The Ganapati Khanda of the Brahma Vaivarta Purana tells this story. Once, Mother Parvati fashioned the form of a child from sandalwood paste. She breathed life into it. That child became her son.
Parvati made the child a gatekeeper. She told him: do not let anyone inside without my permission. The child obeyed his mother.
Not long after, Bhagavan Shiva arrived. The child did not recognise him. He stopped Shiva too. An unexpected event occurred — and the child fell unconscious.
When Parvati learned what had happened, she was deeply grieved. Bhagavan Shiva immediately found a remedy. He brought a divine elephant's head from the northern direction and placed it on the child, giving him a new, divine form. From that day, he was called Ganpati — the lord of the Ganas.
According to the Ganesha Purana, the gods prayed to Shiva to make this child the most worthy of veneration above all others. Bhagavan Shiva granted the boon. From that time, Ganesha received the right of first puja (worship). Before any auspicious occasion, his name has been invoked.
The Ganesha Purana also tells us that Ganesha is Vighnaharta — the remover of obstacles from the path. Wherever an auspicious endeavour begins, Ganesha's name is taken first.
The Mudgala Purana contains a detailed description of Ganesha's thirty-two forms. Each form represents a particular feeling and power. According to the Mudgala Purana, Ganesha is especially fond of modak (a sweet dumpling). This offering made from sweet rice flour has long been considered the principal prasad (blessed food) of this festival.
On Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi, a clay Ganesha murti (image) is installed in homes. This is a very old tradition. Young and old in the family come together to welcome Ganpati. Puja is performed, aarti (ritual lamp offering) is sung, and modak is offered as bhog (food offering to the deity).
In tradition, the home installation of Ganesha has been observed for one and a half days, three days, five days, seven days, or ten days. During these days, the atmosphere of the home becomes like a small temple. Children and elders alike stay close to Ganpati Bappa.
On the final day — Anant Chaturdashi — the murti is immersed in water. The family bids farewell to Ganpati with a prayer for his return the following year. This parting is full of feeling — but it carries not sadness, rather anticipation. 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, agle baras tu jaldi aa' — Ganpati Bappa, come back quickly next year.
'Ganpati Bappa Morya' — this call is not merely a name. It is the feeling of a family's heartfelt welcome.
According to the Ganesha Purana, Ganesha is the first among all deities to be worshipped. Before any auspicious occasion, his name is invoked. This festival on Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi has been celebrated in homes for generations. It requires no journey to a great temple or pilgrimage site — it is the welcoming of the deity into the home itself.
The installation of the clay murti and its immersion — both are essential parts of this tradition. The murti dissolves in water and returns to nature. In tradition, this has always carried the thought that arrival and departure are both natural parts of life. Ganesh Chaturthi teaches this feeling in the simplest way.
The Mudgala Purana describes Ganesha's thirty-two forms. This Purana is a witness to the rich tradition of Ganesha veneration. Every modak, every lamp, every aarti in homes during this festival — each is connected to that ancient tradition.
- Installing a clay Ganesha murti in the home.
- Morning and evening aarti.
- Offering modak as bhog — a tradition from the Mudgala Purana.
- Offering durva (Bermuda grass) — traditionally dear to Ganesha.
- Flowers, haldi-kumkum, and incense and lamps.
- Family community singing of bhajans and aarti.
- Immersion of the murti in water on Anant Chaturdashi.
- A prayer for Ganpati's return the following year.