With the majestic powers to remove obstacles in the way of good deeds, Lord Ganesha is the most important deity to be worshiped in the Hindu Pantheon. Also known as Vighnaharta his elephant head signifies utmost wisdom.
Worshiping Lord Ganesha before the commencement of any good work is another impact of his divine powers. This is a prime ritual which brings all good lucks and positive vibes, making the work a success. Let’s dig in the Hindu stories to find the reason behind this Hindu Ritual.
What do the stories say?
There are two legends related to the worshiping of Lord Ganesha before the commencement of any good work. Both the legends are a part of Mythological stories which we might have heard as kids but never knew it would be the reason for something highly important.
Bestowing of Divine Powers to Lord Ganesha
Once Goddess Parvati went for a bath and instructed her son Lord Ganesha to keep an eye on the gates so that nobody enters. As an obedient child, he was fulfilling his duty when he prevented his father Lord Shiva from entering the room. Infuriated by his deed, Lord Shiva chopped off his head. Jittered by his scream, Goddess Parvati rushed to the scenario at the vision of which she was drenched in anger. She pledged to destroy the universe if her son wasn’t given a life. To this Lord Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with an elephant head so that his life could be restored.Moreover, in order to pay for his misdeed, Lord Shiva vouchsafed Lord Ganesha with divine powers and quoted that any work would be considered incomplete if started without Ganesh Puja.
A reflection of the best child
In order to resolve a tiff between Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva asked them to take 3 rounds of the universe. The one to win the race would be the owner of the fruit over which the heating argument had taken place. Where Kartikeya had set off on his peacock, Lord Ganesha took 3 circles around his parents and when asked he told that his world revolves around them. To this Lord Shiva blessed him with the fruit and at his victory, he became the first among the Gods to be worshiped at the beginning of any ritual or task.
Hence, Vighnaharta, the destroyer of all obstacles marks the propitious beginning of every ritual and important task.