Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of Indian lunar month of Bhadrapad (usually falls in September). It is NOT the birthday of Lord Ganesh. He has neither birth nor death. He has neither beginning nor end. It’s believed that he bestows his presence on devotees on this day.
Ganesh’s Different Names and Their Meanings
• Vinayaka: The one who has no master above him. He is a totally independent deity. He is the Supreme Master.
• Ganapati: ‘Ga’ - Guna (Virtues) & Buddhi (intelligence); ’Na' - Vijnaana (scientific & worldly wisdom) and Prajnaana (spiritual wisdom); ‘Pati’ - Swami (Lord). Ganapati is the Lord of worldly knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
• Lambodara: Lambodara means Lakshmi-Swaroopa (Guardian of Wealth). Here Lakshmi represents all types of wealth and prosperity, and not only Dhana-Lakshami (deity for money)
• Vighneshwara: Vighana – obstacle; Eshwara - God, removal of obstacles.
• Ganaadhipati: The Lord of Ganas (Divine entities); one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with supreme intelligence. The Ganas are the embodiment of the organs of Janaanedriyas (perceptions) and of Karmendriyas (action). The mind is the master of these ten senses. The master over the mind is the intellect.
• Ekadantav: While writing Mahabharata to the dictation of sage Vyasa, Vinayaka's pen broke and he did not hesitate to break one of his tusks to use it as a pen. That is why he is called Ekadanta (with a single tusk).
Giver of Siddhi & Buddhi
Ganapati is the master of the intellect and discrimination. Learning is related to the Buddhi (Intellect). It is not mere scholarship. Any process of inquiry is related to learning. But basically the inquiry should be concerned with finding out what is transient and what is permanent. This leads to Siddhi (realization). As he is the master of Buddhi and Siddhi, hence regarded as their husband.
Significance of Ganesha’s Elephant Head
The elephant is noted for its intelligence, discrimination, fidelity and gratitude. It never forgets its master. Even in its last moments, if it hears the voice of its master, it will open its eyes and look for him. It will sacrifice its life for its master. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless.
Symbolism of Mushika (Mouse)
The Mouse is symbolic of the darkness of ignorance. The mouse moves about following the direction of the smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to Vaasanas (inherited tendencies and desires). Ganesha is the one who has mastery over Vaasnas, i.e., control over desires and ignorance.
The Inner Meaning of the Ten-Day Worship of Ganesha
Realize that the conscience is your guide and consciousness represents divinity. Ganapati should be your guide in acquiring mastery over the senses. The idea is that each day should be dedicated to acquiring control over one of the sense organs (Indriyas).
What should one Offer to Ganesha on Ganesha Chaturthi?
Patram (Leaf), Pushpam (Flower), Phalam (Fruit) and Toyam (water) - these four things should be offered to Ganesha. Patram - body, Pushpam - Heart, Phalam – Mind, Toyam - Tears of joy, offer all to God
Awareness and life
Vinayaka exists within in the form of the Atma that has no master. The mind is the master of the senses (Indriyas). The Buddhi (intellect) which is the master of the mind is the very embodiment of Jnana (Wisdom or Awareness). What kind of awareness is this Jnana? It is Constant Integrated Awareness. It remains unchanged, neither growing nor diminishing. It is called "Vijnaana".