Mythology has always been a fascinating aspect of human culture, with stories that share a glimpse into the connection between the human and the divine. In Hindu mythology, the relationship between Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri holds a special place. Lord Ganesha, with his elephant head and playful nature, embodies wisdom and is widely revered as the remover of obstacles. On the other hand, the goddess Gauri, also known as Parvati, represents strength, devotion, and maternal love. And the story of the two is not just a tale of gods but a reflection of familial bonds and the cycle of creation and destruction.
But have you ever thought about the relationship that these two Hindu deities share? If yes, then this blog is something you need to read. Stay along as we learn more about Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri.
The Story of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri
The story of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri begins with the creation of Lord Ganesha by Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste to guard her privacy while she was in for her daily bathing. Upon coming out, Parvati was quite impressed by the devotion and dedication of the young boy, in pursuit of which she granted him a special boon – that he would be worshipped before all other gods and goddesses. This act of creation sets the stage for a series of events that define their relationship for eternity, including Ganesha's role as the remover of obstacles and the God of arts and sciences.
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The Significance of the Relationship
The relationship between Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri is celebrated during Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Gowri Habba. These festivals serve as reminders of their special bond and the importance of family and devotion in Hindu culture. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp and show every year where devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes with prayers, offerings, and colorful decorations and wholeheartedly bid him goodbye on the 11th day of the occasion.
Similarly, Gowri Habba is a widely celebrated festival in Karnataka that falls a day prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. It is highly celebrated among the devotees, honoring Goddess Gowri as Ganesha's mother, and commemorates the maternal aspect of their relationship.
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Gowri Puja: A Revered Tradition
One of the key rituals associated with the celebration of Goddess Gowri is the Gowri Puja. During this ritual, married women create idols of Gowri (either Jyestha Gauri, the elder sister, or Kanishtha Gauri, the younger sister) using turmeric paste and do the sthapana over a plate filled with rice or wheat grains.
Hereafter, the women dress up in new clothes and perform all the rituals within a mandapa decorated with banana stems and mango leaves. During this time, you’d often find the ladies wearing a gauridaara (a scared strand with a total of sixteen knots) The tradition of Gowri Puja underscores the importance of maternal blessings and the role of women in upholding family traditions and values.
Takeaway
The story of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri is more than just a mythological tale – it is a timeless reminder of the power of love, devotion, and family bonds. As we celebrate festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Gowri Habba, let us also take a moment to reflect on their significance and strive to inculcate the virtues they carry in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Why there are 2 idols of Gauri with Ganpati?
A. In parts of India, it is believed that Ganpati has two sisters - Jyestha Gauri (the elder sister) and Kanishtha Gauri (the younger sister), who came to visit him. Hence, you would often find 2 idols of Gauri with Ganpati.
Q. Who is the wife of Ganpati?
A. Lord Ganpati has two wives named Riddhi and Siddhi.
Q. Why was Ganesh married twice?
A. According to the legends, once when Ganesha was in deep penance, Goddess Tulsi tried to lure him to propose to him for marriage. However, Lord Ganesha rejected her proposal and conveyed his reason of being celibate all his life. Goddess Tulsi was offended by Ganesha’s rejection and cursed him that he would be married not once but twice and would have two wives.
Q. Who is Laxmi to Ganesh?
A. Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha share a mother-son relationship.
Q. Why Lord Kartikeya is unmarried?
A. In Northern India, it is believed that Lord Kartikeya vowed not to marry all his life. However, in South India, he is said to have two wives - Valli and Devasena.