Special Things
Ganesh Chaturthi: Lord Ganesh, revered as the first deity to be worshipped, holds a unique place in various rituals and auspicious events. This practice is rooted in ancient scriptures, each offering a distinct reason for his primacy. Read to know more.Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
Lord Ganesha: Reasons for Being the First Worshipped Deity
Lord Ganesha is worshipped before every auspicious event and the worship of other deities. Hence, he is also called "Pratham Pujya" (the first to be worshipped). While the scriptures provide various reasons for Lord Ganesha's status as the first deity to be worshipped, they all agree that he is the deity to be honored first. From a practical perspective, too, Ganesha is the foremost deity.
The Ling Purana highlights Ganesha's role in removing obstacles, Sage Panini emphasizes his leadership over divine troops, and the Shiva Mahapurana recounts Shiva’s blessing for his preeminence in worship. Together, these texts explain why Ganesha is honored before all other deities in any significant undertaking.
Ganesha as the Deity of Intelligence: Ganesha represents wisdom. Before starting any important task, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan, foresight, and effective leadership. Even if one views the worship of Ganesha symbolically, it is true that intelligence is essential for the initiation of any task. Ganesha, who bestows wisdom, is thus revered first.
Various scriptures provide different reasons for this tradition
Ling Purana:
Worshipped First to Remove Obstacles: According to the Ling Purana, the gods requested Lord Shiva to grant them a boon to create obstacles in the wicked deeds of demons. Shiva granted their request and made Ganesha appear. The gods then worshipped Ganesha, and Shiva appointed him to obstruct the demons' activities. Hence, Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious work and ritual to prevent obstacles and negative influences.
Sage Panini:
The Lord of All Troops: Sage Panini states that the deities governing directions, known as the Ashta Vasus, are collectively called "Ganas." Lord Ganesha is the lord of these Ganas and hence is called "Ganapati." Without Ganesha’s worship, no deity from any direction can be invited to any auspicious event. Therefore, Ganesha is worshipped first before any significant work or ritual.
Shiva Mahapurana:
Lord Shiva's Blessing for First Worship: According to the Shiva Mahapurana, after a battle between Lord Shiva and Ganesha, in which Ganesha lost his head, Shiva replaced it with an elephant’s head at the request of Goddess Parvati. When Parvati asked Shiva who would worship her son in this new form, Shiva granted a boon that Ganesha would be worshipped before all other deities and every auspicious event. Without his worship, any ritual or task is considered incomplete.
Disclaimer: यह जानकारी मान्यताओं, धारणाओं और अलग-अलग स्रोतों पर उपलब्ध सामग्री पर आधारित है और सामान्य जानकारी के उद्देश्य से है। इस जानकारी के आधार पर कोई भी निजी निर्णय लेने से पहले विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श लेने की सलाह दी जाती है।
