"Sri Ganeshaya Namah – The Lord of auspicious beginnings."

Sri is Srikaram Begining,Ganesha One who Authoritative / Expert / Pundit  Mathematics (Gan+Esha) 🐘

My Birth Parents,Mom especially believes in Ganesha and where their names signifies Uma means Mother Parvathi (Maker of Sriganesha) Bhagavantha means lord (Mahadeva - Nurture Gaurd of SriGanesha), Both are good at Mathematics and MySecondBorn daughter, 

MySibling,My most cousins and their kids are experts at Mathematics. 

Coming to In-laws, Where around no Ganesha celebrations may be was the lack for their pain living, first Ganesha celebrated in 2005 August after MySon born 🐘infact elders were saying first SriGanesha making at home ✍🏻

Why Ganesha known as Obstacle remover ? Vignahartha Why Ganesha need to be Prayed Worshipped every Festival,Every New Beginning ? 

The phrase “Sri Ganeshaya Namah” literally means:

Sri → a respectful prefix meaning “auspicious, revered.”

Ganeshaya → to Ganesha (in dative case, “unto Ganesha”).

Namah → salutations / bowing down.

So it translates as: “Salutations to Lord Ganesha.”

Before I come in 2003 Singapore, MyHubby used to have two Gods frames 

1.Idugunji SriGanesha (Still have)

2.Mantralaya Raghavendram (Broken in 2017,Got new in 2024) 

Now, why is He called “The Lord of auspicious beginnings”?

1. Remover of Obstacles (Vighnaharta):

Ganesha is invoked before starting any new venture, prayer, or ceremony so that obstacles are removed.

2. First Worshipped (Prathama Pujya):

Scriptures say that even gods begin their worship with Ganesha’s name. That’s why every mantra, pooja, wedding, business, or writing starts with Him.

3. Symbol of Auspiciousness:

His form (elephant head, big ears, one tusk, large belly) itself carries deep meanings of wisdom, patience, strength, and prosperity—all needed for good beginnings.

4. Scriptural Reference:

In the Rig Veda and later Puranas, Ganesha is praised as the deity who grants success (Siddhi Vinayaka) and auspicious starts.

That’s why when we say “Sri Ganeshaya Namah”, we are essentially invoking Him as the divine energy that blesses all auspicious beginnings.🪷

Why Each Country (Most) celebrates SriGanesha 

1. India & Hinduism (Origin)

In Hindu tradition, every ritual, prayer, wedding, business, or festival begins with Ganesha’s name.

Hence He is called Prathama Vandana (the first one to be worshipped).

2. Buddhism

Ganesha was adopted into Buddhist traditions, especially in Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.

In Tibetan Buddhism, He appears as Maha Rakta Ganapati, worshipped for wealth and obstacle removal.

In Buddhist rituals, too, He represents auspicious beginnings.

3. Jainism

Jain texts mention Ganesha, and many Jain temples in India have His idol at the entrance — again symbolizing the guardian of new beginnings.

4. Southeast Asia

In Thailand, He is called Phra Phikanet, worshipped as the God of success and beginnings.

In Indonesia (Bali, Java), Ganesha statues guard temple entrances to bless all activities that start inside.

5. China & Japan

In China, He merged into Buddhist traditions and is seen as a symbol of success.

In Japan, He is worshipped as Kangiten (Deva of Joy & Auspicious Beginnings), often invoked before new ventures.

6. Western World

In modern times, Ganesha is recognized worldwide as the “Remover of Obstacles” and “God of New Beginnings.”

Yoga studios, meditation centers, and even entrepreneurs often keep Ganesha idols or art to symbolize luck, wisdom, and success when starting something new.

✨ That’s why from India to Japan, from temples to startups, Ganesha’s name is synonymous with auspicious beginnings across the world,the different names of Lord Ganesha across the world and how He is recognized globally.

Names known as across the World (Universe)

India (Hinduism): Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighneshwara, Lambodara, Ekadanta

Nepal (Hindu–Buddhist): Ganapati, Binayak (often worshipped in temples as Ashtavinayak forms)

Tibet (Vajrayana Buddhism): Maha Rakta Ganapati (Red Ganesha, deity of wealth & prosperity)

Thailand: Phra Phikanet / Phra Phikanesuan (God of success, remover of obstacles)

Cambodia: Ganapati (carvings in Angkor temples)

Indonesia (Bali & Java): Ganapati (guardian deity in temples, seen at entrances)

Myanmar (Burma): Maha Peinne (Lord of wisdom and remover of difficulties)

China: Integrated in Buddhism, often called Shou Lao Xiang (Longevity Elephant God, in folk belief)

Japan: Kangiten (Deva of joy, bliss, and auspicious beginnings, worshipped in Shingon Buddhism)

Sri Lanka: Gana Deviyo (protector deity)

Mongolia: Revered as a form of Ganapati in Buddhist rituals

Western World (Modern times): Known simply as Ganesha or Ganesh — widely worshipped as the “God of New Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles.”

⚡ Fact: Psychologically / Scientifically Big Heads= Big Brains,Big Space ✍🏻His elephant-headed form makes Him instantly recognizable, so even when names change, the symbolism of wisdom, strength, and auspicious beginnings remains the same worldwide.

 

On Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees prepare a special food plate (Naivedyam / Prasad Thali) to offer to Lord Ganesha before partaking in it. Since Ganesha is known as the lover of sweets, especially Modaks, the plate is usually rich in festive delicacies.

Here’s what a traditional Ganesha Chaturthi food plate often includes:

🍽️ Main Offerings

Modak (Ukadiche Modak / Steamed Modak) – Sweet dumplings made of rice flour, filled with coconut and jaggery. Considered Ganesha’s favorite MyHubby Favorite Puran filled all the Dishes of today. 

Kozhukattai / Kudumu – South Indian variation of Modak, also steamed with sweet or savory filling MySecond Born Favorite, Her baby minions form(Thumb sized Kudumulu)

Ladoo (Besan, Rava, Coconut, or Motichoor Ladoo) – Symbol of prosperity and sweetness in life,My First Born Favorites. 

Puran Poli / Obbattu / Holige / Kudumulu / Kadubu – A stuffed flatbread / Deep fried / Steamed with jaggery and chana dal,MySibling Favorites along Kudumulu,Laddoos.

I am not a sweet tooth,Can contact with me regards my favorites at the given url below 👇🏻at the end of the article. 

MyBorn Cousins Love all these as well,My Mother in law (Sethubai Ratchumari) expert at moulding the Kudumulu who did for Our Son Suhith First Birthday in Singapore 🙂 and Born Year first time (Generally at in-laws they do Karjikayalu for Gauri Sravanam).in India where MyMIL's Sister in law(Suseela.B)mentioned,her Vyni (Sethubai Ratchumari) is very good Kudumulu moulder and asked to do so. 

🌿 Traditional Side Dishes

Varieties of Bhaji (vegetable stir-fry) – Made with seasonal vegetables- this year I made Babycorn fritters

Dal / Amti / Rasam – Protein-rich offering - Green leafy(Totakura) dhal and poriyal 

Rice (Steamed Rice or Pulihora) – Often offered as part of naivedyam- Yellow lemon rice.

Coconut Chutney or Pachadi – For balance of flavors - Ridgegourd Chutney

🍌 Fruits & Other Offerings

Banana, Pomegranate,Woodapple, Corn,Wholegrains,SugarCane other seasonal fruits along Coconut,Peanuts.

Durva grass (Sacred grass) – Offered along on Prayer Mantapam

Fresh flowers placed on the thali.

🙏 Ritual Aspect

The food plate is first offered to Lord Ganesha (Naivedyam) with devotion and mantras.

After the offering, it becomes Prasad, distributed among family and devotees.

Foods are usually satvik (pure vegetarian, no onion or garlic).

Nutrients of Kudumulu shall share later today after making as promised find in below URL 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN0nEAUXgz0/?igsh=ODBqOGRobGd4Yjkz

Created Birth Stories of Lord SriGanesha ✍🏻

https://youtube.com/shorts/ikuTMTX68to?si=BN-pXbl_mF27LOBU

https://youtu.be/LKwxRXXrhu0?si=3x3pWjfvW89IEciI

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNvTktjwrPx/?igsh=MW44MjNtdHE4dXQ2Nw==

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