10. Symbolic Meaning of Ganesha

1. Elephantine Head - The big cranium of Ganesha cser thinking. It is equanimity
prudence.

2. Pepite Eyes - The small eyes indicate the focus is always needed in whatwe do. They are symbol of concentration. 

3. Large Ears - The large flappy ears tell us to be good listener. Thus large ears are a symbol of vigilant listening. 

4. Single Tusk - Ganesha has monosyllabic name AUM. Like his one sound name, the deity has one tusk. It a symbol of retention of good virtues. One should defy what is immoral.

5. Swirled Trunk - Ganesha's trunk is twisted left or right or protudes straight. It is a symbol of adaptability and dexterity. 

6. Rope or nook - The nook is symbol of Ganesha's support in tough times. The nook is an object of both offence and defence. It can be used for merit and support of good people or to anniliate evil forces.

7. Modaka - The Modaks are a symbolic assurance of rewards in return for good deeds, devotion and dedication.

8. Mouse - Mouse are attributed to hasty and impirsh. Similarly human mind tends to drift under the influence of various haoppenings. It is therefore mandatory to control the mind like mouse, else it would be clouded and void of focus. Thus the mouse is a symbol of enthusiastic control.

9. Axe - The axe held by Ganesha defies his ability to anniliate evil forces, and destroy all bonds of materialistic attachments.
10. Small mouth - The mouth of Ganesha lies under its trunk. It is small and reaffirms the need to talk less (and listen more with large ears).
 
11. Blessings - Ganesha reciprocates the devotional love of his devotees with blessings. The blessing hand is a symbolic assurance of is omnipresence and endurance towards his lovers.

12. Large belly - Ganesha is noted for his large protruding belly. The large belly has both material and physic significance. Materistically, or physically the large belly signifies abundance, prosperity and bountifulness. It also reaffirms Ganesha's large appetite. Cognitively the large abdomen relates to Ganesha's ability to assimilate both wise and wicked virtues. It is an indicative of his powers to anniliate the evil forces. (Read related story).
 
13. Prasada - The offerings made to Ganesha are accepted by him. It is a symbol of divine acceptance when he is served with tru devotion.

14. Firm Legs - The legs of Ganesha support his massive body. It conveys the message that we should stay afirm in times of trials. It tells us to keep faith and trust God. May be God tests us sometimes! 
Ganesha refers to the "lord of the hosts," (also spelled as Ganesa)

Other Common Names - Ganapati
One of the most well-known and venerated representations of Brahma.

Vinayaka in Marathi, Malayalam and Kannada
Vinayagar and Pillayar in Tamil
Vinayakudu in Telugu

'Ga' symbolizes Buddhi (intellect) and 'Na' symbolizes Vijnana (wisdom).
Thus considered the master of intellect and wisdom.

the position of his legs (one resting on the ground and one raised) indicate the importance of living and participating in the material world as well as in the spiritual world, the ability to live in the world without being of the world.
The four arms of Ganesha represent the four inner attributes of the subtle body, that is: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned conscience (Chitta). Lord Ganesha represents the pure consciousness - the Atman - which enables these four attributes to function in us;
The hand waving an axe, is a symbol of the retrenchment of all desires, bearers of pain and suffering. With this axe Ganesha can both strike and repel obstacles. The axe is also to prod man to the path of righteousness and truth;
The second hand holds a whip, symbol of the force that ties the devout person to the eternal beatitude of God. The whip conveys that worldly attachments and desires should be rid of;
The third hand, turned towards the devotee, is in a pose of blessing, refuge and protection (abhaya);
the fourth hand holds a lotus flower (padma), and it symbolizes the highest goal of human evolution, the sweetness of the realised inner self.
Ganesha is also defined as Omkara or Aumkara, that is "having the form of Om (or Aum) (see the section The names of Ganesha). In fact, the shape of his body is a copy of the outline of the Devanagari letter which indicates the celebrated Bija Mantra. For this reason, Ganesha is considered the bodily incarnation of the entire Cosmos, He who is at the base of all of the phenomenal world (Vishvadhara, Jagadoddhara). Moreover, in the Tamil language, the sacred syllable is indicated precisely by a character which recalls the shape of the elephant's head of Ganesha.
The broken tusk of Ganesha, as described above, stands primarily for his ability to overcome or "break through" the illusions of duality. However, there are many other meanings that have been associated with this symbol.
Ganesha and the Mouse
According to one interpretation, Ganesha's divine vehicle, the mouse or mooshikam represents wisdom, talent and intelligence. It symbolizes minute investigation of a cryptic subject. A mouse leads a clandestine life below the ground. Thus it is also a symbol of ignorance that is dominant in darkness and fears light and knowledge. As the vehicle of Lord Ganesha, a mouse teaches us to remain always on alert and illuminate our inner-self with the light of knowledge.
Both Ganesha and the Mooshak love modaka, a sweet dish which is traditionally offered to them both during worship ceremonies. The Mooshak is usually depicted as very small in relation to Ganesha, in contrast to the depictions of vehicles of other deities. However, it was once traditional in Maharashtrian art to depict Mooshak as a very large mouse, and for Ganesha to be mounted on him like a horse.Yet another interpretation says that the mouse (Mushika or Akhu) represents the ego, the mind with all of its desires, and the pride of the individual. Ganesha, riding atop the mouse, becomes the master (and not the slave) of these tendencies, indicating the power that the intellect and the discriminative faculties have over the mind. Moreover, the mouse (extremely voracious by nature) is often depicted next to a plate of sweets with his eyes turned toward Ganesha while he tightly holds on to a morsel of food between his paws, as if expecting an order from Ganesha. This represents the mind which has been completely subordinated to the superior faculty of the intellect, the mind under strict supervision, which fixes Ganesha and does not approach the food unless it has permission.

7.2 Story of Vigneshwara Vinayak, Ozar

Once there ruled a King named Shri Abhinandan over Hemavatim. He was very righteous and religious. Once the King performed a grand sacrificial ceremony to please Great Gods.

Seeing the empowered ceremony, the King of Heaven - Lord Indra left insecure. He was overcome by the sense of insecurity and thought if the ceremony concludes successfully, Shri Abhinandan may ask the kingdom of Heaven from Great God, Shiva. 

Lord Indra decided to hurdle the completion of ceremony to tide over any possibility of Shri Abhinandan to ask for rule of heaven from Shiva. Thus he asked Kaal (the time Turner) to hurdle the ceremony and perish it.

Kaal began hurdling the sacrificial ceremony of Shri Abhinandan and eventually destroyed it. He spread his wrath and also destroyed the sacrifices performed separately by sages. Due this he came to be known as Vighna, meaning the obstructor. Due the spread of Vighna, righteousness began disappearing from Earth. The religious rites were subdued and demonic forces became prominent.

Seeing this, the Gods became worrisome. They decided to invoked Lord Ganesha. Plesead by their penance, Lord Ganesha appeared before the Gods. The Gods pleaded Him to protect them. Lord Ganesha agreed to protect them. He incarnated as Vighneshwar.

Vighneshwar was born to Sage Parshva and his wife Deepavatsala. Years went by and Vighneshwar grew up. When the time was appropriate, the Gods headed by Lord Shiva came to Sage Parshva and persuaded him to relieve Vighneshwar to fight against Vighnasura. Though initially reluctant, later Sage Parshva agreed to Vighneshwar's going.

Vighneshwar went to the hinterland and fought against Vighnasura. Vighnasura by the virtue of his powers created many illusions and divergence. He took form of cyclones, fires, floods, earthquakes to force Vinayaka retreat. But Vinayaka nullified all these forces and overcome Vighnasura.

After prolonged fight, Vinayak caught hold of Vighnasura with his ankush (nook) and dragged him before Gods. At last, the arrogance of Vighnasura was crushed. He prostrated before Ganesha and requested Him to forgive him. 

Vighnasura fell on Ganesha' feet and asked refuge, "O Great Ganesha, I wish to surrender myself to you. Allow me Ganesha, to be always associated with your name".

Ganesha forgave the demon. He said, "Henceforth, I shall be known as Vighneshwara or Vighnaraj".

Ganesha further assured all Gods and sages- "Whosoever chants my name - Vighneshwara or Vighnaraj shall never face any obstacles from Vighnasura".

Vighnasura assured Ganesha that he would never trouble his devotees. He was asked to hurdle the offenders of Ganesha and has continued to do so over the ages.

Pleased by Vighneshwara's blessings for the merit of all mankind and Gods, the Gods constructed an idol of Gajanan or Vighneshwara at Ozar (Ojhar or Ojar). The idol is now venerated in the Temple of Vinayaka, Ozar.

5. Ganesh Kavach in Hindi

The word Kavacham means armour.

'Ganesh Kavacham' is a prayer to invoke Lord Ganesha seeking his protection from any peril or demonic forces. It is also called Kavach Stotram, Vinayakar Kavacham or Vinayaka Kavacham. The Kavacham is believed to protect body, life, material and spiritual interests. 

श्री गणेश कवच

एषोति चपलो दैत्यान् बाल्येपि नाशयत्यहो ।

अग्रे किं कर्म कर्तेति न जाने मुनिसत्तम ॥ १ ॥

दैत्या नानाविधा दुष्टास्साधु देवद्रुमः खलाः ।

अतोस्य कंठे किंचित्त्यं रक्षां संबद्धुमर्हसि ॥ २ ॥

ध्यायेत् सिंहगतं विनायकममुं दिग्बाहु माद्ये युगे

त्रेतायां तु मयूर वाहनममुं षड्बाहुकं सिद्धिदम् । ई

द्वापरेतु गजाननं युगभुजं रक्तांगरागं विभुम् तुर्ये

तु द्विभुजं सितांगरुचिरं सर्वार्थदं सर्वदा ॥ ३ ॥

विनायक श्शिखांपातु परमात्मा परात्परः ।

अतिसुंदर कायस्तु मस्तकं सुमहोत्कटः ॥ ४ ॥

ललाटं कश्यपः पातु भ्रूयुगं तु महोदरः ।

नयने बालचंद्रस्तु गजास्यस्त्योष्ठ पल्लवौ ॥ ५ ॥

जिह्वां पातु गजक्रीडश्चुबुकं गिरिजासुतः ।

वाचं विनायकः पातु दंतान्‌ रक्षतु दुर्मुखः ॥ ६ ॥

श्रवणौ पाशपाणिस्तु नासिकां चिंतितार्थदः ।

गणेशस्तु मुखं पातु कंठं पातु गणाधिपः ॥ ७ ॥

स्कंधौ पातु गजस्कंधः स्तने विघ्नविनाशनः ।

हृदयं गणनाथस्तु हेरंबो जठरं महान् ॥ ८ ॥

धराधरः पातु पार्श्वौ पृष्ठं विघ्नहरश्शुभः ।

लिंगं गुह्यं सदा पातु वक्रतुंडो महाबलः ॥ ९ ॥

गजक्रीडो जानु जंघो ऊरू मंगलकीर्तिमान् ।

एकदंतो महाबुद्धिः पादौ गुल्फौ सदावतु ॥ १० ॥

क्षिप्र प्रसादनो बाहु पाणी आशाप्रपूरकः ।

अंगुलीश्च नखान् पातु पद्महस्तो रिनाशनः ॥ ११ ॥

सर्वांगानि मयूरेशो विश्वव्यापी सदावतु ।

अनुक्तमपि यत् स्थानं धूमकेतुः सदावतु ॥ १२ ॥

आमोदस्त्वग्रतः पातु प्रमोदः पृष्ठतोवतु ।

प्राच्यां रक्षतु बुद्धीश आग्नेय्यां सिद्धिदायकः ॥ १३ ॥

दक्षिणस्यामुमापुत्रो नैऋत्यां तु गणेश्वरः ।

प्रतीच्यां विघ्नहर्ता व्याद्वायव्यां गजकर्णकः ॥ १४ ॥

कौबेर्यां निधिपः पायादीशान्याविशनंदनः ।

दिवाव्यादेकदंत स्तु रात्रौ संध्यासु यःविघ्नहृत् ॥ १५ ॥

राक्षसासुर बेताल ग्रह भूत पिशाचतः ।

पाशांकुशधरः पातु रजस्सत्त्वतमस्स्मृतीः ॥ १६ ॥

ज्ञानं धर्मं च लक्ष्मी च लज्जां कीर्तिं तथा कुलम् । ई

वपुर्धनं च धान्यं च गृहं दारास्सुतान्सखीन् ॥ १७ ॥

सर्वायुध धरः पौत्रान् मयूरेशो वतात् सदा ।

कपिलो जानुकं पातु गजाश्वान् विकटोवतु ॥ १८ ॥

भूर्जपत्रे लिखित्वेदं यः कंठे धारयेत् सुधीः ।

न भयं जायते तस्य यक्ष रक्षः पिशाचतः ॥ १९ ॥

त्रिसंध्यं जपते यस्तु वज्रसार तनुर्भवेत् ।

यात्राकाले पठेद्यस्तु निर्विघ्नेन फलं लभेत् ॥ २० ॥

युद्धकाले पठेद्यस्तु विजयं चाप्नुयाद्ध्रुवम् ।

मारणोच्चाटनाकर्ष स्तंभ मोहन कर्मणि ॥ २१ ॥

सप्तवारं जपेदेतद्दनानामेकविंशतिः ।

तत्तत्फलमवाप्नोति साधको नात्र संशयः ॥ २२ ॥

एकविंशतिवारं च पठेत्तावद्दिनानि यः ।

कारागृहगतं सद्यो राज्ञावध्यं च मोचयोत् ॥ २३ ॥

राजदर्शन वेलायां पठेदेतत् त्रिवारतः ।

स राजानं वशं नीत्वा प्रकृतीश्च सभां जयेत् ॥ २४ ॥

इदं गणेशकवचं कश्यपेन सविरितम् ।

मुद्गलाय च ते नाथ मांडव्याय महर्षये ॥ २५ ॥

मह्यं स प्राह कृपया कवचं सर्व सिद्धिदम् ।

न देयं भक्तिहीनाय देयं श्रद्धावते शुभम् ॥ २६ ॥

अनेनास्य कृता रक्षा न बाधास्य भवेत् व्याचित् ।

राक्षसासुर बेताल दैत्य दानव संभवाः ॥ २७ ॥

॥ इति श्री गणेशपुराणे श्री गणेश कवचं संपूर्णम् ॥

1. Ganesh Strotra

✴✴✴श्री गणेश स्त्रोत्र✴✴✴

प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकम् ।

भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यं आयुःकामार्थसिद्धये ॥ १॥

प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकम् ।
तृतीयं कृष्णपिङ्गाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकम् ॥ २॥

लम्बोदरं पञ्चमं च षष्ठं विकटमेव च ।
सप्तमं विघ्नराजेन्द्रं धूम्रवर्णं तथाष्टमम् ॥ ३॥

नवमं भालचन्द्रं च दशमं तु विनायकम् ।
एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तु गजाननम् ॥ ४॥

द्वादशैतानि नामानि त्रिसंध्यं यः पठेन्नरः ।
न च विघ्नभयं तस्य सर्वसिद्धिकरः प्रभुः ॥ ५॥

विद्यार्थी लभते विद्यां धनार्थी लभते धनम् ।
पुत्रार्थी लभते पुत्रान्मोक्षार्थी लभते गतिम् ॥ ६॥

जपेद्गणपतिस्तोत्रं षड्भिर्मासैः फलं लभेत् ।
संवत्सरेण सिद्धिं च लभते नात्र संशयः ॥ ७॥

अष्टेभ्यो ब्राह्मणेभ्यश्च लिखित्वा यः समर्पयेत् ।
तस्य विद्या भवेत्सर्वा गणेशस्य प्रसादतः ॥ ८॥

1. Ganesh Aarti - Jai Ganesha Deva

Ganesha Glorified with Aarti

English Transliteration

Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva,
Maata Jaaki Parvati Pitaa Mahadeva,
Ladoowan Ka Bhog Lage Sant Karen Sevaa;

Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva,
Eka Dant Dayavant Chaar Bhujadhari,
Maathe Par Tilak Sohe Muse Ki Sawaari,
Paan Chadhe Phool Chadhe Aur Chadhe Mevaa;

Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva,
Andhe Ko Aankh Det Kohin Ko Kaaya,
Banjhan Ko Putra Det Nirdhan Ko Maaya,
Surya Shama Sharan Aaye Safal Kijye Sevaa;

Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Deva!

Hindi 

जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥

एकदन्त दयावन्त चारभुजाधारी ।
माथे पर तिलक सोहे मूसे की सवारी ॥

पान चढ़े फूल चढ़े और चढ़े मेवा
लड्डुअन का भोग लगे सन्त करें सेवा ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥

अंधे को आँख देत कोढ़िन को काया ।
बाँझन को पुत्र देत निर्धन को माया ॥

'सूर' श्याम शरण आए सफल कीजे सेवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥

दीनन की लाज राखो, शंभु सुतवारी
कामना को पूर्ण करो, जग बलिहारी ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥

6. Ganesh Stuti

श्री गणपति स्तुति

सरागिलोकदुर्लभं विरागिलोकपूजितं सुरासुरैर्नमस्कृतं जरापमृत्युनाशकम् ।
गिरा गुरुं श्रिया हरिं जयन्ति यत्पदार्चकाः नमामि तं गणाधिपं कृपापयः पयोनिधिम् ॥ १॥
गिरीन्द्रजामुखाम्बुज प्रमोददान भास्करं करीन्द्रवक्त्रमानताघसङ्घवारणोद्यतम् ।
सरीसृपेश बद्धकुक्षिमाश्रयामि सन्ततं शरीरकान्ति निर्जिताब्जबन्धुबालसन्ततिम् ॥ २॥
शुकादिमौनिवन्दितं गकारवाच्यमक्षरं प्रकाममिष्टदायिनं सकामनम्रपङ्क्तये ।
चकासतं चतुर्भुजैः विकासिपद्मपूजितं प्रकाशितात्मतत्वकं नमाम्यहं गणाधिपम् ॥ ३॥
नराधिपत्वदायकं स्वरादिलोकनायकं ज्वरादिरोगवारकं निराकृतासुरव्रजम् ।
कराम्बुजोल्लसत्सृणिं विकारशून्यमानसैः हृदासदाविभावितं मुदा नमामि विघ्नपम् ॥ ४॥
श्रमापनोदनक्षमं समाहितान्तरात्मनां सुमादिभिः सदार्चितं क्षमानिधिं गणाधिपम् ।
रमाधवादिपूजितं यमान्तकात्मसम्भवं शमादिषड्गुणप्रदं नमामि तं विभूतये ॥ ५॥
गणाधिपस्य पञ्चकं नृणामभीष्टदायकं प्रणामपूर्वकं जनाः पठन्ति ये मुदायुताः ।
भवन्ति ते विदां पुरः प्रगीतवैभवाजवात् चिरायुषोऽधिकः श्रियस्सुसूनवो न संशयः ॥ ६॥ ।।

1. About Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

Other Names - Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chavithi.

Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu, Chavath in Konkani and as Chathaa in Nepal Bhasa.

Occasion - Religious Festival

Period - 10 to 11 Days

Timing - Lunar Month of Bhadrapada

Reason- Birth of Lord Ganesha 

The Ganeshotsav (meaning the grand festival of Ganesha) commences on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi and ends after a period of ten days on Anant Chaturdashi. The festival marks the celebration of birth of Lord Ganesha.

According to Hindu Calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha (period of waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. This concurs with the month of August or September of English (Gregorian) Calendar.

The festival begins with the initiation of worship of idol of Lord Ganesha on the day of Chaturthi and concludes with the immersion of idol (Visarjan) on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. There is a mass gathering and gala street procession on the day of Anant Chaturdashi.

With the onset of Ganeshotsav on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaauth), worship of Lord Ganesha commences. It is stated in scriptures that Ganesha was born during   Madhyahna (midday according to Hindu astrology) and hence it is the most preferred time of worship.

Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means “asking God to fulfill any desire one has”. Lord Ganesha blesses devotees with wisdom and patience who observe this fast. The wisdom and patience are two virtues whose significance is known to human kind since ages. Anyone who possesses these virtues can progress in life and can achieve whatever one desires. 

3. Anga Pooja of Ganesha

In Anga Pujan, each part of Ganesha's body is appraised and evoke to seek his blessings.

Here is the list of Ganesha Mantra for each vital body parts-

ॐ गणेश्वराय नमः - पादौ पूजयामि।
Om Ganeshwaraya Namah, Paadou Poojayaami – Legs

ॐ विघ्नराजाय नमः - जानुनि पूजयामि।
Om Vighnarajaya Namah, Jaanuni Poojayaami – Knee

ॐ आखुवाहनाय नमः - ऊरूः पूजयामि।
Om Akhuvahanaya Namah, Oorooh Poojayaami – Thighs

ॐ हेरम्बाय नमः - कटि पूजयामि।
Om Herambaya Namah, Kati Poojayaami – Buttocks

ॐ कामरी सूनवे नमः - नाभिं पूजयामि।
Om Kaamari Sunve Namah, Naabhim Poojayaami – Navel

ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः - उदरं पूजयामि।
Om Lambodaraya Namah, Udaram Poojayaami – Stomach

ॐ गौरीसुताय नमः - स्तनौ पूजयामि।
Om Gaurisutaya Namah, Stanau Poojayaami- Bosom

ॐ गणनाथाय नमः - हृदयं पूजयामि।
Om Gananathaya Namah, Hrudayam Poojayaami – Chest

ॐ स्थूल कण्ठाय नमः - कण्ठं पूजयामि।
Om Sthula Kanthaya Namah, Kantham Poojayaami – Throat

ॐ पाश हस्ताय नमः - स्कन्धौ पूजयामि।
Om Pasha-hastaya Namah, Skandhau Poojayaami – Shoulders

ॐ गजवक्त्राय नमः - हस्तान् पूजयामि।
Om Gajavaktraya Namah, Hastaan Poojayaami – Hands

ॐ स्कन्दाग्रजाय नमः - वक्त्रं पूजयामि।
Om Skandagrajaya Namah, Vaktram Poojayaami – Face

ॐ विघ्नराजाय नमः - ललाटं पूजयामि।
Om Vighnarajaya Namah, Lalaatam Poojayaami – Forehead

ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः - शिरः पूजयामि।
Om Sarveshvaraya Namah, Shirah Poojayaami – Head

ॐ गणाधिपताय नमः - सर्वाङ्गाणि पूजयामि।
Om Ganadhipataya Namah, Sarvaangaani Poojayaami – Whole Body

2. Story of Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi - Mumbai - 2

It is learned that a very pious saint named Akkalkot Swami Samarth prophesied the appearance of Ganesha at the current place of temple. 

Akkalkot Swami Samarth asked his disciple named Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj to bring some divine idols. He asked Ramakrishna to burry two divine idols in the courtyard of Maath (hermitage) of Shri Cholappa who was another disciple of Swami Samartha. At that time Swami Samartha was temperorily residing in the hermitage of Shri Cholappa. He foretold Ramakrishna that twenty one years later, a Samyambhu Ganesha would appear on the holy tree of Mandar Tree.

Thus, it happened. After twenty one years, a Mandar Tree grew at the spot. Since the Ganesha appeared from the Earth, He is referred to as svayambhu Ganesha. This idol  of Ganesha had a right side trunk is now installed as the prime deity in the Siddhivinayak Temple.

Ramakrishna was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. He mediated rigorously for many years seeking Ganesha's blessings with chanting of Ganesha and Gayatri mantras. Consequently, he attained Assyssinian (siddhi). 

The math (abode of sage) of Ramakrishna is located near sea-shore in Dadar, Mumbai.

1. Story of Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi - Mumbai - 1

Here is the story related to origin of Sri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, a popular temple located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The temple is dedicated to Siddhivinayak (wish granting form) form of Ganesha, who is also known as Navasala Pavnara Ganapati.

Once there lived a rich woman called Deubai Patil. Deubai hailed from an agrian society of Matunga region in Mumbai.

One day during the prayer ceremony (Aarti), Deubai made a request to Lord Ganesha. She said, ‘O Ganesha! You are the creator, our saviors and bestower of all wishes. My Lord, I humbly vow to your feet and seek your permission to construct a temple in your pious name. I am a childless woman and know the plea of not having this dispensation. I plead you to grant your divine presence in this temple, where bare couples can seek your blessings for a child’.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha granted Deubai her request and the temple of construction began in 1801. The construction contract was given to contractor Laxman Vithu Patil and thus the temple (original) was built.

The temple of Sri Siddhivinayak is popular for fulfillment /granting of wishes, hence it is also known as Navasacha Ganapati or Navasala Pavanara Ganapati in the local Marathi language which means ‘the benevolent Ganapati who grants wishes when prayed to genuinely and humbly.

23. Meaning of Morya

The slogan "Ganpati bappa morya, pudhchya warshi lavkar ya" is a marathi slogan in praise and glorification of Ganesha. It means people call name of Ganesha in devotion, referring him to as Great father who was immensely worshipped by Morya Gosavi (one of the most ardent devotees of Ganesha), asking Ganesha to return soon next year. 

The Ganapati baapa Morya, Mangalmurti morya'.

The word Mangalmurti means bestower of serenity and one who makes things auspicious. The word proclaims the glory of Ganapati. 

5. Ganesha and Scriptures

There are multiple scriptures describing Lord Ganesha. These volumes encompass descriptions related to birth, life, rituals and customs around Ganesha. These scriptures are -

1.  Mudgala Purana

2.  Shiva Purana

3. Ganesha Khanda of Brahma Purana

4. Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad

5. Ganapathi Upanishad (Here Ganesha is identified as the supreme self)

6. Matsya Purana 

7. Ganesha Purana

8. Ganesha Sahasranama

9. Narada Puran (it is source of Ganesha Stotra)

2. 21 Patras Pooja

The worship of Lord Ganesha with twenty one different types of leaves (called Patras) finds a special mention. It is believed that when Ganesha us ritualistically offered these leaves, he is pleased and bestows wealth and prosperity. 

Each leaf type is associated with a unique name of Ganesha. Also, each type of leaf is offered with recitation of unique Mantra associated with the name of the leaf. Hence, the twenty one Patra Puja is also known as Eka-Vinshati.

Here is the list of 21 patras and associated mantras -

1. Shami Patram
ॐ सुमुखाय नमः ll
Om Sumukhaya Namah
Shami Patram Samarpayami

2.  Bhringraj Patram
ॐ गणाधीशाय नमः ll
Om Ganadhishaya Namah – Bhringraj Patram Samarpayami।

3. ॐ उमा पुत्राय नमः ll
Om Umaputraya Namah – Bilva Patram Samarpayami।

4. ॐ गजमुखाय नमः ll
Om Gajamukhaya Namah – Durvaa Patram Samarpayami।

5. ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः ll
Om Lambodaraya Namah – Badari (Ber) Patram Samarpayami।

6. ॐ हर सूनवे नमः ll
Om Harasunavey Namah – Datura Patram Samarpayami।

7. ॐ शूर्पकर्णाय नमः कहकर तुलसी पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Shurpakarnaya Namah – Tulasi Patram Samarpayami।

8. ॐ वक्रतुण्डाय नमः कहकर सेम का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vakratundaya Namah – Sem Patram Samarpayami।

9.ॐ गुहाग्रजाय नमः कहकर अपामार्ग पत्र (चिरचिटाअजाझारा) चढ़ावें।
Om Guhaagrajaya Namah – Apamarga Patram Samarpayami।

10. ॐ एकदन्ताय नमः कहकर भटकटैया का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Ekadantaya Namah – Bhatakataiya Patram Samarpayami।

11. ॐ हेरम्बराय नमः कहकर सिन्दूर वृक्ष का पत्र या सिन्दूर चूर्ण अर्पित करें।
Om Herambaya Namah – Sindoor Patram Samarpayami।

12. ॐ चतुर्होत्रै नमः कहकर तेज पात अर्पण करें।
Om Chaturhotrai Namah – Tej Patram Samarpayami।

13. ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः कहकर अगस्त (अगस्त्य) का पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Sarveshvaraya Namah – Agastya Patram Samarpayami।

14. Kaner Leaves ॐ विकटाय नमः कहकर कनेर का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vikataya Namah – Kaner Patram Samarpayami।

15. Kadali (Kela) Leaves
ॐ हेमतुण्डाय नमः कहकर कदली (केला) पत्र अर्पण करें।
Om Hematundaya Namah – Kadali (Kela) Patram Samarpayami।

16. Arka Leaves
ॐ विनायकाय नमः कहकर अर्क पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Vinayakaya Namah – Arka Patram Samarpayami।

17. Arjuna Leaves
ॐ कपिलाय नमः कहकर अर्जुन पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Kapilaya Namah – Arjuna Patram Samarpayami।

18.Devadaaru Leaves
ॐ वटवे नमः कहकर देवदारू का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vatave Namah – Devadaaru Patram Samarpayami।

19. Maru Leaves
ॐ भाल चन्द्राय नमः कहकर मरुआ का पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Bhal Chandraya Namah – Marua Patram Samarpayami।

20. Gandhari Leaves
ॐ सुराग्रजाय नमःll
Om Suraagrajaya Namah
Gandhari (Gandari) Patram Samarpayami

21. Ketaki Leaves

ॐ सिद्धि विनायकाय नमः ll
Om Siddhi Vinayakaya Namah
Ketaki Patram Samarpayami

----

2. Ganesh Chalisa version 1

The word 'Chalisa' signifies the number fourty. The Ganesh Chalisa is collection of fourty couplets set in a rhyming for to glorify Lord Ganesha. It is thus a devotional chant read in praise of Lord Ganesh. 
The Ganesh Chalisa' was originally written in the Awadhi language. It is very popular among Ganesha devotees and is recited bg many as a daily prayer.

English Transliteration

Jai Jai Jai Ganapati Ganaraaju, Mangal Bharana Karana shubha kaajuu l
Jai Gajbadan Sadan Sukhdaata , Vishva Vinaayaka Buddhi Vidhaataa Vakra ll

Tunda Shuchi Shunda Suhaavana,Tilaka Tripunda bhaal Man Bhaavan l
Raajata Mani Muktana ura maala, Swarna Mukuta Shira Nayana Vishaalaa ll

Pustak Paani Kuthaar Trishuulam , Modaka Bhoga Sugandhit Phuulam l
Sundara Piitaambar Tana Saajit, Charana Paadukaa Muni Man Raajit ll

Dhani Shiva Suvan Shadaanana Bhraataa, Gaurii Lalan Vishva-Vikhyaata  l
Riddhi Siddhi Tav Chanvar Sudhaare, Mooshaka Vaahan Sohat Dvaare  ll

Kahaun Janma Shubh Kathaa Tumhari,Ati Shuchi Paavan Mangalkaarii  l
Ek Samay Giriraaj Kumaarii, Putra Hetu Tapa Kiinhaa Bhaarii  ll

Bhayo Yagya Jaba Poorana Anupaa,Taba Pahunchyo Tuma Dhari Dvija Rupaa  l
Atithi Jaani Kay Gaurii Sukhaarii, Bahu Vidhi Sevaa Karii Tumhaarii  ll

Ati Prasanna Hvai Tum Vara Diinhaa, Maatu Putra Hit Jo Tap Kiinhaa  l
Milhii Putra Tuhi, Buddhi Vishaala , Binaa Garbha Dhaarana Yahi Kaalaa  ll

Gananaayaka Guna Gyaan Nidhaanaa, Puujita Pratham Roop Bhagavaanaa  l
Asa Kehi Antardhyaana Roop Hvai, Palanaa Par Baalak Svaroop Hvai  ll

BaniShishuRudanJabahiTum Thaanaa,Lakhi Mukh Sukh Nahin Gauri Samaanaa  l
Sakal Magan Sukha Mangal Gaavahin, Nabha Te Suran Suman Varshaavahin  ll

Shambhu Umaa Bahudaan Lutaavahin,Sura Munijana Suta Dekhan Aavahin
Lakhi Ati Aanand Mangal Saajaa, Dekhan Bhii Aaye Shani Raajaa  ll

Nija Avaguna Gani Shani Man Maahiin, Baalak Dekhan Chaahat Naahiin  l
Girijaa Kachhu Man Bheda Badhaayo, Utsava Mora Na Shani Tuhi Bhaayo  ll

Kahana Lage Shani Man Sakuchaai, Kaa Karihau Shishu Mohi Dikhayii  l
Nahin Vishvaasa Umaa Ura Bhayauu, Shani Son Baalak Dekhan Kahyau  ll

Padatahin Shani Drigakona Prakaashaa, Baalak Sira Udi Gayo Aakaashaa  l
Girajaa Girii Vikala Hvai Dharanii, So Dukha Dashaa Gayo Nahin Varanii  ll

Haahaakaara Machyo Kailaashaa, Shani Kiinhon Lakhi Suta Ko Naashaa  l
Turat Garuda Chadhi Vishnu Sidhaaye, Kaati Chakra So GajaShira Laaye  ll

Baalak Ke Dhada Uupar Dhaarayo, Praana Mantra Padhi Shankar Daarayo  l
Naama’Ganesha’ShambhuTabaKiinhe,Pratham Poojya Buddhi Nidhi Vara Diinhe  ll

Buddhi Pariikshaa Jab Shiva Kiinhaa , Prithvii Kar Pradakshinaa Liinhaa  l
Chale Shadaanana Bharami Bhulaai, Rache Baithii Tum Buddhi Upaai  ll

Charana Maatu-Pitu Ke Dhara Liinhen, Tinake Saat Pradakshina Kiinhen  l
Dhani Ganesha Kahi Shiva Hiye Harashyo,Nabha Te Suran Suman Bahu Barse  ll

Tumharii Mahima Buddhi Badaai, Shesha Sahasa Mukha Sake Na Gaai  l
Main Mati Heen Maliina Dukhaarii, Karahun Kaun Vidhi Vinaya Tumhaarii  ll

Bhajata ‘Raamsundara’ Prabhudaasaa, Jaga Prayaaga Kakraa Durvaasaa.  l
Ab Prabhu Dayaa Deena Par Keejai, Apnii Bhakti Shakti Kuchha Deejai  ll

ll Dohaa ll

Shrii Ganesha Yeh Chaalisaa, Paatha Karre Dhara Dhyaan l
Nita Nav Mangala Graha Base, Lahe Jagat Sanmaana ll

Sambandh Apna Sahasra Dash, Rishi panchamii dinesha l
Poorana Chaalisaa Bhayo, Mangala Moorti Ganesha ll

Hindi Version
दोहा
जय गणपति सदगुणसदन.  करिवर बदन कृपाल.
विघ्न हरण मंगल करण.  जय जय गिरिजा लाल.
चौपाई
जय जय जय गणपति गण राजू.  मंगल भरण करण शुभ काजू.
जय गजबदन सुखदाता. विश्व विनायक बुद्धि विधाता.
वक्र तुण्ड शुचि शुण्ड सुहावन. तिलक त्रिपुण्ड भाल मन भावन.
राजत मणि मुक्तन उर माला. स्वर्ण मुकुट शिर नयन विशाला.
पुस्तक पाणि कुठार त्रिशुलं. मोदक भोग सुगंधित फ़ूलं.
सुन्दर पिताम्बर तन साजित. चरण पादुका मुनि मन राजित.
धनि शिवसुवन शडानन भ्राता.  गौरी ललन विश्व विख्याता.
ऋद्धि-सिद्धि तव चंवर सुधारे. मूशक वाहन सोहत द्वारे.
कहौ जन्म शुभ कथा तुम्हारी. अति शुचि पावन मंगलकारी.
एक समय गिरिराज कुमारी. पुत्र हेतु तप कीन्हा भारी.
भयो यज्ञ जब पूर्ण अनूपा.  तब पहुंच्यो तुम धरि द्धिज रुपा.
अतिथि जानि कै गौरि सुखारी.  बहुविधि सेवा करी तुम्हारी.
अति प्रसन्न हवै तुम वर दीन्हा. मातु पुत्र हित जो तप कीन्हा.
मिलहि पुत्र तुहि, बुद्धि विशाला.  बिना गर्भ धारण, यहि काला.
गणनायक, गुण ज्ञान निधाना.  पूजित प्रथम, रुप भगवाना.
अस कहि अन्तर्धान रुप हवै. पलना पर बालक स्वरुप हवै.
बनि शिशु , रुदन जबहिं तुम ठान.  लखि मुख नहिं गौरि समाना.
सकल मगन, सुखमंगल गावहिं. नभ ते सुरन सुमन वर्शावाहिं.
शम्भु , उमा , बहु दान लुटावहिं.  सुर मुनिजन, सुत देखन आवहिं.
लखि अति आनन्द मंगल साजा. देखन भी आये शनि राजा.
निज अवगुण गुनि शनि मन माहीं.  बालक, देखन चाहत नाहीं.
गिरिजा कछु मन भेद बढ़ायो. उत्सव मोर, न शनि तुहि भायो.
कहन लगे शनि, मन सकुचाई. का करि हौ, शिशु मोहि दिखाई.
नहिं विश्वास , उमा उर भयौऊ.  शनि सो बालक देखन कहयऊ.
पडतहिं, शनि दृग कोण प्रकाशा. बालक सिर उड़ि गयो अकाशा
गिरिजा गिरीं विकल हवै धरणी. सो दुख दशा गयो नंहि वरणी.
हाहाकार मच्यो कैलाशा. शनि कीन्हो लखि सुत को नाशा.
तुरत गरुड़ विष्णु सिधाय. काटि चक्र सों गज शिर लाये.
बालक के धड़ ऊपर धारयो. प्राण, मन्त्र पढ़ि शंकर डारयो.
नाम गणेश शम्भु तब कीन्हे. प्रथम पूज्य बुद्धि निधि वर दीन्हे.
बुद्धि परिक्षा जब शिव कीन्हा. पृथ्वी पर प्रदक्षिणा लीन्हा.
चले शडानन भरमि भुलाई. रचे बैठ तुम बुद्धि उपाई.
चरण मातु-पितु के घर लीन्हें. तिनके सात प्रदक्षिण कीन्हें.
धनि गणेश कहि शिव हिय हरशे. नभ ते सुरन सुमन बह बरसे.
तुम्हारी महिमा बद्धि बड़ाई. शेश सहस मुख सके न गाई.
मैं मति हीन मलीन दुखारी. करहुँ कौन विधि विनय तुम्हारी.
भजत राम सुन्दर प्रभुदासा. लग, प्रयाग, ककरा दुर्वासा.
अब प्रभु दया दीन पर कीजै. अपनी शक्ती भक्ति कुछ दीजै.

दोहा
श्री गणेश यह चालीसा, पाठ करें धर ध्यान.
नित नव मंगल गृह बसै, लगे जगत सन्मान.
सम्बन्ध अपने सहस्त्र दश, ऋशि पंचमी दिनेश.
पूरण चालीसा भयो, मंगल मूर्ति गणेश.

23. Malini and Birth of Ganesha

Here is one of lesser known stories related to the birth of Lord Ganesha.

Malini is a elephant headed Goddess who once dwelled in a forest near the banks of River Ganga.

Once Goddess Parvati came to stay with her parents on in the Himalayan mountains. She went to the banks of River Ganga and took bath there. This water was drunk by the Goddess Malini.

Goddess Malini under the miraculous effect of water from the body of Goddess Parvati, gave birth to a boy with five Elephant heads and four arms. Goddess Malini began loving the boy as her son. 

Days passed by. One day, Goddess Parvati came to the banks of River Ganga again. She sat on the river bank, playing with the water when he heard the cry of a child. Goddess Parvati was alerted. She went around to see and saw a child lying in the groove of a large tree. She took the boy in her arms and caressed it in its forehead. Seeing the infantry innocence Goddess Parvati was overcome by the feeling of motherhood. She took the child close to her heart.  

Suddenly, Malini appeared there. She carried food for the child in her trunk. She was startled to see the boy in Parvati's arm. When Parvati saw Malini she asked her, "O pious woman, is this boy yours? It was felt unattendent and was crying in the groove".

Malini nodded before Parvati asking her for the boy. She took the boy in her trunk lovingly. Leaving the child Parvati felt a gap. She returned to the palace in dismay. She was filled with some strange emptiness. 

Back in the palace, Parvati told her sisters about the little boy. One of the attendants who heard Parvati, came and told her the how the boy was born. Parvati was surprised to know that the water from her body could gestate an elephant. 

Next day, Parvati went to the riverside again. Malini was resting under a tree with her little boy. Time passed by as Parvati waited for them to wake up. 

When Malini woke up, Goddess Parvati went to her and asked, "Did you drink the water I bathed in?"

Malini nodded in agreement. She revealed, "This boy was born after I drank the water you bathed in". 

When Goddess Parvati came to know about the birth of boy was under the effect of water in which she bathed, she claimed that the boy was her son. She said, "Malini, thus is my son as he was born from the water I bathed in. Give him to me". However, Malini equally loved the child and refused. A terrible argument broke between Parvati and Malini.

At last they, they decided to approach Lord Shiva to resolve the issue. They both went to Mount Kailash with the boy. Lord Shiva heard the plea of Malini and Parvati. He decided that that boy belonged to Parvati as he was seeded by water washed off from Parvati's body. He fused the five heads of the boys into one and named the child as Vignesh meaning the remover of obstacles.

Malini wept after Shiva decided that the child belonged to Parvati. Lord Shiva blessed Malini  to be known as Vigneshwara, meaning the mother of Vignesh. She returned to her home near the bank of river Ganga where she came to be worshipped for giving birth to Lord Vignesh. 

22. The Shiva's Slew

Adityah, the Sun God was son of Sage Kashyap, one of the great Saptarishis (the seven great sages).

Once Shiva was in deep meditation when Adityah began shinning very brightly. This enraged Shiva. He slewed Adityah in anger. Adityah fell to death and the entire creation came into utter darkness. 

Sage Kashyap by his divine powers sensed the wrath on his son. He came out of his hut and saw darkness all around. The sage closed his eyes and with his divine powers saw Lord Shiva slewing Adityah. Sage Kashyap was devastated to see his son dead. He went to Mount Kailash and saw his beheaded son. The sage lamented the unexpected death of his son. Shiva came and saw the sage crying.

In agony and anger, Sage Kashyap cursed Shiva, "You have slewed my son in your rage. In same rush of rage, you shall slew your own son".

Lord Shiva's rage was pacified hearing the sage's curse. He said, "O respected sage, I understand your agony over the lose of your son- Adityah. I shall bring Adityah back to life".

Saying this Shiva, went to discover an head for Adityah's beheaded body. He returned with an elephant head and brought Adityah back to life. 

However, Sage Kashyap was tormented to see his son's half human appearance. His rage knew no bounds and he further cursed Shiva, "Shiva, you shall do the same to your son. Your son would have an elephant head".

Saying this Sage Kashyap returned with Adityah and Shiva returned to his abode in Kailash. 

Years passed by and the curse of Sage Kashyap came true. Shiva beheaded his son - Ganesha in rage and later gave him life back with an elephant head.

21. Story of Durva - 3

Once there lived a Sage named Sage Kaundinya.

Sage Kaundinya was very learned. He was a great devotee of Lord Ganesha. He offered durva grass to Ganesha everyday with changing of mantras appraising and glorifying Ganesha.

One day after Sage Kaundinya concluded his prayers and sat for the midday meal, when his wife Ashraya asked him, "Why do you keep the druva on head of Ganesha everyday? How can such frutile grass blades please the God?"

Sage Kaundinya began explaining the importance of druva in appraising Lord Ganesha. He even narrated the mythological story of Ganesha and Analasura. However Ashraya thought that the story was a mere mythological myth and refused to believe Kaundinya.

Once again Ashraya expressed her doubt about the importance of durva. Now Sage Kaundinya gave her a bunch of twenty one 'Durva grass and asked her to fetch equivalent gold from Indra, the King of Heaven.

Ashraya approached Lord Indra and asked him for gold equivalent to 'Durva she had brought with her. Indra asked Ashraya to see Kubera the celestial treasurer.

Kubera agreed to offer gold equivalent to 'Durva Ashraya had brought with her. He began weighing gold equivalent to 'Durva brought by Ashraya. However, as Kubera added equivalent gold, the durva kept outweighing the gold. This continued and the entire gold from Kubera's treasure house was exhausted. Kubera then asked the higher Gods to come and help him.

Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Gods of Heaven stood together against the 'Durva. However, durva outweighed all of them put together. They all were taken back by the power of durva and went to Sage Kaundinya who had send his wife Ashraya to fetch gold equivalent to the bunch of 21 Durva grass.

The Gods and Ashraya were enlightened. They went to Sage Kaudinya and confessed doubting thd important of 'Durva grass. The sage reiterated the power of 'Durva in appraising Ganesha which found universal acceptance henceforth.

20. Story of Durva - 2

Once there lived a beautiful nymph named Tilottama in the Kingdom of Heaven ruled by Lord Indra.

Tilottoma was ceaselessly beautiful. One day Ganesha visited the court of Indra when Tilottama was performing dances. Ganesha was taken away by the beauty of Tilottoma. 

When Lord Indra saw Ganesha, he asked he nymphs to stop. The nymphs sat besides Lord Indra. 

When Ganesha spoke to Indra and other Gods of Heaven, his virtues and values were revealed to Tilottoma. She began to admire Ganesha and fell in love with him.

When Ganesha left the court, Tilottoma followed him.

Ganesha saw Tilottoma following her and smiled back. Then he waited and spoke to her.

Tilottoma said, "O Ganesha, you are most vitreous God. I wish to devote myself to your. I express my deep and true desire to marry you".

Ganesha was pleased to hear Tilottoma. However he affirmed, "Tilottoma, I wish to let my parents know about your desire". Saying this, Ganesha left with Tilottoma for Mount Kailash.

Ganesha reached Kailash, where he approached his mother Parvati and told her about Tilottoma. He praised the beautiful nymph and expressed his wish to marry her, while Tilottoma waited outside.

Hearing that her son's desire to marry a celestial dancer, Parvati was provoked. She left in fury and cursed Tilottoma who was waiting at the threshold of their home.

"Tilottoma! My son Ganesha has a high descend and occupies a very high, respectable position among all Gods. You are a celestial dance. You have wrongly attempted to allure my son. I curse you - you shall recede the Heaven and thrive on Earth as mere grass. Your shall loose your honour and pride and no one would bother to see you".

Tilottoma was devasted and rose above her desires. She fell on Parvati's pious feet and pleaded her for forgiveness. She said, "O Great Goddess! It is true that I have a lower descend and perform as a celestial dancer, but my love for son was true and devotional. I wanted to serve him rather than just please him. I plead you to forgive me".

Parvati realized that Tilottama's feelings towards Ganesha were true and devotional. However she could not take back her curse. So she said, "Tilottama, I cannot take back my curse. But since your feelings for Ganesha are true, I bless you that in your existence as 'Durva, you shall be used as an offering to Ganesha. Ganesha shall be adored and pleased by the offering of durva".

Thus 'Durva became dearer to Ganesha and came to be used in worshipping Ganesha.

Tilottama gratified Parvati. She took form of 'Durva grass on Earth and came to used for offering to Ganesha.

19. Story of Durva -1

The word 'Durva' is a complex word derived from  two words- dur and va, meaning the reverentd avam (which mean one which is far away and bring close respectively). It implies that druva brings the distant purity of Lord Ganesha closer to us.

Once there lived a powerful demon named Analasur. He was the son of Yama, the God of death and Tilottama, a celestial nymph (apsara). 

Analasura did severe penance to please Lord Shiva and came to be blessed by him. He acquired the power to emit fire from his eyes (hence his name, anala means fire).

After gaining such unsurpassable powers, Analasura became merciless and terrifying. He began destroying homes of earthlings and killed many of them. He killed sages for performing rituals and destroyed their offerings to Gods. There was panic among earthings and the Gods fled from their home in heaven. They roamed around hiding themselves from the wrath of Analasura.

Analasura deployed his powers to trouble Gods, sages and earthlings. He huddled the meditation, rituals and prayers of sages and swallowed or killed many of them. He emitted fire and destroyed homes, fields of humans. There was havoc in all three worlds.

Analasura even drew the God away from the heaven. He hailed Indra the ruler of heaven and attempted to kill him. But Indra managed to evade. Analasura acquired the kingdom of heaven.

The Gods were highly distressed. Under the guidance of their Guru Bhraspati, they invoked Lord Ganesha. When Lord Ganesha appeared, the Gods and sages pleaded Ganesha to save them from the wrath of Analasura.

Lord Ganesha took their request and promised to defend them.

Lord Ganesha knew Analasura was very powerful. But He was very witty and worked out a plot to kill Analasura.

Lord Ganesha took form of a pretty small sturdy child. He began the war with Analasura. The war was called the Sarvkasha war. Ganesha played around smartly against the deadly antics and attacks of Analasura. The demon's eyes fired balls of fire all around. The surroundings were destroyed by the malefic impact of these fireballs. 

A long war ensued and finally Analasura attempted to swallow the little Ganesha. Not withstanding this, Ganesha took a gigantic rigorous form (virat roop) and gulped Analasura

However, the demon's body caused a terrible flux of heat inside Ganesha's body. Ganesha was in unbearable agony. The Gods gathered to help Ganesha ease his pain. His mother Parvati smeared sandalwood paste all over his body. But the heat did not subside. Shiva lopped his cobra around Ganesha's waist. But the burning sensation was terrific.

Lord Varuna, the God of rain showered plenty of water on Ganesha's body. The Moon God came and seated on Ganesha's head to enable its radiance cool Ganesha's body (hence Ganesha came to be known as Bhalachandra). Lord Vishnu offered him his lotus to pacify the fiery wrath and Ganesha also came to be known as Padmapani. However, all the efforts were futile.

Soon the word about Ganesha' plight spread around. When the reverent Sage Kashyap came to know about Ganesha's plight, he decided to offer Durva grass to Ganesha.

Sage Kashyap knotted a bunch of druva grass blades and put it in Ganesha's head. He offered 21 such bundles to Ganesha. Much to the amazement to everyone around, the druva came to Ganesha's help. It causes the heat to recede and Ganesha was relieved. 

Lord Ganesha appreciated the gesture of Sage Kashyup and pronounced druv grass as one of his favorites. He further assured that one who offered Dhruva grass to him would be bestowed with prosperity.

18. Story of Ravana & Aathma Lingam

Ravana was the king of Lanka (present Srilanka). He was born to Sage Vishravas and the demon pdrenched Kaikesi, hence was a Brahmin by clan.

Ravana was a very powerful demon and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Initially, Ravana did great penance to please Lord Brahma and gained powers and kingdom. However, later he meditated on the name of Lord Shiva and became his staunch devotee.

Ravana was in deep devotional love with Lord Shiva. He was so overcome by this feeling that he decided to bring Lord Shiva to his kingdom and serve him before his eyes. 

(In another version, Ravana's mother prayed to Lord Shiva by making a Shivalinga of mud. However, the shivalinga was washed away by the sea everyday. Therefore, she asked Ravana to bring her a Shivalinga which she could worship everyday). 

Ravana performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. However, years passed by and Shiva was not invoked. In an attempt to invoke Shiva, Ravana resorted to extremities - he began offering is heads to Shiva. When all his nine heads were offered in the sacrifical fire, and he was set to offer his last and tenth head, Lord Shiva appeared. He said, "Ravana, Iam pleased by your penance and devotion. Ask me for a boon". 

Ravana asked Lord Shiva to come along with him. This meant that God was asked to surrender himself to a demon. However, Lord Shiva was compelled by his word and offered Atmalinga to Ravana.

Thus, Ravana approached Lord Shiva and asked him for a boon for his great penance and devotion - "O Greatest of Gods, the mighty Shiva. I wish that you come and reside with me in my kingdom".

Lord Shiva was bound by his promise. So He gave an Aathma Lingam to Ravana. The Atmalingam was a manifestation of Shiva's soul. However Shiva conditioned, "This is not an ordinary Shivalinga. Ravana, take this Atmalinga with care. Wherever it is first kept, it will get installed there".

Ravana accepted the Atmalinga with the condition that he would return to Lanka on foot and shall place the Atmalinga in his kingdom at an appropriate place. 

When the Gods came to know about the boon, they became worried. The possession of Atmalinga would increase the powers of Ravana. Indra, the ruler of heaven feared that Ravana would invade his kingdom and expel all God from heaven. Even Lord Brahma was worried seeing Ravana carry away the Atmalinga. 

The troubled Gods decided to approach Lord Ganesha. They prayed to Lord Ganesha to help them. Ganesha is an icon of wit and intelligence assured the Gods. He said, "How can I let a demon take away my father's soul? I shall bring the great Shiva back to his home in Mount Kailash".

Thus Ganesha thought of creating a stir which would forbid Ravana to leave the land of Bharatha (India) with the Atmalinga. 

Ganesha followed Ravana. Ravana was a Brahmin by descend and performed evening prayers everyday (Sadhyanaman). When the sun was about to set, Ravana was crossing a pastureland. The land had a rich grass bed and was meadowed by a river. 

A small cowherd was returning home with his herd. When Ravana saw the cowboy, he called him and said, "Boy, I have travelled miles since morning. Thexsun is about to set and I need to offer evening prayer and perform some ablutions. This is a very pious lingama and I cannot place it on the ground. Can you hold it, while I offer prayers?"

The boy innocently nodded in agreement. He said, "I will hold this Lingam. But you should return timely. My herd is standing unattended. Also, the Lingam appears to be heavy. If I am unable to bear its weight, I shall call your name thrice. If you do not return in three calls, I shall place the ligam down".

Ravana was pleased to hear that cowboy had agreed to hold the Ligam. He told the boy his name, "I am Ravana". 

Ravana handed over the Ligam to the boy and ran towards the river. He took a dip and began reciting the prayer. Just then there was commotion in the herd. The boy found that the Ligam was too heavy and therefore he began crying out in panic, "Ravana, please come and take the Lingam".  

Ravana who waa observed in prayers, failed to   hear the call. The boy iterated, "Ravana, my herd is unattended. I am unable to balance".

Just then, Ravana completed his prayers. He felt he was illudated by a voice. It was not apparet to him that the boy had been calling his name. 

The boy now gave the final call, "Ravana, I am finding it difficult to balance. Please come and take this Lingam".

This time, the boy's voice echoed in the surroundings. Ravana rushed out of the river. He was drenched, but immediately ran towards the boy to take hold of the Ligam. But the boy placed the Ligam in the ground.

Ravana ran shouting towards the boy to prevent him from placing the Lingam. But it was too late. 

Seeing the Lingam on the ground, Ravana gathered all his strenght to uproot it. However, the Lingam did not move. The force however caused the Ligam to dent, acquiring resemblance to cow ear. Hence this Lingam came to be known as 'Gokarna'. Ravana's called this Lingam 'Mahabakeshwara' meaning the mighty God whose strenght cannot be surpassed!

Seeing this strenght fail, Ravana was filled with fury. He realised that his years of severe penance to achieve Lord Shiva had gone undesired. 

The cowboy stood watching the efforts of Ravana. He smiled mutely and then jiggled chasing his herd. Ravana overhead the boy and ran towards him. He sored and hit the boy hard on his head with his close fist (this is called kuttu). The kuttu hit ordinary boy turned into the divine form Ganesha, Lord Shiva's dear son!

Ravana now realised that the sequence of events were planned to instill Atmalinga on the land of Bharata. He believed deceived by Gods and returned to Lanka. 

The place where Atmalinga was pergorce placed by Ganesha is sacred. The Lingam is now housed in the Temple of Mahabaleshwara. The Temple has a Ganesha statue with a hollow on the headside signifying the kuttu.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha can be pleased by doing kuttu (gently tapping both temples with folded fists).

17. Ganesha and The Cat

One early afternoon, Ganesha was feeling lazy. He was sleepy and sat cross legged. His big belly rested over his legs and his eyes whisked in sleep.

Suddenly his mouse Kroncha came running. It squeaked loudly, waking up Ganesha.

Ganesha lifted his brows and asked Kroncha, "Where are you running Kroncha? Whom are you hiding from?"

Kroncha trembled with fear. He stood on his hind feet and joined hands before Ganesha expressing forgiveness for disturbing Ganesha while he had been resting. Kroncha said, "My Lord, there is a cat in vicinity. I am afraid it may hurt me".

Kroncha narrated how the cat had quietly whiskered into their territory. He was afraid that the cat might hurt him. Ganesha laughed and told  Kroncha, "Call all your friends and brothers".

So Kroncha called his brothers and friends. A large team of mice gathered around Ganesha. Ganesha told them about his plan.

The team of mice left with Ganesha who mounted his mouse, Kroncha. Seeing the large number of mice and the elephant trunked human, the cat attempted to run away. 

However Ganesha and his follower mice were very naughty. They had their tricks. The mice circled around the cat and chased it in unison from one side to another. Meanwhile, Ganesha lifted the cat with its tail. He twisted its tail, whirlpooled it, gave with swings and pendulated it hard. The cat yowled and cried in pain. 

But Ganesha and his team of mice jumped- rejoicing the playful act. They cheered Lord Ganesha as he played around the cat. Ganesha teased, laughed and enjoyed the play with the cat. This time he took the cat once by its tail and banged it on the floor. He ran around the cat chasing it from one side to another. The cat struggled to escape from his grasp. 

After the long play, Ganesha began feeling hungry. So he shoo away the cat and asked his team of mice to wait until he returned with ladoos for all of them. The cat disappeared and Ganesha returned to see his mother to ask her for the food. 

However, when Ganesha reached home and saw his mother, he was shocked. His mother, Goddess Parvati was covered with dust and bruised all over. She appeared to be in great pain. 

Ganesha was in panic when he saw his mother's condition. He ran to her,  touched her lovingly and asked her, "Mother, what happened to you? You appear to be hurt and in pain".

Hearing Ganesha's endearing words, Parvati's heart swelled with motherly love. She gave him a hug. Inspite of being hurt, she gave a deeply pleasing, adorable smile and said, "Ganesh, donot you remember you were just playing with me with your troop of mischievous mice? I am the existence. As a mother I reside in the entire existence. See how your play pranks have hurt me at places".

Ganesha was enlightened. He understood that the cat he had been playing with so much notoriety was none other that His own mother - Goddess Parvati. He regretted for causing such  pain to the cat for sake of fun. He understood that His mother, Goddess Parvati who was the mother of entire existence, existed in all the forms of existence. Thus when He played pranks around the cat, causing pain and suffering to it,  his mother was equally pained and suffered.

Ganesha sought forgiveness from his mother. He resolved never to harm any innocent being for sake of his fun and joy.

This story is often related to Ganesha's celebracy. 

16. Ganesha Acquires Elephant Head

Goddess Parvati created an idol from sandalwood and tumeric smeared from her body. The idol got life and thus Vinayaka named later) was born. When Vinayaka was born, Lord Shiva was away in the forests observed in deep penance. 

Vinayak was waistorable boy. He was respectful and loved his mother dearly. The Ganas and Nandi adored him and played with him. They ate together the food Parvati prepared for them. 

Vinayak was a witty and intelligent boy. He often sat besides his mother asking her about his siblings and his father. Parvati narrated stories of Shiva to him. Thus, Vinayak came to admire and imagine about his father. He expressed his desire to see and visit him. However Parvati said, "Son, your father is a ascetic. He practices severe penance and does not likes to be disturbed. He shall soon come to back from the forest to meet us".

And the day came. Shiva returned to Mount Kalisha after a long period.

It was very early in the morning. All Ganas and Nandi were asleep. However, Parvati was very ritualistic. She bathed early everyday and offered bhel leaves, milk and honey to Shivaling everyday after bath. That day, instead of bathing in the lake Mansarovar, she went to take bath in a waterfall in the hiding of a cave.

Vinayaka followed Parvati, saying "Mother, donot leave me alone. I am coming with you".
Parvati smiled and took Vinayaka along with her. She asked Vinayaka to wait at the the entrance of cave and keep a watch.

"Vinayaka, I am going to take bath. Donot allow anyone to enter the cave hiding", instructed Parvati.

Vinayaka agreed dutifully. He began keeping a watch and waited for his mother to return.

While Vinayaka waited for his mother to return, an fierce looking man came there. He had ash all over his body. He wore several garlands of wooden beads (rudraskha), had a serpent coiled around his neck. He had tiger skin wrapped around his waist. His hair were half woven up high and other half fell as a matt surrounding his sturdy broad shoulders. He carried a vast Trident which had a pellet drum (dambru) tied to it. His hair carried an inclined crescent. To Vinayaka, this humanoid figure appeared very unusual. In fact, seeing Lord Shiva, Vinayaka stepped back in sudden fear. Neither Vinayaka nor Shiva knew their mutual relation - they were father son, unknown to each other!

Shiva raged, "Boy, step aside. This cave hiding is were I bath each time I return from mediation".

Vinayaka defended in a stern affirmative tone, "You cannot enter this cave hiding now. My mother is inside".

Lord Shiva reiterated his need to enter the hiding, however Vinayaka refused bluntly. Shiva was infuriated. He gave one last call, a warning Vinayaka -"Step aside, or I shall kill you"! However, Vinayaka was unnerved. 

Shiva's rage surged. His eyes were intoxicated by anger and he fired his trident in full force towards Vinayaka. Unable to defend himself, Vinayaka fell victim to the wrath of trident. He fell beheaded on the ground. The surroundings reverbrated with the cry of Vinayaka.

Hearing Vinayaka's loud cry, Parvati hurried out. The troop of Ganas and Nandi rushed to the scene. The Lord Vishnu, Brahma and other Gods from heaven appeared there. Seeing beheaded Vinayak, Parvati was devastated.

Filled with rage over the lose of her beloved son, Parvati acquired a furious form. She threatened to destroy the entire existence to avenge killing of her son. This alarmed Brahma the creator of Universe. He requested Parvati to pacify her anger. However Parvati conditioned, "I want my son back or I shall destroy this universe".

Brahma was helpess. He turned to Shiva and pleaded him to find a way out. Shiva asked his Ganas to fetch the head of first creature they see facing north.

The troop of Ganas left with the Gods of Heaven in search of head for Vinayaka's body. They came across a mammoth elephant who sat with its head turned northwards. They took the mighty head to Shiva and Parvati.

Lord Shiva elevated Vinayaka's body and positioned the mighty elephant head on it. Once again, Vinayak took breadth. He got life back. He was now half human and half elephant. 

Seeing the unusual appearance of her son, Parvati was once again enraged. She contended, "O Shiva, who in this existence would care to see such half human form? People will mock at my son's appearance". Saying this she began weeping. The Gods had the same doubt, and Shiva knew their minds! But Shiva overcame all their doubts and Parvati's woes.

Lord Shiva claimed, "Vinayaka, would occupy the foremost and most reverated position among all Gods. He would be the first God to be worshipped. He would appraised as the remover of obstacles and all auspicious beginning shall henceforth commence with his pious name. An endeavour began without remembering him shall fail!".

Hearing Shiva's bliss, Goddess Parvati was gratified. Vinayaka assumed a divine aura and appeared glorified as Shiva blessed him.
Shiva further illustrated, "Parvati, you smeared Vinayaka from your body dust. He would be henceforth be worshipped with you in Gauri pooja".

Shiva turned to Vinayaka and said, "Vinayak, each part of your body shall carry a unique meaning and specifically worshipped - large ears would signify wisdom and ability to listen, large stomach would signify big appetite, large head is indicative of your brilliance, eminence, intellectual and discriminative powers".

Shiva then turned to his Ganas and said, "You fetched the elephant for Vinayaka. You appraise Him. Hence forth, Vinayaka shall be your presiding Lord and will be called as Ganapati or Ganesha".

With this, the assembly of Gods, Ganas, Brahma, Vishnu along with Shiva and Parvati glorified the new form of Vinayaka. So the so called, Ganapati was blissfully adored.

A grand celebration was held on Mount Kailash the abode of Shiva. Parvati's dream of a child came true. Kalisha came to filled with joyful jingles of Ganesha.

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15. The Birth of Vinayak

Lord Shiva was an ascetic by his true nature. He practiced meditation and maintained strict self-discipline. He devoted himself to severe penance in the deep forests.

Goddess Parvati was aware of Shiva's stern temperament and disposition, yet she choose Him to be her husband. After their celestial wedding, Shiva and Parvati came to live together on the Mount Kailash. Shiva continued to dedicate himself to deep meditation in the forest, while Goddess Parvati stayed back in their home on Mount Kailash with the family of Ganas and Nandi.

Though the Ganas and Nandi were very respectful and referred Parvati to her as mother, Goddess Parvati felt the space for a child in her life. Sitting alone she often dreamt of baby in her lap, who would grow up and play around, filling the silent space in Kalisha with its laughter and jiggles.

One day when Goddess Parvati was sitting alone when she saw wet mud around due to the melting of snow. She dug sizable amount of mud and purified it by mixing saffron, clay, tumeric from her divine body. She moulded the mud and shaped it into a pretty idol of a boy. Then she meditated upon the name of Shiva and fused her powers with those of Shiva. She divulged this energy and infused life in the idol. The boy was Parvati's son and she named him Vinayak.

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14. Story of Vakradhundra Vinayagar

Once a demon named asmasuran was killed by Lord Shiva and Mohini, the enchanting feminine guise of Lord Vishnu. His son - Duraasadan was greatly upset by the untimely death of his father. He was frustrated by the way Vishnu who had tricked his father and pulled him to death.

To avenge his father's death, Duraasadan performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. Once Shiva was pleased, Duraasadan asked him for a boon, "Grant me that I supersede all Gods in their power. All Gods should come under my control".

The merciful Shiva granted Duraasadan the boon he asked for. Soon as he received the boon, Duraasadan proceeded towards the Heaven. He attacked the Gods and threw them out of Heaven. Thereafter he attacked Vaikundam and Brahma Logam. The Gods along with Vishnu and Brahma came to Earth and took refuge in the city of Kashi. However, Duraasadan learned about them and attacked them in Kashi. The Gods rushed to Kedaram. They were filled with fear and anxiety. Thus they all called upon Goddess Uma in unison to rescue them from the situation. 

Goddess Uma appeared before the Gods and said, "The story of Duraasadan shall end soon". With this an incarnation of Ganesha appeared from her furry filled face - Five faced, ten handed and carried maha magudam with moon. This form of Ganesha was a fierce form and acquired Simha (lion) from Uma as his vechile. Hence his name is Vakradhundar.

Vakradhundar attacked Duraasadan and a fierce war took place between them. However, due to the effect of boon from Shiva, Duraasadan continued to fightly tirelessly. Finally Ganesha assumed the gigantic form (Viswa roopam) and placed his foot on Duraasandan's head. Due to placement of His divine feet, Duraasadan was liberated from evil thinking and wrongdoing.

Duraasadan gained the power to think and act virtuously. He asked Ganesha to forgive him and bless him. Ganesha was pleased as Duraasadan turned humble. He surrendered himself to service of Vakradhundar. Lord Vakradhundar liberated all Gods. The Gods, including Lord Brahma and Vishnu returned to their respective abodes.

Vakradhundar gave Duraasadan the task of eliminating all evil from the city of Kashi.  Even today it is believed that Duraasadan remains under the pious feet of Vakradhundar doing his duty in the pious city of Kashi. 

13. Broken Tusk - Wrath of Sage Parashurama

Lord Ganesha is also known as Ekadanta as he has an elephant head with a single tusk. Ganesha lost one of his tusk when the great Sage Parashurama attacked him in rage.

Here goes the story...

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parashurama and descended the Earth to uproot evil. He did severe penance and obtained Parashurama, the divine axe from Lord Shiva. He raged war against the spreading evil on the Earth and anniliated many the erring mortals.

After ages spend in meditation, Sage Parasurama felt deeply indebted to Lord Shiva. So he decided to visit Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and his family.

Sage Parasurama was however unaware of existence of Shiva's son Ganesha who was born when the sage was in meditation. 

When Parasurama arrived at Kailash, Ganesha was playing with his Ganas and his troop of mice. Seeing Parasurama they stopped playing. 

Ganesha asked Parasurama, "Who are you? Where do you desire to go?"

Parasurama affirmed, "I have come to see Lord Shiva. I desire to pay obeisance to him". However, Ganesha refused to let Parasurama proceed further saying, "Mahadev is in deep meditation. I cannot allow you to go and disturb him".

Ganesha's blunt argument provoked sage Parasurama. He felt insulted and shouted, "Boy, step aside. A devotee has all rights to see the God. How can you stop me?"

However Ganesha was equally enforcing. He again refused to let sage Parasurama proceed. This time Sage Parasurama was entirely overcome by rage. His tremendous anger bursted and he hurled his axe with all his strength towards Ganesha.

The wrath terrified Ganesha and he tilted to save himself. The axe however came oblong and hit Ganesha's tusk breaking it. There was terrifying cry which echoed across the abode of Shiva.

Hearing the nervous cry, Lord Shiva's was disturbed in his meditation. Goddess Parvati ran to see Ganesha only to find him wounded. She was shattered when she saw Ganesha's broken tusk lying on the floor. She broke into tears. Ganesha ran to his mother seeking her warmth and protection. Nandi and the Ganas too gathered around, watching in horror and dismay.

Shiva stood wordless, while Parvati chastised Parashurama. She criticized Parashurama for his reckless and uncontrolled behaviour.

Parashurama realised his mistake and sincerely apologised to Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha forgave Parashurama and blessed him.

12. The Birth of Ganesha's Daughter - Goddess Santoshi

Goddess Manasa (popularly known as Mansa Devi) was Lord Ganesha's sister.

Lord Ganesha was married to Riddhi and Siddhi who were created by Lord Brahma. He has two son - Shubha and Labha from them respectively.

It is said once on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, Goddess Manasa visited Lord Ganesha for tying knot of Rakhi as per the festival traditions. 

When Ganesha's sons, Shubha and Labha saw the love and bonding of brother and sister between their father and his sister, they desired to have a sister.

Lord Ganesha granted the wish of his sons, and created a feminine form from the flames of holy fire. She was named Goddess Santoshi. Goddess Santoshi gained her form from Riddhi and Siddhi who were Lord Ganesha's consorts.

Goddess Santoshi is regarded as the Goddess of happiness and satisfaction. Here is a short story regarding the birth of Goddess Santoshi.
(Note - The word Santoshi literally means satisfaction)

11. How Ganesha Came To Love Shamipatras

Shamipatra is offered to Ganesha in the 21 Patra pooja. It is believed that Ganesha has a special liking for these leaves. It is also called Vanhipatra. Here is the story why Shamipatra is dear to Lord Ganesha -

Long back in time there lived a king named Priyavrat.

King Priyavrat was very religious and generous. He had two wives named Kirti and Prabha.

Prabha had a son named Padmanan.

Padmanan was an intelligent boy. His thread ceremony was solemnized amid great celebrations when he only five years old. 

Padmanan was treated very dearly by everyone in the palace. The prince enjoyed all lavish things. Soon he became proud by the virtue of attention he had been receiving.

One day when the prince was having meal, Kirti came to him with some delicacies. Prabha refused to have them and badly insulted Kirti. He called her a childless woman who roamed to feed other's children.

Kriti returned weeping to her chamber. Her heart agonized. She silently grieved being childless and decided to kill herself.

That night Kirti quietly left the palace. She walked across the forest reaching a heavy waterfall. When she was about to jump an unknown voice called her, "O great woman, stop in name of God".

He was Sage Deval. The sage approached Kriti and asked her why she desired to end her life. Kriti broke into tears. She was unable to speak, but somehow gathered strenght to speak. She spoke between sobs, "O holy sage, I am the queen of King Priyavrat. I am childless. Due this no one loves nor respects me. There is no value of my life and so I decided to end it".

The sage politely replied, "O royal woman, please the God and He shall please you. I suggest that you mediate upon the name of God Ganesha. He shall take care of you".

Kriti pleaded the Sage to take her under his kind endurance. The sage took mercy on her and allowed her to live in hus hermitage. 

Kriti began living in the forest hermitage of the sage. She  did severe penance to please Lord Ganesha with her true heart. She offered Shamipatra to Ganesha instead of the Dhruv grass.

Ganesha was greatly pleased by Kriti's penance. She was blessed by Ganesha to achieve her heart desire and gain prosperity.

After years, Kriti returned to the palace. Soon she gave birth to a boy who was named Shiraprasadan.

Shiraprasadan began growing up. He was a keen eyed, graceful boy. However his elder brother could not stand his blissfulness. He ploy against him. 

Shiraprasadan was positioned and killed by Padmanan. However, it is said that Ganesha always takes care of his devotees.

While Kriti wept helplessly over her dead son, a sage named Gutsamand came there. The sage was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. He said, "Kriti, you did great penance to please Lord Ganesha. Your good deeds will help to bring life back to your son. Ask the merciful Lord Ganesha to bless you with your son's life in return for your good deeds'.

Thus Kriti called upon the name of Lord Ganesha. 

Lord Ganesha blessed Kriti for her good deeds and granted life to her son Shiraprasadan.

On the other hand, Lord Ganesha cursed  Padmanan for his evil deeds. He got afflicted with great incurable aliment and was sidelined by the King gradually. The King began loving and giving attention to Shiraprasadan. 

Years passed by. Padmanan became very ill and passed away. The King declared Shiraprasadan as the heir to his throne.

10. Story of Ganesha's Marriage

Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God was married to Siddhi and Riddhi. He has two sons - Subh (one who is auspicious) and Labh (means who brings profit or merit). He has a daughter Santoshi who was created by Ganesha on the day of Raksha Bandan when his sons requested for a sister.

Here is an interesting story of how Ganesha got married.

Lord Ganesha had an unusual elephant head. Due to this, no girl was willing to marry him. This enraged him, and he began huddling the marriages of demigods and humans. 

Known for his wits, Ganesha now asked his mouse friends to dig holes in path to hitch the ceremonial proceeds. Thus it became difficult for the wedding attendants to move through the way to the bride’s house. Often than not, the wedding processions were delayed and rituals could not be completed in accorded auspicious time. The demigods were aware that it was Ganesha's mischief. They were troubled by this frequent antics and went to Lord Brahma to seek relief.

Lord Brahma who holds the power of creation smiled listening the witty acts of Ganesha. He though for a while and then created two beautiful vitreous women named - Riddhi (one who holds wealth and prosperity) and Siddhi (one who had intellectual and spiritual powers) to match with Ganesha's traits and merits.

Lord Brahma went to Mount Kailash to seek Shiva and Parvati's consent to marry Riddhi and Siddhi to Ganesha. Both Shiva and Parvati were pleased to hear Brahma. They agreed after asking Ganesha. Shiva asked his gana to prepare for a grand ceremony.

Riddhi Siddhi were married to Ganesha in a grand marriage ceremony held on Mount Kailash. Riddhi and Siddhi became Ganesha's wives and they had two sons - Subh and Kabh (respectively). 

There is another tale that narrates how Ganesha's daughter's Santosthi came into existence. Read here. 

9. Ganesha And Vyasa write Mahabharatha

Once the Great Sage Vyasa was meditating in the deep forests of Himalayas, when Lord Brahma appeared before him. Lord Brahma advised Sage Vyasa, "O Great Sage, you are immensely knowledgeable. The mortals are apparently loosing their ethical standings as the wheel of time moves forward. They will need guidance and enlightenment in time to come. Therefore, I have come to ask you to put your knowledge together and script the story of Great Bharata (the Mahabharata) for the merit of future generations".

Sage Vyasa agreed with Lord Brahma's reasons. However he expressed his inability to script the voluminous work alone. He argued, "O Great Brahma, the creator of this universe. You are a great benefactorary thinker. I am blessed to have the knowledge to write the epic. However, I cannot write it all alone. It is a massive task and I should need some help to compose it".

Lord Brahma suggested, "Sage Vyasa, you should pray to Lord Ganesha, asking him to help you in this work".

Thus Sage Vyasa meditated upon the name of God Ganesha. Pleased with his selfless desire to write an epic for the benefit of humankind, Ganesha appeared before the sage. He agreed to write the epic, however took a condition on his side, "I shall transcribe only on the condition that you shall continue to dictate without interruption".

Sage Vyasa knew it was a difficult condition to fulfil. So he conditioned it further, "Before you write the verse which I dictate, you should understand it wholly". Ganesha agreed.

Thus on the auspicious day of Akshaya Trithi, Ganesha and Sage Vyasa began composing the Mahabharata. Ganesha penned the verses as Vyasa spoke them. When Vyasa felt  Ganesha was outpacing his flow of verses, he dictated a difficult verse. While Ganesha would decipher the meaning, Vyasa would compile further verses.

Ganesha has a broken tooth. In some versions, it is said that Ganesha broke his right tusk and used it for transcribing the epic story of Mahabharata. 

It is contained that Sage Vyasa complied as many as 8,800 granthams, which were difficult to decipher for Ganesha.

The great epic Mahabharata comprises of as many as six million granthams. It is considered as the fifth Vedas. In other words, it is a master scripture which comprises the Kandapuranam, Ramayanam, Savithri Puranam, Nala Puranam and many other scriptures.

Ganesha wrote Mahabharata on Mount Meru using his tusk. Of 6 million verses, 3 million  are supposed to be in the Deva Logam, 1.5 milliob in Yatcha Logam and 1.4 million in Asura Logam.  Only 1 million granthams are  assumed to be on the earth.

8. The Birth of River Kaveri

Long back in time, the regions in Southern part of Indian subcontinent had no voluminous river. The minor rivers dried up in the middle of intense summers and people suffered due to shortage of water.

One year, there were scanty rains and the situation became from bad to worse. The crop dried and the cattle died. The wells had parched bases. People suffered and died due to lack of water. Seeing the agony of drought stuck people, Sage Agastya went to Lord Shiva with the plea of people.

Lord Shiva gave some water of the Holy Ganges to Sage Agastya in his kamandalu. Shiva said, "O venerated sage, your purpose to come here shall be fulfilled". 

Sage Agastya wondered how the small quantity of water would help, but he began his journey back carrying water in his kamandalu.

Meanwhile, Shiva called Ganesha and asked him to follow Sage Agastya.

Summers were at their peak and the journey was strenuous. Sage Agastya was very tired walking in the blazing sun. He decided to rest for a short while under a shady tree. However, he was too exhausted and soon fell asleep. 

Ganesh who had been following Agastya was keenly waiting for the moment. Seeing the sage deep in sleep, he took the form of a crow and tipped the pot. The sage woke up startled from the sleep, only to see how the water from his kamandalu fell on the land and blossomed in a mighty river. He gratified Lord Shiva, remembering his words that the purpose of sage's visit shall be fulfied.  

Ganesha took his real form. Sage Agastya gratified Ganesha for the great blessing hd gave to the land. He said, “O great Ganesha, your divine touch had brought water to this arid area. I am thankful to you for this great blessing”.

Ganesha was pleased by the sage’s humble remark. He said, “Sage Agastya, you wish to bring water here is selfless. It is for the merit of people and people of this land shall remember and praise you in time to come for your selfless act. I bless that this area shall never parch again. This river Kaveri shall continue to fed this land in times to come’.

The place where the pot containing Ganges water tipped and river Kaveri began following is called Thaalkaveri (Taalkaveri). Taalkaveri marks the origin of River Kaveri. Since the water of Kavery was seeded from Ganges, it is also called ‘the Ganges of the south’.

7. Broken Tusk -Ganesha Curses the Moon

It was day of Chaurthi and month of Bhadrapada. The adode of Lord Shiva reverated with joy. Shiva's family, Nandi and the troop of Ganas residing on the Mount Kailash gathered around Ganesha wishing him the return of day of his birth.  They sang, rejoiced and danced. Ganesha was glorified. He danced and enjoyed with them too. 

Meanwhile, Ganesha's mother Goddess Parvati went around preparing for the grand feast. All deities came to celebrate the great day.

Little Ganesha loved food immensely. He is very found of sweets especially modaks, laddus and rice pudding. So Goddess Parvati prepared twenty one different kind of sweets. She laid a seat of Dhruva grass for Ganesha. The Ganas wove garlands for him, while Nandi worked on a gem studded crown to adore  him.

By mid day all preparations were over. All deities arrived. The Shiva family, the Ganas, Nandi, deities gathered to celebrate Ganesha's birthday. They all feasted after Parvati offered all delicacies to Ganesha for auspicious beginning. They glorified Ganesha and sang songs in his glory. The Kailash mountain reverberated with the chimes, drumbeats of festive merry.

After the celebrations were over, the deities returned. Lord Shiva sat on his tiger mat to meditate. Parvati and Ganas went for resting. Ganesha also fell asleep. But he was soon woken up by Kroncha, his mouse steer. They played around for sometime after which Ganesha asked his mouse to take him for a ride. The naughty mouse happily agreed.

Ganesha mounted the mouse and together they went across the mountains. They enjoyed seeing the beautiful forests around. Soon it began turning dark. But it was a beautiful moonlit night. The mouse told Ganesha that he was tired and they should return home. Ganesha agreed saying that his mother must be worried.

On their way back to home, they reached a mountain plain. They traversed the plain reaching the far end of the mountain, where the mountain had a steep slope. They began going down the mountain, when suddenly a large black snake came across. The mouse was startled and he tripped in anguish. Ganesha came rolling down from the mountain, while the mouse hid began a bush in fear. The mouse was also hurt.

Up in sky, the moon laughed loudly seeing the pot belly Ganesha rolling down. His laughter echoed across the forest. The entire existence watched in dismay. Ganesha felt very bad and humiliated. He caught the snake and killed it. He tied the snake around his waist and then broke his right tusk in anger. He hauled the tusk hard towards the moon. The moon ran fearing the wrath and hide itself behind heavy clouds.

The angry Ganesha thundered, 'O moon! You take immense pride in your looks. You are arrogant and indifferent. I curse you - you shall fade away in next eleven days. On day of by birthday celebrations (Ganesha Chaturthi) people shall ignore you and refrain from seeing you. If someone sees you, the person shall become wrongly balanced and suffer. He will be falsely accused of theft".

Hearing the curse, moon was humbled. He moon realized his mistake. He appeared from behind the clouds and asked Ganesha to forgive him. But Ganesha was too angry to forgive him. He began walking away. The moon followed Ganesha, pleaded hard to forgive him. 

After a while, Ganesha felt that the moon was truly asking for forgiveness, he took mercy on him. He said to the moon, 'I cannot take away the curse on you. But I grant a boon that if falsely accused man looks at the moon on the second day of the fortnight he would win back his good name. As for your illuminance, after fading completely on the fifteen day of the month (day of no moon), you shall regain your radiance until the day of full moon'.

The moon thanked Ganesha. Since then people have been following the custom of not seeing moon on day of Ganesh Chathurthi.