Ganesh Chaturthi: 5 lesser-known facts about Lord Ganesha
The grand Indian festival of Ganesh Chaturthi honors Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, who signifies the remover of obstacles, and a symbol of wisdom and intellect. While his iconic appearance and symbolism are widely recognized, there are lesser-known aspects that lend depth to his persona. This Ganesh Chaturthi let us acquaint you with five facts about Lord Ganesha that might surprise you.
Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharat
Rishi Vyasa is said to have recited the Mahabharat while asking Lord Ganesha to write it. Ganesha decided to do so after Vyasa agreed to recite it without stopping. Vyasa in turn demanded that he should understand what was being said before he recorded it. Lord Ganesha wrote it down using his tusk as a pen when the feather quill broke in between.
The story of Ganesha and Tulsi
When Tulsi Devi was traversing the banks of the River Ganga where Lord Ganesha was meditating, she requested that Ganesha marry her. However, Ganesha said that he would never marry in his life. This infuriated Tulsi, who then cursed Ganesha to have not one but two marriages. Ganesha then swore that Tulsi would be hitched to an asura and would always be a plant.
Indonesia printed Lord Ganesha on its 20,000 Rupiah notes
Hinduism is one of Indonesia's officially recognized religions. Considered a symbol of good fortune, the Bank of Indonesia began printing a 20,000 rupiah banknote featuring an image of Lord Ganesha. The note first entered circulation in 1998; however, it was demonetized by the government in 2008 as part of currency security upgrades. The current notes do not feature Lord Ganesha.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped in Japan
Due to the historical practice of Indian traders taking Ganpati idols abroad, various cultures, including Japan, eventually adopted this deity. In Japan, Ganpati is known as "Kangiten." The features and appearance of Lord Ganesha are inherited by the Japanese god Kangiten. The Japanese also refer to him as "Binayaka-Ten" and worship him under the names "Ganabachi" and "Ganwha."
Here's why Ganesha and Moon don't get along
Lord Ganesha once attended a feast in honor of his birthday, according to a legend. However, he had so many laddoos that when he attempted to stand up, he toppled. The moon scoffed at him seeing this. Ganesh was enraged and vowed to punish anyone who stared at the moon today. Many believe that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is unlucky.
