Ganesh Chaturthi Katha PDF Free Download

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and beginnings. This article will delve into the fascinating Katha (story) of Ganesh Chaturthi and explore the customs, traditions, and significance of this grand festival.

The Legend of Lord Ganesha’s Birth

The story of Ganesh Chaturthi begins with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati created Lord Ganesha out of sandalwood paste to guard her privacy while she bathed. She breathed life into the idol, and Ganesha came to life.

Ganesha’s Unique Appearance

Ganesha’s appearance is distinctive, with an elephant head and a human body. This intriguing blend of features symbolizes the harmony of intelligence, strength, and humility. His elephant head represents wisdom and knowledge, while his potbelly signifies the ability to digest both the pleasant and unpleasant experiences of life.

The Broken Tusk

One of the most beloved stories about Lord Ganesha is the incident involving his broken tusk. During a battle with Lord Shiva, Ganesha’s tusk was severed. This sacrifice exemplifies his devotion to his mother and teaches us the value of self-sacrifice for the greater good.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

Ganesh Chaturthi Katha is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion across India. The preparations for this festival begin weeks in advance. Artisans create intricate clay idols of Lord Ganesha, which are then beautifully decorated. These idols are brought into homes and public pandals (temporary shrines) with great enthusiasm.

First Katha :

According to the mythological and popular story of Shri Ganesh, once the deity was surrounded by many troubles. Then he came to Lord Shiva seeking help. At that time Kartikeya and Ganesha were also sitting with Shiva. After listening to the gods, Lord Shiva asked Kartikeya and Ganesha that who among them could relieve the sufferings of the gods. Then both Kartikeya and Ganesh ji declared themselves capable for this work.

On this, Lord Shiva tested both of them and said that the one among you who will first revolve around the earth will go to help the gods.

On hearing this word from the mouth of Lord Shiva, Kartikeya sat on his vehicle peacock and set out to circumambulate the earth, but Ganesha thought that if he circumambulate the entire earth by climbing on a rat, it would take him a lot of time to complete the task. . That’s why they thought of a solution. Ganesha got up from his place and circled his parents seven times and sat back. On returning after parikrama, Kartikeya started calling himself the winner. Then Lord Shiva asked Shri Ganesha the reason for not revolving around the earth.

Then Ganesha said – ‘The entire world lies at the feet of the parents.’ Hearing this, Lord Shiva ordered Ganesha to remove the troubles of the gods. In this way, Lord Shiva blessed Lord Ganesha that whoever worships you on the day of Chaturthi and offers Arghya to the moon at night, all three heat i.e. physical heat, divine heat and physical heat will be removed. By observing this fast, all kinds of sorrows of the fasting person will be removed and he will get the material pleasures of life. Man’s happiness and prosperity will increase from all sides. There will be no dearth of sons, grandchildren, wealth and prosperity.

Second Katha :

Once upon a time, there was a potter in the kingdom of King Harishchandra. He used to make earthen pots, but they remained raw. On the advice of a priest, to overcome this problem, he threw a small boy into Aanva along with the earthen pots.

That day was Sankashti Chaturthi. That child’s mother was worried about her son. He prayed to Lord Ganesha for his son’s well-being.

The next day, when the potter woke up in the morning, his utensils were cooked in Amwa, but the child’s hair had not even straightened. He got scared and went to the king’s court and told the whole incident.

After this, the king called the child and his mother and the mother described Sankashti Chaturthi which removes all kinds of obstacles. After this incident, women started fasting on Sankat Chauth for the good fortune of their children and family.

Third Katha :

Once upon a time, the marriage of Lord Vishnu with Lakshmiji was fixed. Preparations for marriage started. Invitations were sent to all the gods, but Ganesh ji was not invited, whatever the reason. Now the time has come for the wedding procession of Lord Vishnu. All the gods came to the wedding ceremony with their wives. They all saw that Ganeshji was nowhere to be seen. Then they started discussing among themselves whether Ganeshji is not invited? Or hasn’t Lord Ganesha himself come? Everyone started wondering about this. That’s why everyone thought that the reason for this should be asked from Lord Vishnu only.

On asking Lord Vishnu, he said that we have sent an invitation to Lord Ganesha’s father Bholenath Mahadev. If Ganesha wanted to come with his father, he would have come, there was no need to invite separately. The second thing is that they need one and a quarter of moong, one and a half of rice, one and a quarter of ghee and one and a half of laddoos throughout the day. It doesn’t matter if Ganeshji does not come. It doesn’t even feel good to go to other’s house and eat so much food and drink.

They were talking so much that someone suggested that even if Ganesh ji comes, he will make him sit as a gatekeeper so that you remember the house. If you walk slowly sitting on a rat, you will be left far behind in the procession. Everyone liked this suggestion, so Lord Vishnu also gave his consent.

What was to happen that in the meantime Ganesh ji reached there and after persuading him, made him sit to guard the house. The procession started, then Narad ji saw that Ganesh ji was sitting at the door itself, so he went to Ganesh ji and asked the reason for stopping. Ganesh ji started saying that Lord Vishnu has insulted me a lot. Narad ji said that if you send your mouse army ahead, then it will dig a way through which their vehicles will sink into the earth, then you will have to call with respect.

Now Ganesh ji has quickly sent his mouse army ahead and the army has polled the land. When the procession passed from there, the wheels of the chariots sank into the earth. Try as you might, but the wheels would not come out. Everyone tried their own remedies, but the wheels did not come off, rather they broke at different places. No one could understand what to do now.

Then Narad ji said – You people have not done good by insulting Ganesh ji. If they can be persuaded then your work can be accomplished and this crisis can be averted. Lord Shankar sent his messenger Nandi and he brought Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was worshiped with respect, then the wheels of the chariot came out from somewhere. Now the wheels of the chariot are worn out, but if they are broken, then who will repair them?

Khati was working in a nearby field, he was called. Before eating or doing her work, she started worshiping Lord Ganesha in her mind by saying ‘Shri Ganeshaya Namah’. Within no time Khati fixed all the wheels.

Then Khati said, O Gods! You must not have celebrated Lord Ganesha nor worshiped him in the first place, that is why this crisis has happened to you. We are foolish and ignorant, yet we worship Lord Ganesha first and meditate on him. You people are gods, yet how did you forget Lord Ganesha? Now if you people go chanting Jai to Lord Shri Ganesha, then all your work will be done and there will be no problem. Saying this, the wedding procession left from there and after solemnizing the marriage of Lord Vishnu with Lakshmi ji, everyone returned home safely.

Hey Ganeshji Maharaj! Whatever work you have done to Vishnu, make everyone accomplish the same work. Say hail Lord Gajanan.

Fourth Katha :

According to the mythological story of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi fast, once Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati were sitting on the banks of river Narmada. There Mother Parvati asked Lord Shiva to play Chaupar to pass the time. Shiva got ready to play Chaupar, but the question arose before him as to who would decide the victory or defeat in this game, then Lord Shiva collected some straws, made an effigy of it and consecrated it and said to the effigy – Son, we want to play chaupar, but there is no one to decide our victory or defeat, that is why you tell us who among us lost and who won?

After that the game of Chaupar between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati started. This game was played 3 times and coincidentally Mother Parvati won all the three times. After the game was over, the child was asked to decide whether he won or lost, and the child declared Mahadev victorious.

Hearing this, Mother Parvati became angry and in anger she cursed the child to become lame and remain lying in the mud. The child apologized to Mother Parvati and said that this happened out of ignorance on my part, I did not do this out of any malice.

When the child apologized, the mother said – ‘Naagakanyas will come here to worship Ganesh, observe Ganesh fast as per their advice, by doing this you will attain me.’ Saying this, Mother Parvati went to Mount Kailash with Shiva.

After one year, snake girls came to that place, then after learning from the snake girls the method of fasting of Shri Ganesha, the boy fasted on Lord Ganesha for 21 days continuously. Ganesh ji was pleased with his devotion. He asked the boy to ask for the desired fruit. On that the child said – ‘O Vinayak! Give me so much strength that I can walk on my feet and reach Mount Kailash with my parents and they will be happy to see this.

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Then after giving a boon to the child, Shri Ganesh disappeared. After this the boy reached Mount Kailash and narrated his story of reaching Mount Kailash to Lord Shiva. Mother Parvati had turned away from Shivji since the day of Chaupar, so Lord Shiva also fasted Shri Ganesh for 21 days as told by the child, on the anger of the Goddess. With the effect of this fast, the displeasure that Mother Parvati had for Lord Shiva ended.

Then Lord Shankar told this fasting method to Mother Parvati. Hearing this, the desire to meet her son Kartikeya also awakened in the mind of Mother Parvati. Then Mata Parvati also observed Shri Ganesh’s fast for 21 days and worshiped Ganeshji with durva, flowers and laddoos. Kartikeya himself met Mother Parvatiji on the 21st day of the fast. From that day onwards, this fast of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is considered to fulfill all wishes. By observing this fast, all the sufferings of man go away and man gets all the happiness and facilities.

Prana Pratishtha: Infusing Life into the Idol

Before worshiping the idol, a ritual known as Prana Pratishtha is performed. It involves inviting the divine presence into the idol. This ceremony is a pivotal moment in the festival, as it is believed that Lord Ganesha himself resides in the idol during the festival.

Daily Worship and Offerings

During the ten-day festival, devotees offer flowers, incense, and a variety of sweets to Lord Ganesha. Modak, a sweet dumpling, is considered Ganesha’s favorite and is prepared in abundance. The aroma of these delicacies fills the air, adding to the festive spirit.

Visarjan: The Immersion Ritual

The culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi Katha is the immersion of the idol in a water body, such as a river or the sea. This ritual, known as Visarjan, symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to his heavenly abode. It is accompanied by processions, dance, and music, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi Katha holds immense significance for devotees. It is a time to seek Ganesha’s blessings for success, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. The festival promotes unity and social harmony as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate.

Conclusion

Ganesh Chaturthi Katha narrates the captivating tale of Lord Ganesha’s birth and showcases the exuberant celebrations that accompany this festival. It reminds us of the values of devotion, wisdom, and sacrifice. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi Katha, let us also reflect on the profound teachings and significance behind this joyous occasion.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Que : When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
Ans : Ganesh Chaturthi Katha falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September.

Que : What is the duration of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival?
Ans : The festival spans ten days, with the immersion of the idol on the final day.

Que : Why is Lord Ganesha’s idol immersed in water?
Ans : Immersion symbolizes the departure of Lord Ganesha after his visit and blessings.

Que : Are there any specific customs or rituals associated with Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ans : Yes, customs include Prana Pratishtha, daily worship, and offering modak.

Que : Is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated only in India?
Ans : While it originated in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated by Hindus worldwide.

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