Ganesh Chaturthi 2019- Some Interesting Facts About Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is one of the celestial deities holding the divine prominence in Vedic scriptures. The elephant-headed god rides a mouse and is worshipped by all sects. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is believed to be the lord of success and destroyer of obstacles and is worshipped as the god of wisdom and wealth. The marital status of Ganesha varies widely in mythological stories. In South India, it is believed that Lord Ganesha is a Brahmachari (bachelor). The idea behind the belief is the Hindu concept of the relationship between celibacy and the development of spiritual power. While in North India, Ganesha is believed to be married to Buddhi (intelligence), Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power).

What do Lord Ganesha’s consorts really mean? Well, they are Ganesha’s own powers. The scripture ‘Ganpati Upanishat’ says ‘Twam Shakti Trayatmakah’ meaning ‘You are an embodiment of three powers’. And these powers are knowledge, desire, and action, who corresponds to Lord Ganesha’s consorts – Buddhi, Riddhi and Siddhi. Hence it is believed that the one who prays to Lord Ganesha with devotion is bestowed with knowledge, prosperity, and liberation.

According to a Tamil mythology, Lord Ganesha refused to marry anyone as he felt no woman is beautiful than his mother. While according to Bengali mythology, no woman wanted to marry Ganesha as he had an elephant head. Hence, his mother got him married to a banana plant – a symbol of fertility. In Maharashtra, Ganesha is believed to be married to Riddhi and Siddhi.