What Is The Main Virtue Of Ganesha?

Vinayaka Chaturthi  is fast approaching, and with that, it is time to welcome the most beloved Gods of Hindu with great zeal and devotion. Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and is believed to be the God of beginnings. He is a God with an elephant head, four hands, and a large belly. As per mythology, he is also a great teacher because of his many virtues. His anecdotes are an important part of mythology, and his virtues are a life lesson to the devotees of Ekadanta. Here are some things to learn from the tales of Lord Ganesha.

 

Duty Above Everything Else

Lord Ganesha teaches one of the most important things in life: duty above everything else. In a world where pleasure takes precedence over duty, Ekadanta teaches that duty comes first. As per legends, Goddess Parvati created Ganapati using turmeric paste and breathed life into it without the presence of Lord Shiva. She then instructed this boy to stay guard at the door while she performed her daily rituals. He followed his mother's instructions and stood guard. During this time, Lord Shiva returned home and wanted to enter the place where Parvati was bathing. Ganesha refused entry, and that angered Shiva, and he beheaded Ganesha. Later, after learning that Ganesha was his son as Parvati created him, he recreated the boy by placing the elephant head on Ganesha's body.

 

This story is explicitly narrated during Ganesha Chaturthi to show that even Gods are bound by their duties and have to fulfil them. There is no better virtue than being dutiful. Despite knowing that it could cost him dearly, Lord Ganesha did his part and hence is considered to be dedicated.

 

Parents Are Your World

Lord Ganesha teaches that parents are a treasure. Once Goddess Parbati and Lord Shiva wanted to test their sons and gave them a miraculous fruit of knowledge. They said that only the one who deserved the fruit more would get it. Lord Shiva challenged his sons, saying that whoever finishes circumnavigating the world thrice first gets the fruit. The elder son Karthikeya who was swift and fit, immediately left on his vehicle, peacock. Lord Ganesha wondered how he could win this using his mouse as a vehicle. He then circled his parents as he thought they were his world. Karthikeya returned only to find Ganesha home and the winner of the fruit of knowledge.

 

From that day and in every Vinayaka Chaturthi pooja Vidhana, he is called the God of Knowledge and worshipped. The lesson is that parents are the most important to God and so should be to us, humans.

 

Forgiveness Is Ultimate

As per mythology, the moon was cursed by Lord Ganesha as he made fun of Ganesha's big belly. He cursed the moon for completely disappearing from the sky. The moon understood his mistake and begged for Ganesha's forgiveness. Ultimately, Lord Ganesha forgave him and reduced the span of disappearance from the sky to one day. That is why when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, the moon is not visible, and even if it is seen, it is considered inauspicious to view it. Check if the moon appears this Vinayaka Chaturthi .

 

Anger gets the better of everyone, but one should overcome and forgive the mistakes of others to become a better version of yourself. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi , remember and follow the life lessons of Ganesha and lead a happy and prosperous life in his footsteps.