GANESHA (Sanskrit : गणेश) also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka is the elephant headed god (Iconography is an elephant–headed anthropomorphic figure) who is regarded as the remover of obstacles and harbinger of good luck, good fortune and therefore a good future. He is widely revered, more specifically, as the remover of obstacles and thought to bring good luck, the patron of arts and sciences and the god of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings – he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as a patron of letters and learning during writing sessions. Ganesha is univresal god and revered not only in Hinduism but also Buddhism & jainism and in countries outside India and Ganesh Chaturthi representing the earthly descent from Mount Kailash, stay and return to Mount Kailash is celebrated worldwide

LORD GANESHA – DIFFERENT ICONOGRAPHIES

WHO IS LORD GANESHA ?


  • Ganesha (Sanskrit : गणेश) also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon
  • The earliest mention of Ganapati is found in the Rigveda. It appears twice in the Rigveda once in shloka 2.23.1, as well as in shloka 10.112.9
  • Both of these shlokas imply a role of Ganapati as “the seer among the seers, abounding beyond measure in food presiding among the elders and being the lord of an invocation”, while the shloka in mandala 10 states that without Ganapati “nothing nearby or afar is performed without thee”
  • Carvings at Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples such as at the Ellora Caves, dated between the 5th and 8th-century show Ganesh reverentially seated with major Hindu goddess (Shakti)

IS GANESHA LIMITED ONLY TO

HINDUISM ?

INDIA ?


 NO


GANESHA IS REVERED IN BUDDHISM AS WELL AS JAINISM


DEVOTION OF GANESHA IS WIDELY DIFFUSED AND EXTENDS TO JAINISM & BUDDHISM

AS WELL AS

IN COUNTRIES EAST OF INDIA

WITH

OBSERVATIONS & CELEBRATIONS OF GANESH CHATURTHI WORLDWIDE


GANESHA´s image is found throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia (Java and Bali), Malaysia, Philippines, and Bangladesh and in countries with large ethnic Indian populations including Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago


WHERE ARE SOME OF THE WORLD´s TALLEST GANESHA STATUES ?


Chachoengsao is known as the “city of Ganesha in Thailand” – with 3 huge Hindu – Buddhist deity Ganesha (Phra Phikanet in thai language) statues in 3 different temples around Chachoengsao


49 meters tall sitting Ganesha at “Phrong Akat Temple” which is the tallest sitting Ganesha in Thailand


39 meters high standing Ganesha at “Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park” which is the tallest standing Ganesha in Thailand


and 16 meters high and 22 meters long reclining Ganesha at “Saman Wattanaram Temple


THE WORLD´s TALLEST STANDING GANESHA STATUE MADE OF BRONZE IS IN KHLANG KHUEAN / CHANCHOENGSAO PROVINCE IN THAILAND


Bronze Ganesh at the Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park
Bronze Ganesh at the Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park

  • At 39 meters high – this is the tallest Bronze Ganesha statue in the world
  • Ganesha was installed by Thai Princess Soamsawali Phravararajatinuddamat
  • Today, Thai Buddhists celebrate the birth of Ganesha just as Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Lord Ganesha is known as ” Phra Phikanet” (Shri Vignesha) in Thailand
  • Ganesha is very popular among Thai Buddhists.
  • Ganseha is worshiped as the deity of success and as the one who removes all obstacles by Thai Buddhists
  • Thais worship him on occasion of the commencement of a new business or on occasion of a wedding
  • Associated with art and culture, Ganesha forms a part of the logo of Thailand’s department of Fine Arts

Ganesha worshipped in the Durga Puja celebrations in Cologne, Germany

  • In Indian culture – Hindu denominations worship him regardless of affiliations
  • TERAVADA BUDDHISM IN THAILAND
    • Today in Buddhist Thailand, Ganesha is regarded as a remover of obstacles, the god of success
    • Thailand regards Ganesha mainly as the god of arts and academics – Ganesha is depicted both in the seal of the Fine Arts Department, and Thailand’s first prominent fine arts academy; the Silpakorn University
    • In Thailand, Cambodia, and among the Hindu classes of the Chams in Vietnam, Ganesha was mainly thought of as a remover of obstacles
    • The forms of Ganesha found in the Hindu art of Philippines, Java, Bali, and Borneo show specific regional influences
  • MAHAYANA & VAJRAYANA & TIBETAN BUDDHISM
    • As the Buddhist god Vināyaka, he is often shown dancing
    • Tibetan representations of Ganesha show ambivalent views of him
  • CHINA & JAPAN
    • Ganesha appears in China and Japan in forms that show distinct regional character
    • In northern China, the earliest known stone statue of Ganesha carries an inscription dated to 531
    • In Japan, where Ganesha is known as Kangiten, the Ganesha cult was first mentioned in 806
  • JAINISM
    • Ganesha is worshipped by most Jains – for whom he appears to have taken over certain functions of the god of wealth, Kubera
    • Images of Ganesha appear in the Jain temples of Rajasthan and Gujarat
  • Although Ganesha has many attributes, he is readily identified by his elephant head
  • He is widely revered, more specifically, as the remover of obstacles and thought to bring good luck, the patron of arts and sciences and the god of intellect and wisdom
  • As the god of beginnings – he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies
  • Ganesha is also invoked as a patron of letters and learning during writing sessions
  • Ganesha is an elephant–headed anthropomorphic figure on Indo-Greek coins from the 1st century BCE
  • Hindu mythology identifies him as the restored son of Parvati and Shiva of the Shaivism tradition, but he is a pan-Hindu god found in its various traditions
  • Ganesha is the supreme deity in the Ganapatya tradition of Hinduism
  • The principal texts on Ganesha include the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa
  • Brahma Purana and Brahmanda Purana are other two Puranic genre encyclopaedic texts that deal with Ganesh
GANESHA : BASIC FACTS
  • GOD OF NEW BEGINNINGS
  • GOD OF GOOD FORTUNE, GOOD LUCK, SUCCESS & WISDOM
  • REVERED AND REGARDED AS THE REMOVER OF OBSTACLES – THEREBY PAVING & CLEARING THE WAY TO MOVE AHEAD UNHINDERED, UNABATED, PROGRESS & SUCCEED IN LIFE
 
 
SANSKRIT / DEVANAGARI गणेश
FEATURES OF GANESHA

REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES : BOTH OF A MATERIAL & SPIRITUAL ORDER

  • The is popularly worshipped as a remover of obstacles, though traditionally he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked
  • Hence – he is often worshipped by the people before they begin anything new
  • Ganesha’s dharma and his reason is to create and remove obstacles
  • Ganesh is both a vighnakartā (obstacle-creator) as well as vighnahartā (obstacle-averter)- both functions continue to be vital to his character

BUDDHI (INTELLIGENCE) 

  • Ganesha is considered to be the Lord of letters and learning, intelligence, wisdom, or intellect

OM

  • Ganesha is identified with the Hindu mantraOm
  • The term oṃkārasvarūpa (Om is his form), when identified with Ganesha, refers to the notion that he personifies the primal sound

FIRST CHAKRA

  • According to Kundalini yoga, Ganesha resides in the first chakra – called Muladhara (mūlādhāra)
  • Mula means “original, main”; adhara means “base, foundation”
  • The muladhara chakra is the principle on which the manifestation or outward expansion of primordial Divine Force rests.
  • Ganesha holds, supports and guides all other chakras, thereby “governing the forces that propel the wheel of life”

AFFILIATIONS

  1. DEVA
  2. BRAHMAN (GANAPATYA)
  3. SAGUNA BRAHMAN
  • DEVA
    • Deva (Sanskrit : देव) means “heavenly, divine, anything of excellence”
    • Deva is also one of the terms for a deity in Hinduism
    • Deva is a masculine term; the feminine equivalent is Devi
    • Devas, along with Asuras, Yakshas (nature spirits) and Rakshasas (ghoulish ogres), are part of Indian mythology
  • SAGUNA BRAHMAN
    • Saguna Brahman (lit. “The Absolute with qualities”) came from the Sanskrit saguṇa (सगुण) “with qualities, gunas” and Brahman (ब्रह्मन्) “the Absolute” – close to the concept of immanence, the manifested divine presence
  • BRAHMAN (GANAPATYA)
    • Brahman (Sanskrit : ब्रह्म) connotes the highest Universal Principle – the Ultimate Reality in the universe
    • It is the material, efficient, formal and final cause of all that exists
    • It is the pervasive, infinite, eternal truth and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes
    • Brahman as a metaphysical concept refers to the single binding unity behind diversity in all that exists in the universe

BRAHMAN (UNIVERSE)

&

ATMAN (SELF)


    • Brahman is discussed in Hindu texts with the concept of Atman (Sanskrit : आत्मन्), (Self) – personal, impersonal or Para Brahman or in various combinations of these qualities depending on the philosophical school
    • In dualistic schools of Hinduism such as the theistic Dvaita VedantaBrahman is different from Atman (Self) in each being
    • In non-dual schools such as the Advaita Vedanta – Brahman is identical to the Atman and is everywhere and inside each living being, and there is connected spiritual oneness in all existence
    • A drop in the ocean : an analogy for Ātman merging into Brahman
ABODES
  • MOUNT KAILASH (wIth parents)
  • GANESH LOKA
WEAPONS
  • PARASU (AXE)
  • PASA (NOOSE)
  • ANKUSA (ELEPHANT GOAD)

SYMBOLS

  1. SWASTIKA (卐)
  2. OM (ॐ)
  3. MODAK (INDIAN DUMPLINHG DISH)
  • SWASTIKA ( Sanskrit : स्वस्तिक : meaning “conducive to well-being”)
    • Swastika 卐 (right-facing or clockwise) or 卍 (left-facingcounterclockwise, or sauwastika)
    • It is an ancient religious icon in the cultures of Eurasia
    • It is used as a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Indian religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
    • It is also commonly used in Hindu marriage ceremonies
    • The swastika continues to be used as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain countries
    • In the Western world
      • It was a symbol of auspiciousness and good luck until the 1930s
      • But after World War II and the Holocaust – different view points exist as some people in the West still strongly associate it with Nazism and antisemitism and so diverse viewpoints exist regarding this symbol oscillating between acceptance to rejection
  • OM (ॐ)
    • Om signifies the essence of Brahman, the ultimate reality
    • Om (or Aum) (Sanskrit: ॐ, ओ३म्) is the sound of a sacred spiritual symbol in Indian religions, mainly in Hinduism, wherein it signifies the essence of the Ultimate Reality (parabrahman) which is consciousness (paramatman)
    • More broadly – Om is a syllable that is chanted either independently or before a spiritual recitation in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism with importance in Sikhism
    • JAINISM : The Om symbol is also used in Jainism to represent the first five lines of the Namokar mantra – the most important part of the daily prayer in the Jain religion, which honours the Pañca-Parameṣṭhi
    • SIKHISM : IK ONKAR ()are the first words of the Mul Mantar – the opening verse of the Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh holy scripture
      • Combining the numeral one (“Ik“) and “Onkar” – Ik Onkar literally means “one Om-maker”
      • These words are a statement that there is “one God” understood to refer to the “absolute monotheistic unity of God” and implying “singularity in spite of the seeming multiplicity of existence
    • HINDUISM : In Hinduism – Om is one of the most important spiritual symbols
    • Om refers to Atman (Self within) and Brahman (ultimate reality, entirety of the universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit, cosmic principles, knowledge)
    • The syllable is often found at the beginning and the end of chapters in the Vedas, the Upanishads, and other Hindu texts
    • It is a sacred spiritual incantation made before and during the recitation of spiritual texts, during puja and private prayers, in ceremonies of rites of passage (sanskara) such as weddings, and sometimes during meditative and spiritual activities such as Yoga
    • The syllable Om is also referred to as onkara / omkara and pranav / pranava among many other names

Om Symbol at Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada

  • MODAK (INDIAN DUMPLING DISH)
MOUNT
  • MOUSE
TEXTS
  • GANESHA PURANA
  • MUDGALA PURANA
  • GANAPATI ATHARVASHIRA
FESTIVALS
  • GANESH CHATURTHI
  • DIWALI
GANESHA : PERSONAL INFORMATION
BORN
  • While some texts say that Ganesha was born with an elephant head – he acquires the head later in most stories with Ganesha´s head restored to an elephant head after being beheaded by Shiva
RESTORATION
  • The most recurrent motif in these stories is that Ganesha was created by Parvati using clay to protect her and Shiva beheaded him when Ganesha came between Shiva and Parvati
  • Shiva then replaced Ganesha’s original head with that of an elephant
  • Details of the battle and where the replacement head came from vary from source to source
  • Another story says that Ganesha was created directly by Shiva’s laughter – Because Shiva considered Ganesha too alluring, he gave him the head of an elephant and a protruding belly
PARENTS
  • SHIVA – FATHER
  • PARVATI – MOTHER
SIBLINGS
  • KARTIKEYA (BROTHER)
CONSORTS

Ganesha’s marital status varies widely in mythological stories with view points oscillating betweeen one pattern of myths identifies Ganesha as an unmarried brahmachari to the association of Ganesha with the concepts of Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity) – these qualities are personified as goddesses, said to be Ganesha’s wives

  • BUDDHI (INTELLIGENCE)
  • SIDDHI (ATTAINMENT)
  • RIDDHI (PROSPERITY)
MARRIAGE & CHILDREN

The Shiva Purana says that Ganesha had begotten two sons : Kşema (safety) and Lābha (profit). In northern Indian variants of this story, the sons are often said to be Śubha (auspiciousness) and Lābha

  • KSHEMA (SAFETY) / SHUBHA (AUSPICIOUSNESS)
  • LABHA (PROFIT)

According to one of the many popular beliefs : Santoshi Mata is Lord Ganesha’s daughter – Diverse view points exist and unsettled arguments prevail on this point of view oscillating between acceptance and rejection as Santoshi mata being the daughter of the popular Hindu god Ganesha and related her to the Raksha Bandhan festival with some feeling however it had no basis in Hindu scriptures as this story has no Puranic basis

SANTOSHI MATA OR SANTOSHI MAA (SANSKRIT : संतोषी माता / संतोषी माँ)

  • Is a Goddess in venerated as “the Mother / goddess of Satisfaction”- the meaning of her name
  • She is worshipped by women with a vrata (ritual fast) called the Santoshi Maa vrata performed by women on 16 consecutive Fridays or until one´s wish is fulfilled) wins the Goddess’ favour
  • Wake up early morning, worship by offering flowers & bowl of raw sugar and roasted chick peas, take only one meal during the day, avoid eating / serving bitter & sour food (as it is somewhat addictive and hinders satisfaction), follow strictures like avoid quarrels & hurting anyone 
  • Once wish is granted – devotee must then organise a udyapan (“bringing to conclusion”) ceremony, where eight boys are to be served as a festive meal
  • This worship teaches devotee to spread love, sympathy & happiness and live with harmony

MANTRAS (CHANTS)

  • Oṃ Shri Gaṇeśāya Namaḥ
  • Oṃ Gaṃ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ

NAMES, ETYMOLOGY & EPITHETS OF LORD GANESHA


GANESHA IS COMMONLY TITLED & WORSHIPPED AS


  • Ganesha has been ascribed many titles & epithets including Ganapati (Ganpath) & Vighneshvara
  • The Hindu title of respect Shri (Sanskrit : श्री also spelled Sri or Shree) is often added before his name
  • Ganapati (गणपतिgaṇapati), a synonym for Ganesha, is a compound composed of gaṇa, meaning “group”, and pati, meaning “ruler” or “lord”
  • The earliest mention of the word Ganapati is found in hymn 2.23.1 of the 2nd-millennium BCE Rigveda

EIGHT SYNONYMS OF GANESHA

LISTED AS PER THE AMARAKOSHA (AN EARLY SANSKRIT LEXICON


  1. VINAYAKA (विनायक) : This name is reflected in the naming of the eight famous Ganesha temples in Maharashtra known as the Ashtavinayak
  2. VIGHNARAJA (equivalent to Vighnesha : विघ्नेश and Vighneshvara (विघ्नेश्वर) : The Lord of Obstacles refers to his primary function in Hinduism as the master and remover of obstacles
  3. DVAIMATURA : One who has two mothers
  4. GANADHIPA : equivalent to Ganapati and Ganesha
  5. EKADANTA : one who has one tusk
  6. HERAMBA
  7. LAMBODARA : one who has a pot belly, or, literally, one who has a hanging belly and
    1. Ganesha has the name Lambodara because all the universes (i.e., cosmic eggs or brahmāṇḍas) of the past, present and future are present in him
  8. GAJANANA : One that has the face of an elephant

SOME OTHER PROMINENT NAMES OF GANESHA

  • PILLAI / PILLAIYAR : A prominent name for Ganesha in the Tamil language is Pillai (Child) or Pillaiyar (Noble Child)
  • The widespread name of Ganesha in Thailand is Phra Phikanet
  • In Sri Lankan Singhala Buddhist areas – GANESHA is known as Gana deviyo and revered along with Buddha, Vishnu, Skanda and others

DESCRIBE THE WORSHIP AND FESTIVALS OF LORD GANESHA


 
  • Ganesha is worshipped on many religious and secular occasions, especially at the beginning of ventures such as buying a vehicle or starting a business
  • There can hardly be a [Hindu] home [in India] which does not house an idol of Ganapati
  • Devotees believe that if Ganesha is propitiated, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity
  • Ganesha is a non-sectarian deity
  • Hindus of all denominations invoke him at the beginning of prayers, important undertakings, and religious ceremonies
  • Dancers and musicians, particularly in southern India, begin art performances such as the Bharatnatyam dance with a prayer to Ganesha
  • Mantras such as Om Shri Gaṇeshāya Namah (Om, salutation to the Illustrious Ganesha) are often used
  • One of the most famous mantras associated with Ganesha is Om Gaṃ Ganapataye Namah (Om, Gaṃ, Salutation to the Lord of Hosts)
  • Because of his identification with the color red, he is often worshipped with red sandalwood paste (raktachandana) or red flowers

 

A VERY UNIQUE GANESHA TEMPLE IN THE WORLD


KANIPAKAM VINAYAKA TEMPLE

CHITTOOR – ANDHRA PRADESH – INDIA


IS A VERY UNIQUE GANESH TEMPLE


WITH GANESHA INSIDE A WELL


Kanipakam Temple.jpg


KANIPAKAM VINAYAKA TEMPLE : THE PRESIDING DEITY


The deity of Vinayaka in the Temple
VINAYAKA IS THE PRESIDING DEITY OF THE TEMPLE
AS PER LEGEND – IT IS BVELIEVED THAT THE DEITY IS SVAYAMBHU (SELF – MANIFESTED)

THE DEITY IS FULL OF WATER – ALWAYS

This beautiful temple is located approximately 75 kms away from Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is among the best ancient Ganapati temples in India, known for its historic structure and intrinsic designs

  • Worshippers from different parts of the country visit Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, whose idol has three colors on its forehead, white, yellow, and red
  • The temple was built by the Chola King Kulothings Chola I in the 11th century to resolve the dispute between the people and end the evil
  • A lot of people who visit this magical temple of Lord Ganapapti, takes a dip in the holy water of the temple to clear their sin and resolve problems
  • Brahmotsavam is the main festival of this temple, celebrated every year during Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • The temple was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty
  • The temple is under the control of Endowments department of Andhra Pradesh which will appoint a trust board of 15 members to administer the temple
  • Annual brahmotsavams will be celebrated for 21 days starting from Vinayaka chavithi day
  • The processional deity of Vinayaka will be taken in a procession on different vahanams on these days amidst large number of pilgrims across the country
    • Vinayaka Temple or Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple of Ganesha
    • It is located at Kanipakam in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India
    • The temple is about 11 km from Chittoor and 68 km from Tirupati

KANIPAKAM VINAYAKA TEMPLE : LEGEND


    • According to legend, there were three brothers who were mute, deaf and blind
    • They were digging a well to fetch water to their field
    • The device they were using fell into the well hitting hard object
    • When they dug further, blood started to gush out of the well and the three got rid of their disabilities
    • The villagers rushed to the spot and found deity of Ganesha. Villagers dug further, but they were not able to find the base of the deity
    • The deity sits in the well which is always full of water
 
SVAYAMBHU SRI VARASIDHI VINAYAKA TEMPLE
Kanipakam Temple.jpg
Kanipakam temple entrance and koneru in front
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Chittoor district
Deity Ganesha
Festivals Vinayaka Chavithi
Location
Location Kanipakam
State Andhra Pradesh
Country India
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture
Completed 11th century
 
 
 

GANESH CHATURTHI


IS GANESH CHATURTHI THE BIRTHDAY OF GANESHA ?


NO


THE BIRTHDAY OF GANESHA IS GANESHA JAYANATHI THAT FALLS AROUND JANUARY / FEBRUARY EVERY YEAR


GANESH CHATURTHI IS A 11 DAY FESTIVAL IN OBSERVANCE & CELEBRATION OF THE ARRIVAL OF GANESH TO EARTH FROM KAILASH PARVAT WITH HIS MOTHER GODDESS PARVATI / GAURI

AND

HIS RETURN TO MOUNT KAILASH 11 DAYS AFTERWARDS



GANESH CHATURTHI
Lalbaugh Ganesha.jpg
Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai
OFFICIAL NAME
  • CHATUR / VINAYAKA CHATURTHI / VINAYAKA CHAVITHI
ALSO CALLED
  • CHAVITHI, CHOUTHI, GANESHOTSAV
OBSERVED BY
  • INDIAN DIASPORA AROUND THE WORLD
TYPE
  • RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL
CELEBRATIONS
  • CHANTING OF VEDIC HYMNS AND HINDU TEXTS, PRAYERS
  • LAST DAY : PROCESSIONS & IDOL IMMERSIONS
BEGINS
  • BHADRAPADA SHUKLA CHATURTHI
ENDS
  • 11 DAYS AFTER THE START
DATE
  • BHADRAPADA (22 AUGUST – 20 SEPTEMBER)
   
   
FREQUENCY
  • ANNUAL
  • Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturti (Vināyaka Caturthī), or Vinayaka Chaviti (Vināyaka Cavitī) is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesh to earth from Kailash Parvat with his mother Goddess Parvati / Gauri
  • The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesh clay murtis privately in homes and publicly elaborate pandals (temporary stages)
  • Observations include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts such as, prayers and vrata (fasting)
  • Offerings and prasāda from the daily prayers, that are distributed from the pandal to the community, include sweets such as modaka as it is believed to be a favourite of Lord Ganesh
  • The festival ends on the tenth day after start, when the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water such as a river or sea
  • In Mumbai alone – around 150000 statues are immersed annually
  • Thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesh is believed to return to Mount Kailash to Parvati and Shiva
  • The festival celebrates Lord Ganesh as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence and is observed throughout India
  • Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Nepal and by the Hindu diaspora worldwide
  • In the Gregorian calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls between 22 August and 20 September every year
  • Festivals associated with Ganesh are Ganesh Chaturthi or Vināyaka chaturthī in the śuklapakṣa (the fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August / September) and the Ganesh Jayanti (Ganesha’s birthday) celebrated on the cathurthī of the śuklapakṣa (fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of magha (January/February)
  • An annual festival honours Ganesha for ten days, starting on Ganesha Chaturthi, which typically falls in late August or early September
  • The festival begins with people bringing in clay idols of Ganesha, symbolising the god’s visit
  • The festival culminates on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi, when the idols (murtis) are immersed in the most convenient body of water
  • Some families have a tradition of immersion on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 7th day
  • Ganesha’s wide appeal as “the god for Everyman” – it is most popular in the state of Maharashtra

  • The date for the festival is usually decided by the presence of Chaturthi Thithi
  • The festival is held during “Bhadrapada Madyahanaa Purvabaddha”
  • If the Chaturthi Thiti begins at night on the previous day and gets over by morning on next day then the next day is observed as Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • In the consecration ceremony – a priest performs a Prana Pratishtha to invite Ganesh like a guest
  • This is followed by the 16-step Shodashopachara ritual (Sanskrit: Shodash, 16; Upachara, process) during which coconut, jaggery, modaksdurva grass and red hibiscus (Jaswand) flowers are offered to the idol
  • Depending on the region and time zone, the ceremony commences with hymns from the Rigveda, the Ganapati Atharvashirsa, the Upanishads and the Ganesh stotra (prayer) from the Narada Purana are chanted
  • In Maharashtra as well as Goa, Aartis are performed with friends and family, typically in the morning and evening

VISARJAN / NUMAJJANAM


  • On the last day of the festival, the tradition of Ganesh Visarjan / Nimajjinam takes place
  • The concluding day of the 10-day festival is also popularly known as Anant Chaturdashi
  • As the word ‘visarjan’ or ‘nimajjinam’ implies, on this day immersion (‘visarjan’ or ‘nimajjinam’ means immersion) of Lord Ganapati’s idol takes place in a river, sea, or water body
  • On the last day, the devotees come out in processions carrying the idols of their beloved God and perform immersion
  • There is an interesting story behind the legend of Ganesh visarjan / Vinayaka Nimajjinam
  • It is believed that Lord Ganesha returns to Mount Kailash to join his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the last day of the festival
  • The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi also denotes the significance of the cycle of birth, life and death
  • Ganesha, who is also known as the Lord of New Beginnings, is also worshipped as the Remover of Obstacles
  • It is believed that when the idol of the Ganesha is taken out for immersion, it also takes away with it the various obstacles of the house and these obstacles are destroyed along with the visarjan / nimajjinam
  • Every year – people wait with great anticipation to celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi

GANESH CHATURTHI

IS WIDELY OBSERVED & CELEBRATED BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE INDIA BY THE INDIAN DIASPORA FROM PAKISTAN, UK, USA, SINGAPORE AND OTHER PLACES


  • Due to environmental concerns – a number of families now buy clay idols insted of plaster of Paris idols and avoid bodies of water and let the clay statue disintegrate in a barrel of water at home and after a few days, the clay is spread in the garden
  • In some cities a public, eco-friendly process is used for the immersion

ONE OF THE TALLEST GANESHA STATUES (TEMPORARILY MADE DURING AND FOR GANESH CHATHURTHI CELEBRATIONS) IN THE WORLD

WHICH IS TEMPORARILY INSTALLED EVERY YEAR ON THE OCCASION OF THE CEMEBRATION OF GANESH CHATURTHI AND IMMERSED IN WATER (VISARJAN)

IS THE

THE KHAIRATABAD GANESH


 
KHAIRATABD GANESHA IDOL
Khairatabad ganesh utsav 2019.jpg
Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Idol in 2019
Location(s) Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana
  • Khairatabad Ganesh is the tallest Lord Ganesh Idol in the world that is installed during Ganesh Chaturthi at Khairatabad, Hyderabad, India
  • Devotees participate in the 11-day festival and thousands of people visit Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Mela from other parts of the state, and also from other states of India. On the 11th day the idol is immersed in Hussain Sagar lake
  • In 2013, a 59 feet Ganesh idol was installed to mark the completion of 59 years and a 4200 kg laddu was kept in the palm, that was made in a village named Tapeswaram located in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh
  • The Khairatabad Ganesh laddu in 2015 was a massive 6000 kg in weight
  • This laddu as usual was prepared at Tapeswaram, by vendor Mr. Malli Babu who has been in the business for the past few years
  • Starting in 2018. the Ganesh Utsava Committee agreed to switch from plaster of Paris to an eco-friendly clay idol
Year Avatar Height in feet  
2007 Vishwaroopa Maha Ganapathi 45  
2014 Sakutumba Saparivara Sametha – Shiva Parivaram 60  
2015 Thrishaktimaya Moksha Ganapathi 59  
2016 Sri Shakthi Peetha Shiva Nagendra Maha Ganapathi 58  
2017 Sri Chandi Kumara Anantha Maha Ganapathi 57  
2018 Sri Saptha Muka Ganesh 55  
2019 Sri Dwadashaditya Maha Ganapathi 61  
2020 Sri Dhanvanthari Narayana Maha Ganapathi 9  
2021 Sri Panchamuha Rudra Maha Ganapathy 40

DESCRIBE THE ICONOGRAPHY OF LORD GANESHA


IS THE ICONOGRAPHY OF LORD GANESHA UNIQUE AND ALWAYS THE SAME ?


YES

(Some features are almost always common in all iconographies in the depiction of Lord Ganesha over time)

&

NO


GANESHA is a popular figure in Indian art and is represented in the Indian traditions in many ways, but with some common features


Ganesha has been represented with the head of an elephant since the early stages of his appearance in Indian art


Unlike those of some deities – representations of Ganesha show wide variations and distinct patterns changing over time with no one sole unique or distinct way


Ganesha may be portrayed standing, dancing, heroically taking action against demons, playing with his family as a boy, or sitting down on an elevated seat, or engaging in a range of contemporary situations


  • ELEPHANT HEAD : Ganesha has the head of an elephant and a big belly. In rare instances – he may be depicted with a human head
  • ARMS : The number of Ganesha’s arms varies
    • His best-known forms have between two and sixteen arms
    • Many common depictions of Ganesha feature four arms
    •  He holds his own broken tusk in his lower-right hand and holds a delicacy, which he samples with his trunk, in his lower-left hand
    • The motif of Ganesha turning his trunk sharply to his left to taste a sweet in his lower-left hand is a particularly archaic feature
    • In the standard configuration – Ganesha typically holds an axe or a goad in one upper arm and a pasha (noose) in the other upper arm
    • In one modern form – the only variation from these old elements is that the lower-right hand does not hold the broken tusk but is turned towards the viewer in a gesture of protection or fearlessness (Abhaya mudra)
    • The same combination of four arms and attributes occurs in statues of Ganesha dancing, which is a very popular theme
  • SECTARIAN MARK : Upon Ganesha’s forehead may be a third eye or the sectarian mark (tilaka), which consists of three horizontal lines and / or / as well as a crescent on his forehead
  • COLOURS – Ganesha is often described as red in colour. Specific colours are associated with certain forms.
    • Many examples of color associations with specific meditation forms are prescribed in the Sritattvanidhi, a treatise on Hindu iconography
    • For example, white is associated with his representations as Heramba-Ganapati and Rina-Mochana-Ganapati (Ganapati Who Releases from Bondage)
    • Ekadanta-Ganapati is visualised as blue during meditation in that form
  • VAHANAS (VEHICLE / MOUNT) : Ganesha is often shown riding on or attended by a mouse, shrew or rat – A view that the rat is a symbol suggesting that Ganesha, like the rat, penetrates even the most secret places

GANESHA : THIRTY – TWO FORMS OF GANESHA


Thirty-two forms of Ganesha are mentioned frequently in devotional literature related to the Hindu god Ganesha (Ganapati)

The Ganesha-centric scripture Mudgala Purana is the first to list them


Some of the details of the descriptions, such as the colors to be used in meditation upon the form, are taken from the meditation verses and may not correspond exactly to the pictures
Name
English Meaning
Image Description
atha dvātriṁshadgaṇapatInāṁ dhyānaṁ || mudgalapurāṇe ||
Bāla Gaṇapati “Childlike Ganapati” BAlagaNapati1.bmp.jpg Adorned with a garland of tender flowers – having plantain (banana), mango, jack fruit, sugarcane and sweets (modaka) in His hands and who is effulgent like the rising sun (red color)
Taruṇa Gaṇapati
“Youthful Ganapati”
TaruNagaNapati.bmp.jpg Carrying in His hands the noose, hook, rice-cake , guava fruit, rose apple, own (broken) tusk, bunch of corn ears (paddy) and sugarcane and who vividly shines forth with His brilliant youthfulness” (Red Color) – According to the Mudgala Purana version, kadubu – an edible specific to Lord Ganapati is mentioned instead of rice-cake
Bhakti Gaṇapati “Devotee (Devotion) Ganapati” BhaktagaNapati.JPG Described as “ the Lord of His devotees and who shines like the autumn moon, with coconut, mango, plantain (banana), jaggery and sweets in his hands.”(White Colour)
Vīra Gaṇapati       “Valiant Ganapati” VIragaNapati.JPG “Armed with Bhetala, the weapon of power(shakti), arrow, bow, wheel(Chakra or discus), sword, club, hammer, mace, hook, nagapasha (serpent noose), spear, plough, and the shining axe.”(Red Colour) -According to the Mudgala Purana version, flag is mentioned instead of plough
Śakti Gaṇapati              The “Powerful” Ganapati Shakti gaNapati.JPG He is red in colour. He has four arms. His low right hand shows the movement of lack of fear (abhaya); the two others wear the elephant goad and the noose; the last hand, who holds a lemon, embraces the goddess. With the top of his trunk, Shakti Ganapati holds a cake
Dvija Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Twice-Born” Dvija gaNapati.JPG He has four heads and four arms. He is white in colour. His hands hold the rosary, the washing pot (kamandalu), the walking-stick of an ascetic or the ritual spoon (sruk) and the manuscript on palm-leaves (pustaka)
Siddhi Gaṇapati Ganapati bestowing success (Siddhi)or “The Accomplished Ganapati” Siddhi gaNapati.JPG Fond of the sesame cake. He has four arms. He is golden in colour. His hands hold the axe, the noose, the sugar-cane stem and the mango.
Ucçhishṭa Gaṇapati  “Ganapati devouring the remnants of the meal” UcCiShTa gaNapati.JPG He has six arms. He is blue in colour. His hands show the rosary, the pomegranate, the paddy ear (shalyagra), the nocturnal lotus, the lute (vîna); his sixth hand sometimes bears a guñja berry, embraces the goddess. The Ucchista Ganapati trunk is placed on the goddess’s thigh
Vighna Gaṇapati Ganapati – “Lord of Obstacles” Vigna Ganapati.JPG He has eight arms. He is golden in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the disc, the arrow-flowers, the hatchet, the conch, the sugar-cane stem, the noose, the elephant goad. With the tip of his trunk, he carries a bunch of flowers (pushapamañjari)
Kshipra Gaṇapati “Ganapati who is easy to Appease”or “Quick-acting Ganapati” KShipra gaNapati.JPG He has four arms. He is red in colour. His hands show the single tusk, the elephant goad, the creeper of the votive tree (kalpalatâ), the noose. With the end of his trunk, he carries the stone cup full of precious stones (ratnakumbha).
Heramba Gaṇapati “Mother’s Beloved Son” Ganapati HEraMba gaNapati.JPG The five-headed Ganapati riding the lion. He has ten arms. He is dark in colour. His first hand shows the movement of lack of fear (abhaya), the others hold the rosary, the citron, the club, the elephant goad, the noose, the axe, the kadabu cake, the single tusk; his tenth hand shows the movement which bestows boons (varada).
Śri Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Fortunate”similar to Goddess Lakshmi Lakshmi gaNapati.JPG Embracing his wives Siddhi (Achievement) and Buddhi (Wisdom). He is white (fair) in colour. He has eight arms. His hands hold a pomegranate, a sword, the creeper of the votive tree, the elephant goad, the parrot, the noose, the jewel pot; his eighth hand bestows boons (varada).
Mahā Gaṇapati      “The Great Ganapati” MahA gaNapati.jpg With a shakti, He has ten hands. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the pomegranate, the club, the sugar-cane bow, the disc, the conch, the noose, the nocturnal lotus, the paddy ear, the jewels pot.
Vijaya Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Victorious” Vijaya gaNapati.bmp.jpg Riding a rat which trots at a smart pace, He has four arms. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose and the mango
Nṛtya Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Dancer” NRutta gaNapti.jpg Dancing under the boon-tree, He has four arms. He is golden in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose, the axe (parashu) or the hatchet (kuthâra). The dhyâna sloka specifies that one of the four hands can show a cake apûpa.
Ūrdhva Gaṇapati”The Elevated Ganapati” Urdhva gaNapti.jpg Seated with his Shakti on his left thigh, He has eight arms. He is golden in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the arrow-flower, the daylight lotus, the blue lily (kalhara), the sugar-cane bow, the paddy ear, the club; his last hand claps the goddess. The extremity of his trunk is rolled around the right breast of the goddess.
Ekākshara GaṇapatiGanapati identified with “Single Syllable”(gaṃ) EkAkShara gaNapti.jpg He has four arms. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose and the cake modaka. Sometimes, he wears, with the extremity of his trunk (bîjapûra)
Vara Gaṇapati          The “Boon-giver” Ganapati Vara gaNapti.jpg With a shakti seated on his left thigh, He has four arms. He is red in colour. His first three hands hold the elephant goad, the skull filled with liquor (madhumatkapâla) and the noose. The fourth hand creeps between the thighs of the goddess who holds a lotus and a banner.
Tryakshara Gaṇapati Lord “of the Three-letters A+U+M” Ganapati TryakSha gaNapati.JPG He has four arms. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose and the mango. He holds the cake modaka with the trunk end
Kshirpra Prasāda Gaṇapati                  Ganapati the “Quick-Rewarder” KShipraprasAda gaNapati.JPG He has six arms. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the lotus, the creeper of the votive tree (kalpalatâ), the noose, the lemon.
Haridrā Gaṇapati”The curcuma-colored Ganapati”. HaridrA gaNapati.JPG He has four arms. He is yellow in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose and the cake modaka
Ekdanta Gaṇapati  “The Single Tusked Ganapati” EkadaMta gaNapti.JPG He has four arms. He is blue in colour. His hands hold a large tusk, a rosary, a hatchet (kuthâra) and the small ball of sweets (laddu)
Sṝishṭi Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Creator” SRuShTi gaNapati.bmp.jpg Riding a big rat, He is red in colour. He has four arms. His hands hold the single tusk, the elephant goad, the noose and the mango.
Uddaṇḍa Gaṇapati”Ganapati the Unchained”, UddaMDa gaNapati.bmp.jpg With his Shakti seated on his left thigh, He has twelve arms. He is red in colour. His hands hold the single tusk, the club, the nocturnal lotus, the noose, the paddy ear, the elephant goad, the washing pot (kamandalu), the sugar-cane bow, the disc, the daylight lotus, the conch and the pomegranate. His trunk is placed on the top of the goddesse’s breast or, sometimes, maintains a jewels pot (manikumbha)
Ṝiṇamochana Gaṇapati”Ganapati the liberator from debts” RuNamOcana gaNapati.bmp.jpg Ganapati seated on a large lotus with his Shakti. He removes the impediment. He has four arms. He is white in colour. His first hand show the movement to bestow boons (varada) ; the three others hold the elephant goad, the noose and the bowl of sugared rice (pâyasapâtra).
Ḍhuṇḍhi Gaṇapati  “The Ganapati Sought After” DhuMDi gaNapati.bmp.jpg He has four arms. His hands hold the single tusk, the rosary (rudrAkSha), the hatchet (kuthâra) (an axe ) and the pot of jewels (ratnapâtra). (Red Color)
Dvimukha Gaṇapati “Two-faced Ganapati” DvimuKa gaNapati.bmp.jpg He holds in his hands his own tusk, a noose, a hook and a pot full of gems. His body complexion is greenish blue and he is wearing a red colored robe. A gem studded crown embellishes his head
Trimukha Gaṇapati”Three-faced Ganapati” TrimuKa gaNapati.bmp.jpg He has six arms. He carries in two of his right hands very sharp elephant goad, a rudrâksha rosary and is holding another hand in boon bestowing gesture (varada). He carries in two of his left hands a noose, an urn full of celestial nectar (amruta) – ambrosia pot (amritakumbha) and is holding another hand in gesture of bestowing fearlessness (abhaya). He is seated on shining golden throne with lotus in the center. He has three eyes with elephantine face and he effulgent like the flame of forest flower (bastard teak/butea frondosa). (Red color)
Siṇha Gaṇapati       “The Lion Ganapati” SiMha gaNapati.bmp.jpg He has eight arms. He is white in colour He is holding in his right hands a vîna (Indian lute), a creeper of votive tree – kalpavRukSha ( Tree which can cure all diseases), a discus and another held in a gesture of granting boons (varada). He is holding in his left hands a lotus, a pot of gems, a flower bunch and another held in a gesture of granting fearlessness (abahaya). He is lion faced with an elephant trunk and shining. His body is shining like a white conch and moon. He is wearing a gem studded shining robe
Yoga Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Ascetic” YOga gaNapati.bmp.jpg He has four arms. He is red in colour. His legs are surrounded with the meditation girdle (yogapatta). He is engrossed in yoga and is strapped in a yoga posture. He looks beautiful and shines like the rising morning sun. He is adorned with a colored robe which is shining like blue sapphire. His hands hold the rosary, the elbow-rest or the walking-stick (a yoga wand), the noose and the sugar-cane stalk.
Durga Gaṇapati “Ganapati the Invincible”similar the Goddess Durgâ DurgAgaNa gaNapati.bmp.jpg His body glows like burnished gold (Golden Color). He has eight hands and massive body. He is holding a shining hook (Ankush), an Arrow, a rosary and a tusk with the four hands on the right side. He is holding a noose, a bow, a wish bestowing creeper and Rose Apple (Eugenia Jambolana) with the four hands on the left side. He is dressed in red clothes.(According to another version, the Arrow is replaced by a noose)
Saṇkaṭahara Gaṇapati”Ganapati – Dispeller of Troubles”. SaMkaTahara gaNapati.bmp.jpg He has four arms. He is effulgent like the rising red sun (Red in Color). He has his wife (shakti) – who is carrying a beautiful lotus, glowing with radiance and bejeweled – sitting on his left lap. He is carrying in one of his right hand a hook (Ankusha) and with the other bestowing boon(varada). He is carrying in one of his left hand a rope(noose) and with the other a vessel brimming with sweet soup (Payasam). He is seated on a Red Lotus and wearing a blue robe.(According to another version, the varada gesture and vessel of Payasam is replaced by the broken tusk and the rose-apple fruit.)

 

ASHTAVINAYAKA GANESHA TEMPLES


Name City / town State Image
Ballaleshwar Pali Pali, Karjat, Raigad district Maharashtra Pali- Shri Ballaleshwar.jpg
Chintamani Temple, Theur Theur, Pune district Maharashtra Shri Cintamani of Theur.jpg
Lenyadri Lenyadri, Pune district Maharashtra Lenyadri crop.jpg
Morgaon Ganesha Temple Morgaon, Pune district Maharashtra Morgaon.jpg
Ranjangaon Ganpati Ranjangaon Maharashtra Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple Viman.jpg
Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district Maharashtra Siddhivinayak siddhatek.jpg
Varadvinayak Mahad, Raigad district Maharashtra Varadavinayak.jpg
Vigneshwara Temple, Ozar Ozar, Pune district Maharashtra Ozhar - Shri Vighnahar.jpg

KEY GANESHA TEMPLES IN INDIA


Name City / town State Image
Lord Ganesh Temple Boha Pahar Mayong Assam  
Ganpatyar Temple Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)  
Shri Ganesh Mandir Rafiabad, Baramulla district Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)  
Trinetra Ganesha Temple Ranthambhore Fort Rajasthan  
Bohra Ganesh Temple Udaipur Rajasthan  
Shri Vinayaka Temple Anegudde Karnataka  
Budha Ganesha Temple Jajpur Odisha  
Chintaman Ganesh temple, Ujjain Ujjain Madhya Pradesh  
Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple Pune Maharashtra Dagdusheth Ganpati 07.JPG
Dashabhuja Temple Pune Maharashtra  
Ganesha Temple, Idagunji Idagunji Karnataka  
Ganpatipule Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri district Maharashtra Ganpati Temple, Ganpatipule.JPG
Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple Kalamassery Kerala  
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple Kanipakam Andhra Pradesh Kanipakam Temple Gopuram view.jpg
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple Pillayarpatti Tamil Nadu  
Kasba Ganapati Pune Maharashtra KasbaganpatiMandir.JPG
Khajrana Ganesh Temple Indore Madhya Pradesh  
Potali wale Ganesh Temple Indore Madhya Pradesh  
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram Kottarakkara Kerala Kottarakkara Temple(HighResoluion).jpg
Kumara Swamy Devasthana, Bangalore Bangalore Karnataka  
Madhur Temple Kasaragod district Kerala Ananteshwara Vinayaka Temple.jpg
Maha Ganapathi Mahammaya Temple Shirali, Uttara Kannada district Karnataka ShiraliMahaGanapathy.jpg
Mahavinayak Temple Jajpur district Odisha Mahabinayak temple.jpg
Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu  
Padmalaya Padmalaya, Jalgaon district Maharashtra Padmalaya temple.jpeg
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple Thiruvananthapuram Kerala  
Ranjangaon Ganpati Ranjangaon Maharashtra Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple Viman.jpg
Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple Titwala Maharashtra  
Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai Maharashtra The Famous SiddhiVinayak Temple.jpg
Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district Maharashtra Siddhivinayak siddhatek.jpg
Sree Indilayappan Temple Karickom, Kollam district Kerala ഇണ്ടിളയപ്പന്‍ ക്ഷേത്രം.jpg
Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu Kundapura, Udupi Karnataka  
Swetha Vinayagar Temple Thiruvalanchuzhi Tamil Nadu  
Tarsod-Ganapati Temple Tarsod, Jalgaon district Maharashtra  
Thoondugai vinayagar temple Thiruchendur Tamil Nadu  
Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu Rock Fort view1.jpg
Uthrapathiswaraswamy Temple Tiruchenkattankudi, Tiruvarur district Tamil Nadu Ganapathi Temple, Thiruchengattankudi.jpg
Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple Chennai Tamil Nadu  
Swayambhu Sri Abhista Gnana Ganapathi Temple Kurnool Andhra Pradesh Knl-ganapathi.jpg
Jai Vinayak temple Kachare Village, Ratnagiri dist. Maharashtra  
Shree Navshya Ganpati Mandir Nashik, on the banks of godavari river Maharashtra  

KEY GANESHA TEMPLES OUTSIDE INDIA


Name City / town Country Image
Suryavinayak Temple Temple Kathmandu Nepal Suryavinayak Temple13.jpg
Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple Victoria Seychelles Hindu Temple Victoria Seychelles Islands of Africa.jpg
Hindu Temple Society of North America Flushing, Queens United States of America Temple at Flushing, NY.jpg
Sri Ganesha Temple Nashville, TN United States  
Siddhi Vinayak Temple Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Pakistan  
Ganesha Temple Rawalpindi Pakistan  
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah South Jordan, Utah, 84095 United States  
Sri Ganesha Tempel Berlin Germany  
Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple Petaling Jaya Malaysia  
Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple Den Helder Netherlands Den Helder - Ganesh-tempel.jpg
Ganesh Temple inside Devasathan Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok Thailand  
Ganesh Temple, Huai Khwang Din Daeng, Bangkok Thailand Ganesh Shrine at Huai Khwang, Bangkok ศาลพระพิฆเนศ สี่แยกห้วยขวาง (April2021) 03.jpg
Ganesh Temple, Bang Yai Bang Yai, Nonthaburi Thailand  
Pikanesuandevalai Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai  
 

SOME OTHER ELEMENTS OF INDIAN CULTURE, INDIAN FESTIVALS &  INDIAN TEMPLES

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