12. Significance of Ganesh Visarjan

It is assumed that the deity comes for on a visit to earth for 10 days and returns to his heavenly adobe on the 11th day. He gives the mankind the opportunity to unite and rejoice the festival to the fullest. But finally, they have to bid him adieu by immersing his idols large water bodies. This process is called 'Visarjan'. The city of Mumbai witnesses great vigor and fervor for the farewell procession in which the statue of Lord Ganesh is carried by the devotees. 

Every year thousands of idols of Ganesha are immersed.

The idols once brought with so much love and fervor are submerged and parted forever. ...it is very touching moment to immerse the idol so dearly worshipped. But immersions are both ritualistic and symbolic.

According to rituals, the idol of Ganesha should be submerged at the conclusion of festivity. However, what does this signifies?

Though 1

The creator of this world, Lord Brahma is formless. He takes form as Ganesha.  Thus, Ganesha is described as nirguana para Brahma. He is the primordial sound (or first vaak) OM. Ganesha is worshipped in form of idol which is made from clay. The idol is invoked and Ganesha is welcomed, worshipped and celebrated. However, according to the cosmic law, everything which takes form must deform. Thus the clay form of God must be submerged to comply with said cosmic law. This is a cyclic progression and every year the clay is remoulded and reimmersed.

  

Though 2

The immersion of idol symbolises the concept of salvation, moksha, or liberation. Thus Ganesha is idolized and worshipped dearly. However, as we intend to liberate ourselves, so we offer the same to God.