Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped first? (2024)

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

Lord Ganesha is renowned to be known as an elephant-headed deity, with a pot belly, a broken tusk, and riding a little mouse as his vehicle. Ganesha, who is also known as “Vighnaharta” which means “destroyer of all obstacles”, is the epitome of bringing good luck, fortune, and an obstruction-free path to success. It is a common belief amongst people in India to start any auspicious event, new business venture, marriage ceremony, housewarming, etc., to worship Lord Ganesha before any other Gods and Goddesses.

Let’s know the reason behind it!!

According to Hindu Mythology, two completely different stories tell us why Lord Ganesha is worshipped first. The most popular story of the 2 tells us about a day when Goddess Parvati asked Lord Ganesha to guard the gate of her chambers and restrict anyone who tries to enter. When Lord Shiva tried to enter his wife’s chamber, Lord Ganesha, who was unaware of Shiva being his biological father, took him as a stranger. He did not let Lord Shiva enter the chamber, which infuriated Mahadev. To avenge the disrespect, in his extreme anger, Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head. Hearing the painful screams of little Ganesh, Goddess Parvati came running out of her chambers. Her child’s miserable plight made Goddess Parvati angry, and she threatened to destroy the whole world. Seeing her fury, Lord Shiva placed the head of an elephant on Ganesha’s body and Lord Ganesha’s life got restored. Further, he bestowed Lord Ganesha with an infinite boon that Humans will begin all puja or any auspicious event by worshipping Lord Ganesha first or the Puja ceremony will not be considered complete.

Another legend narrates the story of a race between Lord Ganesha and his elder brother Lord Kartikeya or Murugan. Lord Shiva told them to go around the universe and complete its three rotations. The first one who will complete it would be declared the winner and would become the deity to be worshipped first. Hence Lord Kartikeya sat on his vehicle- peaco*ck and started his journey. Whereas, on other hand, Lord Ganesha started walking around his parents. When Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati asked him for the reason, Ganesha replied that for him, his parent’s importance is equivalent to the Universe’s existence. Being impressed by Lord Ganesha’s pure emotions, he was declared the winner, and since then he is worshipped before the start of any auspicious event.

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