Lord Ganesha is one of the most beloved and revered Hindu deities. The son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Ganesha is often worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences. His iconic elephant-headed form has captured the imaginations of people across the world. Here are ten interesting facts about Lord Ganesha that you might not have known before.
1. Lord Ganesha has more than 100 different names in Hindu mythology. Some of his popular names include Vinayaka, Ganapati, and Vighnaharta.
2. The story of how Lord Ganesha got his elephant head is quite interesting. According to one version, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste and brought him to life to keep watch while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned home, he tried to enter the room where Ganesha was guarding, but the boy refused to let him in. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha. When Parvati saw what had happened, she was devastated and pleaded with Lord Shiva to bring Ganesha back to life. Shiva then replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant.
3. Lord Ganesha’s broken tusk is a symbol of sacrifice and devotion. It is said that Ganesha broke off his own tusk to use as a pen when he was transcribing the epic Mahabharata for the sage Vyasa.
4. Ganesha is often depicted with a potbelly. In Hindu mythology, the large stomach represents the universe and the ability to absorb everything within it.
5. Although Ganesha is primarily associated with Hinduism, he is also worshipped by Jains and Buddhists. In fact, in Buddhist iconography, Ganesha is referred to as Vinayaka and is one of the eight revered bodhisattvas.
6. Ganesha’s mounts or vehicles are a mouse and a peacock. The mouse represents the ability to overcome obstacles and the peacock represents beauty and grace.
7. Lord Ganesha is often depicted with four arms, each of which holds a different object. The objects held by Ganesha include a lotus flower, an axe, a rope or noose, and a modaka or sweet.
8. The Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated annually to honor Lord Ganesha. The festival typically falls in August or September and lasts for ten days.
9. In addition to being the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is also known as the patron of the arts and sciences. It is said that he is the inventor of the ancient Indian board game of chaturanga, which is the predecessor of modern chess.
10. Ganesha’s popularity is not limited to India; he is also widely worshipped in other parts of the world, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bali. In fact, Lord Ganesha is considered one of the most widely recognized Hindu deities globally.
In conclusion, Lord Ganesha is an important figure in Hindu mythology, and his legacy is celebrated across the world. From his unique physical appearance to the stories that surround him, Ganesha continues to intrigue and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. As we celebrate his many virtues, we are reminded of the power of devotion and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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