Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped first?

वक्रतुंड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरुमे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा।।

Lord Ganesha, known for his elephant head and pot belly, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He is widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. One of the most distinctive features of Ganesha worship is that he is honored before any other gods in every ritual and ceremony. This article delves into the reasons behind this tradition, its significance, and the proper ways to worship Lord Ganesha.

Story Behind the Tradition

Ganesha Guarding Parvati’s Chambers

One of the most famous stories explaining why Lord Ganesha is worshipped first involves his role as a dutiful guardian. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste and tasked him with guarding her chambers. When Lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband, returned home and tried to enter, Ganesha, unaware of Shiva’s identity, stopped him. This angered Shiva, who, in his fury, decapitated Ganesha. Hearing the commotion, Parvati rushed out and, seeing her son’s lifeless body, threatened to destroy the universe. To calm her, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. He ordered his followers to find the head of the first living being they encountered, which happened to be an elephant. Shiva attached the elephant’s head to Ganesha’s body and revived him. To honor Ganesha’s loyalty and appease Parvati, Shiva decreed that Ganesha would be worshipped first in all rituals.

The Race Around the Universe

Another significant story involves a contest between Ganesha and his brother, Kartikeya. Lord Shiva challenged his sons to race around the universe three times, with the winner being worshipped first. Kartikeya, with his swift peacock mount, set off immediately. Ganesha, however, circled his parents, declaring that they symbolized the universe to him. Pleased with Ganesha’s wisdom and devotion, Shiva declared him the winner, establishing the tradition of worshipping Ganesha first.

Significance of Worshipping Ganesha First

Worshipping Lord Ganesha at the start of any ritual or significant event holds deep significance. As “Vighnaharta,” the remover of obstacles, Ganesha’s blessings are sought to ensure a smooth and successful undertaking. His presence is believed to clear any potential hurdles and pave the way for prosperity and success. Additionally, Ganesha is the deity of intellect and wisdom, making his worship essential for educational and creative endeavors. Invoking Ganesha’s guidance ensures that these endeavors are approached with clarity and pure intentions.

How to Worship Ganesha

Worshipping Lord Ganesha involves several important steps:

1. Cleanse the Area: Ensure the space for worship is clean and purified.
2. Place the Idol: Position a Ganesha idol or picture on a clean, raised platform, ideally facing east or west.
3. Invoke His Presence: Light a lamp and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere and invoke Ganesha’s presence.
4. Offer Prayers: Present flowers, fruits, and sweets, particularly Modak, his favorite treat.
5. Chant Mantras: Recite Ganesha mantras with devotion. The “Ganesh Mantra” is especially popular: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha“
6. Perform Aarti: Conclude the worship with an Aarti, a ritual of waving lighted wicks before the deity while singing hymns in praise of Ganesha.Prasad Distribution: Share the offerings (prasad) among the devotees, spreading the blessings of Ganesha.

Popular Mantra for Ganesha Worship

A widely revered mantra for invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings is:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Chanting this mantra is believed to remove obstacles and bring success. It is recited with sincerity and devotion to invoke Ganesha’s protective and benevolent energy.

Conclusion

The tradition of worshipping Lord Ganesha first is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. It signifies the removal of obstacles and the ushering in of prosperity and success. The stories behind this practice, whether it’s Ganesha guarding Parvati’s chambers or winning the race around the universe, highlight his qualities of wisdom, devotion, and the ability to overcome challenges. By worshipping Ganesha first, devotees seek to ensure that their endeavors are blessed and that they proceed without any hindrances. Upholding these traditions not only honors our cultural heritage but also enriches our spiritual practices, allowing us to connect with the divine in meaningful ways.