14. Ganesh and Morya Govasi

The word Morya (Moraya or Mhora) means 'come ahead and bless us'.

The starting of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage and the slogan 'Ganapati Bappa Morya' are attributed to Morya Govasi (Moraya Govasi, Moroba Govasi). He is recognized as the spiritually awakened progenitor of Ganapatyas (the sect of Hinduism who follow Ganesha as their chief deity/ have their faith centered around Ganesha).

Morya Govasi was an ardent devotee of the Lord Ganesha (Ganapatya) who lived during fourteenth century. He performed ardent austerities for divine awakening. He was eventually blessed and it is said that Lord Ganesha appeared before him one night.

Morya was gratified by the divine appearance alone. He demanded nothing from God, however when God said he cannot return without bestowing something Morya desired, "I wish my name is always associated with your glorious name". Lord Ganesha blessed him and since then Lord Ganesha came cheered and praised as "Ganapati Bappa Morya".

It is believed that Morya attained siddhi (special powers and blessings) at Chinchvad (Chinchwad), Pune. Later the Temple Shree Chintamani was built here to commemorate the event by Morya's son himself.

Morya also performed austerities at the Temple of Siddhi Vinayak in Ahmedabad and at the Temple of Moreshwa (Mayureshwar) at Moregoan where he also built the temple.

The slogan 'Mangalmurti morya’ is used to proclaim Ganapati’s glory. The story of Moraya Gosavi (Moroba) dates back to fourteen century. He is the most renowned saint of Ganapatya sect. He is attributed with the starting of Ashtavinayak Pilgrimage. The phrase 'Ganapati Bappa Morya' is also attributed to him.

Morya attained Siddhi at Chintamani in Theur and Siddhvinayak in Siddhatek.

Morya was a contemporary of Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj and Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt.
It is believed that Morya merged with Ganesha by attaining Siddhi and praying to Moraya Gosavi means praying to Lord Ganesh.

The Village of Chinchwad has several shrines dedicated to the contemporaries of Morya Govasi who are believed to be human incarnates of Lord Ganesha.

For Morya Govasi meditation in the name of Ganesha was the primary way of devotion. After attainment of Astha Siddhis, he extend his healing and blessing hand for merit of destitute. Besides this, Morya believed in feeding the hungry. He believed that 'Anna daan' (donation of cereals) was one way to bring oneself closer to the God. He also encouraged and engaged religious activities such as conducting annsatras (food courts), sadavarta, holy yatras (pilgrimages), celebrating festivals and conducting prayers, worships via songs, chants; etc.