Every year he is welcomed with fervent faith and boundless joy. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, is indeed a universal favourite, says Shraddha Jahagirdar-Saxena

Little wonder then, that the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is awaited eagerly by countless devotees, in Maharashtra, India and even on foreign shores. And voices rise in unison in homes and on the roads, singing, “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”

Shiva and Parvati's divine child means many things to many people and, by and large, he is a universal favourite. The legend goes that Ganapati unites heaven and earth, man, beast and god. He is the one deity with whom devotees are on the most familiar loving terms for he is indeed a mangal murti, the essence of all that is auspicious. The God of Wisdom, he is invoked at the beginning of every important ceremony. He is also the presiding deity of literature, someone who bestows success and removes obstacles from the paths of his devotees.

It is said that there are 32 avatars of Lord Ganesha -- to name a few: Bala Ganapati, the infant; Tarun Ganapati, the youth; Bhakti Ganapati, the devout; Shakti Ganapati, the powerful and Dwija Ganapati, the twice born.

What endears him all the more to his followers, is his appearance. His huge trunk (suggestive of the 'Om') and his rotund stomach, make him eminently touchable and offer a high degree of comfort. His stomach also hints at his ability to digest a multitude of things. The way he is portrayed physically teaches us many things. His broad forehead speaks of his wisdom, his small eyes and straight gaze show a sharp focus.

As the festival draws near, preparations to welcome him begin. The sanctum sanctorum of houses is cleaned up for the occasion. And plates piled high with 21 modaks (Lord Ganesha's favourite food), sometimes 22, the extra one for the little mouse who is said to be the Lord's vahana, are offered to the deity who is indeed a sukhakarta dukhaharta, bringing universal happiness and dispelling sorrow. Sounds of aartis being sung and scents of camphor and agarbattis waft out of all homes that play host to the god.

His visit to our homes is all too short and sweet. When it is time for the deity to leave, hordes of devotees throng the roads for the immersion. As voices rise out loud and clear, rain or shine, urging him to return soon, next year. "Ganpati Bappa Morya, pudchya varshi lavkar ya!"


What is in a name?
Some of his 108 names

Akhuratha: One with a mouse as his charioteer.
Alampata: The eternal.
Avaneesh: Master of the whole earth.
Bheema: Gigantic.
Bhoovanpati: Lord of the world.
Buddhinath: Lord of wisdom.
Durja: The invincible.
Gajanana: Elephant faced.
Gadadhara: Wielder of the mace.
Siddhivinayaka: The bestower of success.