Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. While most devotees know the popular stories of his birth and his love for Modak, there are several lesser-known facts about Ganesha that are truly fascinating.
In this article, we’ll explore some rare and unknown information about Lord Ganesha that will deepen your devotion and give you a fresh perspective on Bappa.
1. Two Different Birth Legends
Most people know the story where Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste and gave him life. But in another version, it is believed that Lord Vishnu created him upon the request of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing divine wisdom.
👉 This makes Ganesha’s origin unique, as he is seen as both a creation of a mother’s love and a cosmic blessing from the divine trinity.
2. Lord Ganesha’s Marriage
While many devotees worship Ganesha as a bachelor, in certain traditions he is believed to have two wives:
- Riddhi (prosperity)
- Siddhi (spiritual power)
Their children are Shubha (auspiciousness) and Labh (profit). This is why people chant “Shubh Labh” during festivals—it represents the blessings of Ganesha’s divine family.
3. The Writer of the Mahabharata
One of the most fascinating tales is that of Ganesha writing the Mahabharata. Sage Vyasa dictated the great epic, but he needed someone who could write fast enough to keep up. Ganesha agreed, on the condition that Vyasa wouldn’t pause.
When Ganesha’s pen broke, he didn’t stop—he broke his own tusk and used it as a pen, earning the name Ekadanta (one-tusked god).
4. The Symbolism of Modak
Ganesha’s favorite sweet, the Modak, has a deep meaning. The soft outer shell represents the struggles of life, while the sweet filling inside represents the inner wisdom and bliss one receives after perseverance.
👉 Offering Modaks during Ganesh Chaturthi is symbolic of offering your wisdom, devotion, and sincerity to Bappa.
5. Global Worship of Ganesha
Ganesha is not just worshipped in India. His presence can be found across the world:
- Indonesia (Bali) – Known as Ganapati, he is worshipped in Hindu temples.
- Thailand & Cambodia – Ancient temples feature carvings of Ganesha.
- Japan – He is revered as Kangiten, the god of fortune.
- Nepal & Afghanistan (Gandhara period) – Ancient idols of Ganesha have been discovered.
This shows how universal Ganesha’s energy truly is.
6. The 108 Names of Ganesha
Did you know Ganesha has 108 different names? Some popular ones include:
- Vinayaka – the supreme leader
- Vighnaharta – remover of obstacles
- Gajanana – elephant-faced
- Lambodara – big-bellied
- Ekadanta – one-tusked
Each name highlights a unique quality of Ganesha.
7. The First God to Be Worshipped
In Hindu tradition, no ritual, wedding, or festival begins without invoking Lord Ganesha first. That is why he is known as Prathama Pujya, the one who is worshipped before all deities, ensuring the removal of obstacles.
8. The Curse of the Moon
According to legend, one night Ganesha was returning after a feast, riding his mouse. The moon laughed at his large belly and small vehicle. Angered, Ganesha cursed the moon, saying that anyone who looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night will face false accusations and bad luck.
Even today, people avoid looking at the moon on this day to stay safe from misfortune.
9.Ganesha Is Mentioned in the Rigveda
Though not directly called “Ganesha,” the ancient Rigveda mentions a deity as Ganapati and Vighneshwara, hinting at the origins of Lord Vinayagar. This shows that his worship dates back thousands of years, long before the Puranas were written.
Conclusion
Lord Ganesha is not just the remover of obstacles but also a symbol of wisdom, humility, and universal energy. These unknown facts about Ganesha remind us of the depth of his stories and the timeless wisdom they hold.