Known as “Vighna Nivaraka” (eliminator of hurdles), Ganesha is worshipped across the country by devout Hindus. Vinayaka Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha, falls on the fourth day of “Shukla Paksha” (bright half) of the month of “Bhadrapada” of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.

Ganesha is a prominent deity in Hinduism. Ganesha is also known with numerous other names like Vinayaka, Ekadanta, Vigneshwara, Ganapati, Lambodara The word Ganesha is a Sanskrit word which is a compound of the words “Gana” and “Eesha”. Gana means a group or a category. Eesha means Lord or Master. So Ganesha means “Lord of Ganas”.

The most prominent feature of Ganesha is his Elephant head. The most popular story related to his Elephant head is that Ganesha was born with a human head, but was beheaded by his angry father Lord Shiva, who then later replaced his human head with the head of an Elephant. Ganesha is also called Ekadanta.

Ganesha is worshiped in Hinduism as the “God of Obstacles” who can remove all obstacle in our lives. Hence Ganesha is invoked by Hindus in the beginning of everything – before setting on  new ventures, before the beginning of a journey or  at the beginning of a prayer or a ritual.   Ganesha is said to be presiding over all directions, and invoking his name in the beginning of a prayer is said to free all the directions and there by allow our subsequent prayers to reach their intended deity or deities without facing any obstacles.

Ganesha is worshiped in Hinduism as the God of Wisdom and Intelligence. Vinayaka is described as “the first deity who should be worshipped (prathama vandana)”. Since everyone in the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the first place for worship to Vighneshwara.

In several places, Ganapathi is mentioned both in the Vedas and the Upanishaths. Many prayers are addressed to Ganapathi in the Narayanopanishath. There are also prayers to him in the Thaithiriya Upanishath. The Ganapathi Gayathri Mantra also figures in the Upanishath.

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi, people worship the Ashtavinayakas referred to the eight embodiments of Lord Ganesha that abolished the negative powers of the evil elements that existed in this planet
Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations have special significance in Dakshina Kannada district where it is celebrated in a grand manner. Colourful pandals and mantaps are erected for the Vighna Nivaraka and he is worshipped with all religious fervor. Large sized idols of Lord Ganesha are installed at Sanghaniketan and at Nehru Maidan in Mangalore apart from places like Bunts Hostel and KSRTC bus stand, where Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Committees are formed. The celebrations draw huge crowds and culminate with grand processions depicting colorful tableaux.

Ganesha is the supreme power who is loved and adored by one and all and Ganesha Chaturthi is a day when  devout Hindus crave for his blessings and pray for the well being of mankind.