshwara | Lord of all obstacles |
101 | Vikat | One who is huge |
102 | Vinayaka | The Supreme Lord |
103 | Vishwamukha | Master of the universe |
104 | Vishwaraja | King of the world |
105 | Yagnakaya | One who accepts sacrificial offerings |
106 | Yashaskaram | The bestower of fame and fortune |
107 | Yashvasin | The beloved and ever popular lord |
108 | Yogadhipa | The lord of meditation |
In Hinduism, the number 108 is considered sacred and is believed to represent the universe. Each of Lord Ganesha's 108 names reflects his vast attributes, from wisdom and prosperity to protection and compassion. Devotees chant these names during prayers and rituals, believing that invoking each name brings specific blessings.
As Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 approaches, excitement is in the air, and people across the country are eagerly waiting to welcome Bappa into their homes. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy as devotees believe that Lord Ganesha brings good fortune, removes obstacles, and blesses them with success. The festival will take place on September 7, 2024, when devotees will perform special pujas and rituals to honour Lord Ganesha.
For those observing the festival, the important dates and timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 are as follows:
It is recommended that devotees avoid moon sightings on September 6 (03:01 PM to 07:49 PM) and September 7 (08:44 AM to 08:22 PM) to prevent misfortune.
Lord Ganesha is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is recognized by his elephant head, large belly, and four arms. Often referred to as the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is invoked at the start of any new endeavour, be it a business, a journey, or a prayer. His blessings are sought for success, prosperity, and wisdom.
Many devotees know Lord Ganesha by common names such as Gajanan, Ganpati, Vinayak, Vigneshwara, Ekdanta, and Lambodar, but he is also known by 108 different names. These names represent the many attributes, qualities, and powers of the beloved deity.
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will be filled with devotion, prayers, and festivities as families and communities come together to honour Bappa. The joyous occasion begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and pandals, followed by rituals, songs, and offerings. After 10 days of celebration, the festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, where the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing the return of Lord Ganesha to his heavenly abode.
Q. What is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the God of new beginnings, and wisdom, and the one who removes obstacles.
Q. Why is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for 10 days?
According to the story, Lord Shiva once beheaded Ganesha. To fix his mistake, he gave Ganesha the head of an elephant. This event is remembered during Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated for 10 days to honour Ganesha's birth and his return to his mother, Parvati.
Q. What does Ganesh Chaturthi represent?
This colourful and grand festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, wealth, and fresh starts. It is an important festival in Hindu culture that brings people together to pray, celebrate, and strengthen community bonds.
Q. What is the importance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi signifies the cycle of life, from birth to death. When the Ganesha idol is immersed in water, it is believed that he takes away the problems from the home, destroying them as he returns to the Earth.
Q. Can we keep Ganpati for 3 days?
The length of time Ganesha stays at home depends on family traditions or personal choices:
1.5 days:?For a short celebration.3 days:?A common duration, balancing celebration and practicality.7 days:?A longer period for worship.10 days:?The traditional festival length.Permanently: Some keep Ganesha at home as a symbol of constant blessings and devotion.
Q. What is the key point of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi honours Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and celebrates his birth. People worship Ganesha before starting new journeys, business ventures, or intellectual pursuits, believing he brings order and success.
Q. Why is Lord Ganesha immersed in water?
The immersion of Ganesha's idol symbolizes the life cycle. Since Ganesha was created from Earth, his clay idol is returned to the water to mark the end of his stay in the home or temple during the festival.
Q. Who started Ganesh Chaturthi?
The 10-day Ganesh Utsav, ending with the Visarjan, became popular thanks to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He promoted its widespread celebration during India's independence movement.
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