Jai Ganapati Deva!

The festive season is back.. Today brings a very special day to all devotees of Shri Ganesh -- His birthday!! We at MASTRADIO.COM would like to wish you a very happy and auspicious Shri Ganesh Chathurthi. It is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesh and his devotees. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world. 

He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya.

Amongst rituals and festivities, typically, clay figures of Shri Ganesh are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are released into water. Obviously, Shri Ganesh is the elephant-headed God and is worshipped first in any prayers. There is story behind as to why his name comes first before any other lords. The elephant head is significant in that it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol for Om. It also signifies wisdom, as elephants are indeed very wise creatures. He rides a special vehicle, a small mouse, which signifies complete conquest over egoism and desire. Hence, from riding one of the smallest creatures to having one of the largest as a head, Shri Ganesh signifies that he is the creator of all creatures.

He is also fond of sweets. Devotees are advised to avoid looking at moon on Ganesh Chaturthi as it made fun of his fondness towards sweet and heavy belly. The moon got cursed in return by Shri Ganesha and devotee who do look at moon on Ganesh Chaturthi by mistake have to perform a cleansing act to get around the Ganesha effect. :) It is to read or recite the story of Syamantaka Jewel. It is described in Shrimad Bhagvatam. You can read the full story here.  

If you like the cool and hip idol of Shri Ganehsha at top, you can order the same from Doze Green - a New York born and bred, a pioneer of hip-hop culture, graffiti legend, figurative painter, and an original member of the Rock Steady Crew who has does it again with his first toy since the Travela. For those unfamiliar with his work - definitely check out his site at DozeGreen.com.

Finally, here is a an image describing Shri Ganesha symbols and their meaning. Please pass it on!