Ganesh Chaturthi 2017 - Vinayaka Chaturthi

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2017

Ganesh Chaturthi 2017 date is 25th August. Bhadrapada (August) Shukla Chaturthi is called Ganesh Chaturthi. Although all chaturthi of Krishna Paksha of every month are being treated as a special day for the worship of Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha is a trouble-shooter. He occupies the highest place among all Hindu deities. Lord Ganesha was born in the middle of Chathurthi of Bhadrapada month in Shukla Paksha. Lord Ganesha is a God of wisdom. He rides on rat. Riddhi and Siddhi are two wives of Lord Ganesha.

About Ganesh Chaturthi

In ancient time, the course studies of students used to start from this day. On Ganesh Chaturthi boys also play with small stick in a particular way so the day is also known as 'Danda Chauth'.

After having bath, one should prepare the idol of Lord Ganesha comprising of gold, copper or cow-dunk. The idol of Lord Ganesha should be established on the kalash, containing water and the opening of the kalash covered with new piece of cloth. Lord Ganesha should be worshipped with the offering of 21 ladoos. 5 ladoos should be left for Ganpati and rest of should be distributed among Brahmins. Swami Sivananda has talked about the religious and spiritual practices that should be performed this day. Swami Sivananda says, “Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the altar after taking bath in the morning. Sit comfortably, fold your hand in namaste, close your eyes and chant Om slowly three times.” Recite the Ganesha Mantra after it:

vakratunda mahakaya soorya koti samaprabha
nirvighnam kuru mein deva sarva karyeshu sarvadaa

Oh! Lord Ganesha, you are as bright as ten million suns, I pray to you please remove all the obstacles from my path.

The worship should be done in the evening. One should also offer ardha to Moon following charity to Brahmins. One should try to refrain from the view of Moon because it could lead to defame through negative stain on character. But if somebody have glance of Moon unknowingly he should immediately perform the fast of Sidhdhi Vinayak. One should also listen to Syamantak Mani Katha.

The Legend Behind Ganesh Chaturthi

One day Lord Shiva went to a place named Bhogawati for bath from Kailash Mountain. After the departure of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati wanted to take bath in the river. To guard against any unwelcome intrusion, she took a little turmeric paste from her body and created a young boy. She gave him clear instructions not to allow anybody inside. Goddess Parvati instructed boy Ganesha - 'Dear son! You should guard at the door. I am having bath inside so be careful until I finished bath, do not allow anyone to enter inside.

Lord Shiva was coming back after having bath from Bhogawati. When he tried to enter into the home boy Ganesha stopped him outside. Lord Shiva became very angry and cut off the head of this boy and threw it away using his trident. When Goddess Parvati came to about the incident she became very sad, that the boy created by her was killed. Lord Shiva wanted to console Parvati. So he sent his army to bring the first head that that they see on their way. The first head that they saw was the head of dying elephant. Lord Shiva fixed that head on the boy’s trunk and brought him back to life. He also adopted him as his younger son and made him chief of his army.