For centuries, mythology has captivated human fascination, and the timeless tales of Gods and Goddesses engaged in battles between good and evil continue to enthrall us. The exploration of concepts such as heaven and hell, right and wrong, and the fallibility of even the divine adds a humbling dimension to our understanding. The acknowledgment that even Gods, creators of the universe, can stumble off their pedestals is a profound aspect of these narratives.
As a Hindu, one is immersed in a rich tapestry of mythology, with a multitude of deities like Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, Saraswati, and many more. These divine figures, present in our homes, symbolize our connection to the universe—a story passed down through generations, carefully preserved and handed down. The abundance of deities offers a lifetime’s worth of stories to explore and learn from.
The Indian subcontinent boasts a myriad of Almighty figures, reflecting our strength in diversity. With a vast Hindu population, there are hundreds of traditional gods and goddesses, each with its unique rites and legends. Among these, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri stand out as beloved deities, invoked for blessings at the beginning of every occasion. Growing up in an Indian household, memories of celebrating Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi with grandeur and enthusiasm are cherished.
Explore the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the cultural celebrations associated with deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri, and delve into the vibrant traditions that define the Indian way of life.
Relation Between Ganpati and Gauri
Lord Ganesha, also known by various names such as Dukh Harta, Sukh Karta, Vighneswara, Bappa, Pillayar, Vinayaka, Mahodara, and Lambodara, is considered the brother of Goddess Gauri, who is known by names like Lalita, Uma, Parvati, Kali, Durga, Haimavati, Abirami, among others. Their story is often overlooked due to the multitude of names associated with these deities.
According to the mythology, Goddess Parvati, in her abode bustling with visitors seeking Lord Shiva’s advice, created Lord Ganesha out of sandalwood paste. Shiva’s companion, Nandi, was tasked with guarding Parvati’s abode. However, Nandi hesitated to prevent Shiva from entering, leading Parvati to sculpt Ganesha to protect her during her baths.
Ganesha was given strict orders not to allow anyone inside until Parvati permitted. Despite several attempts by the devas, even Shiva was barred from entering his own home. In response, Lord Shiva’s army focused on the young boy, but none could defeat Parvati’s creation. In a fit of rage, Shiva beheaded Ganesha.
Upon witnessing this, Parvati turned to the gods and Shiva, proclaiming Ganesha as her son. In her anger and grief, she vowed to annihilate all living beings. The gods, filled with remorse, sought to resurrect the boy. They were instructed to bring the head of the first creature facing north, which happened to be an elephant. Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of the elephant, giving rise to the familiar form of Lord Ganesha.
This tale emphasizes the significance of cultural and heritage values in Indian mythology, highlighting the complex relationships and divine interventions that shape the narrative of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri.
Significance of Gowri Ganesha Festival
Gowri Habba is a significant Hindu celebration observed in Karnataka, occurring a day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival is dedicated to honoring Goddess Gowri, also known as Gauri or Parvati, who is recognized as the mother of Ganesha. It holds particular prominence in Karnataka, predominantly observed by married women. The Gowri Pooja, a revered ritual, is faithfully followed by women across the region, with thousands participating annually.
Notably, this festival extends its celebration to various North Indian states, including Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, where it is alternatively known as Hartalika. Goddess Gowri, the wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesha, is venerated throughout India for her ability to bestow courage and strength upon her devotees. She is regarded as one of the most formidable female deities in Hindu mythology, wielding significant power and influence.
Facts about Gowri Pooja
After their bath, married women typically don new attire and then attire young girls in the family in a similar fashion. Subsequently, the women perform the ‘sthapana,’ which involves either jalagauri or arishinadagauri—a symbolic turmeric idol of the Goddess.
Local markets offer clay idols of Gowri, painted and adorned, which are then placed on a plate with a grain of rice or wheat. Since this puja demands “suchi” or cleanliness and “shraddha” or dedication, women either visit temples or households where the ritual is performed according to specified procedures or conduct it in their own homes.
A mandapa is constructed around the idol, typically embellished with banana stems and mango leaves. Gowri is adorned with garlands and cotton ornaments, while women wear a ‘gauridaara’ (a holy strand with sixteen knots) on their right wrists—a blessing from Gauri and part of the vratha.
Throughout the religious ceremony, each of the sixteen knots is honored with mantras. The Ganpati-Gowri puja is a revered tradition in Hinduism, faithfully conducted for centuries. The mother and son deities hold a significant place among Hindu gods.