Ganesha Chaturthi is a ten day, Hindu festival to celebrate the birth of Ganesa, the elephant headed God. The festival begins on the fourth day of Hindu Calendar Bhadrapada. Ganesa, the lord of wisdom and the remover of obstacles is a very important deity in Hinduism. Ganesa is also known as Vigneswara, as the name indicates, the deity presides over obstacles. He either puts obstacles in the way or removes them. Lord Ganesa is also associated with Muladhara Chakra, the ganglia of nerves at the base of the spine and Mercury the planet governing it. Ganesa holds a noose and a goad in his hands. Noose represents his power to bind and remove obstacles. In Hindu mythology two other Gods holds a noose in their hands, Yama and Varuna.
Ganesa, the Sanskrit word is comprised of two words, Gana and Isa. Gana means troupes of demi gods and Isa means ruler or lord. He controls them by strategy and intelligence. The Lord is also known as Ekadanta, means the one with single tusk. He being a patron of literature, is believed to have scribed the great epic, ‘Mahabharata, as sage Vyasa dictated to him.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all around the world, where the Hindu population is sizable. But the grandness of the celebration at the Indian state of Maharashtra is not matched by anywhere else. The ten-day period of Ganesa Chaturthi is considered as the most auspicious time to worship the elephant headed God.
Ganesh Chaturthi details for 2017
Day: 25th August 2017 ends on 5th September 2017
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Time = 11:03 to 13:20
Duration = 2 Hours 17 Mins
On 24th, Time to Avoid Moon Sighting = 18:57 to 20:34
Duration = 1 Hour 37 Mins
On 25th, Time to Avoid Moon Sighting = 08:54 to 21:27
Duration = 12 Hours 32 Mins
Chaturthi Tithi Begins = 18:57 on 24/Aug/2017
Chaturthi Tithi Ends = 19:01 on 25/Aug/2017
Ganesh Chaturthi rituals
Ganesh Chaturthi begins on the 4th Day of the Hindu Month Bhadrapada and ends after ten days on Ananth Chathurdashi aka Ganesh Visarjan day. The date for the festival is usually decided by the presence of Chaturthi Thithi. The festival is held during “Bhadrapada Madyahanaa Purvabaddha”. If the chaturthi thiti begins at night on previous day and gets over by morning on next day, then the next day is observed as vinayaka chaturthi.
It is believed that Ganesa was born on Madhyahna Kala (Mid-Day) . So Ganapathi Stapana (Installation of Ganapathi Idol and Ganapathi Puja are conducted during Madhyahna Kala.
If you have brought the Ganapati idol days before, you have to cover its face with a cloth, and take it off only on the day ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ puja is performed.
The priest invites Ganesha as a guest to the home by chanting Mantras which is known as Prana Prathishta.
There are sixteen rituals to be followed in Ganesha Chathurthi Puja from the installation of a new idol. This is known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja. The detailed explanation can be found here. http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/ganesh-chaturthi/ganesha-chaturthi-puja-vidhi.html
The idol is worshipped during the ten day period with flowers, durva (a special type grass) and offering of sweets including Ganapati’s favourite Modak . On the eleventh day, the idol is ceremoniously brought to a body of water like lakes or sea for immersion, which is known as Ganapati Visarjan.
It is believed that on Ganesh Chathurthi one should avoid seeing the moon. Puranas say sighting the moon on this day will create Midhya Dosham (false accusation of doing something wrong).
Ganesh Chathurti Dishes
Modak is Ganesha’s favourite sweet dish so needless to say its significance on Ganesh Chathurthi. Modak is known by many names: modakam or kudumu in Telugu; modaka or kadubu in Kannada; kozhakatta or modakkam in Malayalam and kozhukattai or modagam in Tamil.
For Ganesh Chathurthi recipes and dishes visit this page http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/ganesh-chaturthi-recipes-vinayaka-chaturthi-recipes/
About Ganesa, the God
Beeja Mantra
The beeja mantra of Ganapati is “Ohm Gam Ganapathaye Namah”.
Forms of Ganesa
As per the mudgala purana, Ganesa takes eight different forms that prevails over eight human weaknesses or demons.
Ekadanta (single tusk) conqueror of Moda or arrogance
Dhumra varna(smoke coloured) overcoming abhimana or pride
Vakrathunda (curved tusk) the vanquisher of jealousy
Mahodara (Big belly) is the one who controls moha or infactuation
Gajanana (Elephant face) conquerer of Lobha or Greed
Lambhodara (corpulent belly) overcomes Krodha or anger
Vikada (deformed) conquers Kama or lust
Vigna Raja (King of obstacles) Remover of mamta or egotism
Apart from this eight forms, Mudgala Purana describes 32 other forms of Ganapathy. Temples in Chamarajanagar and Nanjangud in Mysore district, Karnataka has 32 forms of Ganapati sculptures. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple at Trivandrum in Kerala also has 32 forms of Ganapati Paintings.
These are the 32 forms of Ganapati and the name of the temples where the particular form of Ganapati idol is installed.
Bala Ganapathi
In this form, Ganapathi is portrayed as a child. In his hands, he holds banana, sugarcane, jackfruit and mango. His tusk holds his favourite sweet, Modaka. He is red-complexioned like the rays of the rising sun. Child God represents future opportunities of Growth.
Temple: Sri Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and most famous Bala Ganapati Temples in India
Taruna Ganapathi
Eight armed Ganapathi, holding noose, goad, rose apple, wood apple, modaka, a sprig of paddy and cane stalk in his hands. Taruna Ganapati represents the element of Vayu. Taruna Ganapati shows the youthful side of Ganapati.
Temple: Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjaina
Bhakthi Ganapathi
Bhakti Ganapathi is garlanded with flowers and holds mango, banana, coconut and a bowl of payasam. Bhakti Ganapati is white in colour
Temple: Theertha Pureeswarar (Arathurai Nathar) Temple Tirunelvayil Arathurai
Vira Ganapathi
Vira Ganapathi has 16 arms holding weapons. Bow, arrow, shield, goad, discuss, sword, trident, spear, maze and an axe. Vira Ganapati form represents the element of fire.
Temple: Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Sakti Ganapati
Four armed Ganapati seated with one of his consort or Sakti on his lap. He holds a garland, noose and a goad, his hand in abhaya mudra position bestowing blessings
Temples: Thiruparankundram Temple in Madurai
Dwija Ganapati
This is a four headed Ganapati holding, a thaliyola (scripture), a water vessel, a staff and a japa bead in his hand.
Temple: Shri Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Siddhi Ganapati
This golden yellow Ganpati, holds an axe, a bouquet of flowers, mango, sugar cane and a sesame laddu in his trunk
Temple: Shree Siddhi Vinayaka Temple in Mumba
Ucchishta Ganapati
With six arms and blue complexion, Ucchishta Ganapati holds a pomegranate, japa beads, blue lotus flower, sprig of paddy and the musical instrument Veena. Sakti sits on his lap. Ucchishta means leftovers. This is one of the five Sakti Ganesh icons with sakti seated with him. In Ucchishta Ganapati form, Ganapati’s trunk touches the Yoni of Sakti, showing the erotic side of the representation. The deity in this form is worshipped when the devotee is in ritually impure state, that is, nude or with remnants of food (Uchchhishta) in his mouth.
Temples: Manimoortheeswaram Uchishta Ganapathy Temple is the biggest temple dedicated to Ucchishta Ganapati. Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple in Thiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu is another temple with Ucchishta Ganapathi idol. The Kanchi Ganesh shrine within the Jagannath Temple, Puri houses the icon of Uchchhishta Ganapati.
Vigna Ganapati
Vigna Ganapati is of Golden hue colour and in his eight arms holds, noose, goad, conch, discus, sugar cane, flower arrow and an axe. In his tusk he holds his favourite sweet modak. He is also adorned with several jewels.
Temple: Vigna Ganapati idol is prayed at the Thirukurungudi Temple in Tirunelveliand
Kshipra Ganapati
It is believed that Kshipra Ganapathi listens to devotees needs and quickly fulfils them . In his trunk he holds a tiny pot of jewels. He is usually shown with four arms but in some representations he has six arms. He holds a noose, sprig of Kalpa vriksha and a goad in his hand.
Kshipra Ganapati Temples in India
Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu
Jyothirmaheshwara Temple in Srirangapattinam, Karnataka
Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Andra Pradesh
Ashtavinayak Temple in Pune, Maharastra (This is west facing temple)
Kanyakumari Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Manthakara Mahaganapathi Temple in Kalpathy
Heramba Ganapati
Heramba Ganapati has five faces and in white colour. He rides on a lion and is a protector of the weak. He has ten hands one hand in the blessing mode and the other in giving mode. He holds a noose, Japa beads, axe, hammer, tusk, garland, fruit and modaka. This form of Ganapati is important for Tantrik worship.
Temple: Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Banaras.
Lakshmi Ganapati
Lakshmi Ganapati is pure white in color with sakti sitting on both his knees. He holds a green parrot, Pomegranate, sword, goad, noose, a sprig of Kalavriksha and a vessel of water. His hand gesturing varada mudra.
Temples: Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Temple in Palani
Maha Ganapati
The three eyed Ganapati has Sakti sitting on his lap. He is red complexioned and holds pomegranate, a tusk, blue lilly, sugarcane bow, discus, noose, lotus, paddy sprig, mace and a pot of jewels in his hands.
Temple: Lord Krishna Temple in Dwaraka, Gujarat has a Maha Ganapati idol
Vijaya Ganapati
Vijaya Ganapati is the bestower of Victory or success. He is four armed and red hues in colour. He holds a noose, broken tusk and a mango in his hands. He rides a mushak
Temple: Ashtavinayak Temples in Pune
Nritya Ganapati
In dancing form Nritya Ganapati is four armed and golden in colour. He holds a tusk, noose, goad and sweet modaka. He poses under a Kalpa vriksha .
Temple: Arulmigu Magudeshwarar Temple, Kodumudi
Urdhva Ganapati
This Ganesha is with Golden shine, and has six hands which holds, a sprig of paddy, sugarcane bow, arrow, tusk and blue water lilly. Urdhva means elevated. Shakti is seated on his left knee.
Temple: Urdhva Ganapati temple is at Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple Madurai
Ekakshara Ganapati
Ekakshara Ganapati sits in padmasana on his vahana Mushika. He has three eyes and has red complexion. He holds pomegranate, noose and goad. His left hand shows varda mudra giving boon to devotees. Ekakshara Ganapati helps gain control over senses.
Temple: Hampi in Karnataka
Varada Ganapati
With a crescent moon adorning his head, Varada Ganapati with three eyes is a boon giver. He holds a noose and a goad along with a dish of honey and his tusk has a pot of jewels. Sakti is sitting on his left knee.
Temple: Shri Renuka Yellamma Devi Temple,Savadatti
Tryakshara Ganapati
Tryakshara Ganapati is gold in color and he holds a noose, goad, broken tusk, mango and the sweet modak in his trunk.
Temple: Tirumakudalu Narasipura, Karnataka
Kshipra Prasada Ganapati
Kshipra prasada Ganapati presides from a kusha grass throne. This crimson red coloured Ganapati has three eyes and holds a noose, goad, a twig of kalpa, broken tusk, pomegranate and lotus.
Temple: Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Koothadipatti, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu
Haridra Ganapati
He is in turmeric colour and wears yellow garments. He is also known as Ratri Ganapati. He has three eyes and sits on golden throne. He has four arms and carries a noose, goad, a modaka (sweet) and a broken tusk He draws his devotees closer by the noose, and pulls them in the right direction by the goad. Haridra Ganapati is worshipped for wealth and well-being
Temple: Sri Rishyasringa, Sringeri
Eka Danta Ganapati
Ganapati appears in this form with single tusk, blue in complexion and a sizeable belly. He holds his broken tusk in his right hand and the sweet, Laddu in his left hand. He also holds an axe and a japamala.
Temple: Ekadanta Ganapati idol can be worshipped at famous and ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra
Shrishti Ganapati
Shrishti Ganapati is red in complexion and sits on his mushika vahana. In his four hands he holds, noose, goad, mango and his broken tusk.
Temple: Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple, Swamimalai
Uddhanda Ganapati
He is portrayed with 10 arms or 12 arms with Sakti sitting on his left thigh. He holds a blue lily, sugarcane, lotus flower, sprig of paddy, noose, garland, pomegranate, a mace and a garland.
Temple: Guruvayoor Temple, Kerala
Rinamochana Ganapati
This white complexioned Ganapati adorned in red silk garments will release humanity from hardship and bondage. He holds a broken tusk, noose, goad and rose apple.
Temple: Kapileswar Temple, Lower Tirupati
Dhundhi Ganapati
This red hue complexioned Ganapati has four arms. He holds an axe, rudraksha beads, a broken tusk and a small pot of precious jewels.
Temples: Sri Chottanikara Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Drashrama Bheemeswara Temple (known as Dakshina Kashi), East Godavari District (A.P.)
Dvimukha Ganapati
As the name suggests, this Ganapati with two divergent faces, is blue- green in complexion and adorned in red silk. He holds a noose, goad, broken tusk and a pot of gems.
Temples: Badrinath Temple
Trimukha Ganapati
This three faced Ganapati is red hue in colour and sits on a golden lotus. Ganapati has six arms, one showing the gesture of blessing and the other protection. The other four hands hold, a vessel of nectar, noose, goad and japamala.
Temple: Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri
Simha Ganapati
Simha Ganapati is white in colour and rides a loin and holds another lion in one hand. In his hands he holds a Kalpavriksha sprig, musical instrument Vina, Lotus blossom, flower bouquet and a pot of jewels.
Temple: Vittal temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra
Yoga Ganapati
Yoga Ganapati is in meditative pose with his knees strapped. His color is of morning sun, adorned in blue garments. His hands hold, sugar cane, japamala, noose and a yoga staff.
Temple: Sivalokanathan Temple, Thirupungur
Durga Ganapati
In this form Ganesa is considered invincible. He is in deep golden hue complexion adorned in red garments and with eight hands. He holds bow and arrow, noose, goad, prayer beads, rose apple and a broken tusk.
Temple: Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, Maharasthra
Sankatahara Ganapati
He is red in colour and dressed in blue, He has four hands and Sakti is depicted sitting on his lap. His hands hold a goad, noose, a bowl of pudding and one hand in boon giving varada mudra posture.
Temple: Arulmigu Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram
Ganesha iconography usually depicts him holding some of the following in the different forms. A Pasa (noose), Ankusa (goad), Sanka (Conch) , Parasu (axe), Vajratrisula ( lightning bolt), Chakra ( discus), Modaka ( his favourite sweets) , Gada ( mace), Churi ( Dagger), Pushpasara ( flower arrow), Amrita Kumbha ( pot of nectar), Padma ( lotus), Ikshukarmuka ( sugarcane bow), Shara ( arrow), Vina ( A musical instrument), Danda ( stick), Chamara ( hand held fan), Kamandalu ( water vessel), Dhanush ( bow), Naga ( snake), Salipallava ( rice sprig), Mudgara ( hammer). Taliyola ( scriptures), Kalpavriksha ( the tree that gives everything) , Paraswatha ( Battle axe), Mahaparasy ( large axe), Trisula ( Trident), Nalikera ( coconut) , Dwaja ( flag) , Dhantha ( tusk), Pashanadarana ( pick axe), agni ( fire), sword, mango, pomegranate, radish, Khataga (shield) , Ratnakumbha (pot of gem), sugarcane, Madhumumbha ( pot of honey) , Yoga Danda ( staff for meditation), Tila gola ( sesame ball) , Parrot, pineapple, Nilapadma ( blue water lilly), jackfruit, laddu, Kapitha ( wood apple), rose apple, payasa (pudding)
The consort of Ganapati
Ganesa is often represented with his two consorts Buddhi and Siddhi. Buddhi means wisdom and Siddhi means success or attainment. In North India Ganesa is considered to have two consorts while in South India, he is looked upon as a Brahmachari or bachelor. It is best to assume that, Buddhi and Siddhi are two attributes of Ganesa rather than considering them as his consorts.
Ganapati or Vigneswara Temples in Australia
Melbourne
Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple, The Basin
Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar temple was the first traditional Hindu temple to be established in Melbourne in 1992
Address: Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple, 1292 Mountain Highway,The Basin, Melbourne,Victoria-3154
Vinayagar temple is located in the picturesque suburb of Basin, 31 Km from the Melbourne CBD. The Basin forms one of Melbourne’s “green wedges” and is nestled into the forest covered foothills of Mount Dandenong and the Dandenong Ranges National Park, including Doongalla Forest.
The Temple has come a long way from the days of public anger against the construction of a Hindu Temple in the area. The neighbours argued against the construction of the temple siting reasons like the temple would degrade the bushland character of the suburb. During the construction of the temple , the craftsmen living in the temple site has to live though the nightmare of being hurled stones by the local youths at night . Melbourne has undergone major demographic changes from those days and the Indian community has grown in strength and affluence. With a new Indian Cultural Centre being built at the temple premises, soon this establishment will become a major attraction for devotees of Lord Ganesha and the Indian community in general.
Sydney
Sri Karphaga Vinayagar Temple
Sri Karphaga Vinayakar. Karphagam is the tamil for the Sanskrit derivation of Kalpaga/ Kalpataru – the wish fulfilling mythological celestial tree spoken of in ancient literature. Standing under its shade, whatever one thinks will come to fruition. Likewise, Karphaga Vinayakar answers the prayers of true and sincere devotees.
Address: 123 The Crescent Homebush West NSW 2140
Web: http://www.vinayakar.org.au/
Adelaide
Adelaide Ganesh Temple
The Ganesha Temple is a unique jewel among the religious places in Adelaide – the beautiful multicultural city of churches. The magnificent traditional temple, depicting the colorful religious architecture of India, was completed in 2001. It is a place of worship that serves the needs of over 20000 people of Hindu faith in South Australia.
Address: 3A Dwyer Rd, Oaklands Park SA 5046
Web: http://www.shriganeshatempleadelaide.com.au/history.html
Brisbane
Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple
Address: 4915-4923 Mount Lindesay Hwy, South Maclean QLD 4280
Web: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org
On 25th April 1986 Hindu Ahlyan Sangham came into existence for the purpose of building a temple for the growing Indian population in Brisbane. From 1987 to 1990 the committee put all their efforts to raise sufficient funds to purchase land for the construction of the temple. In 1990, the committee purchased 4.5 Acres of land in South Maclean, 35 km south of Brisbane City. An application to construct a temple was submitted to the Beaudesert Shire Council and was subsequently approved in 1992.
The foundation for the temple was laid on 10th June 1993. Deities and shine doors were procured from South India. The temple also hired Indian sculptors. The consecration ceremony was held on 5th February 1995. The temple is built according to traditional Indian style of temple construction.
The temple also serves as a centre for cultural and educational activities. Temple also has a library of religious books.
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