Why Vighnaharta Ganesha is Worshipped First: Shiva & Padma Purana Stories
Have you ever wondered why Lord Ganesha is worshipped first before any other deity during Hindu rituals? Known as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles), Lord Ganesha holds a unique position as the master of intellect and prosperity. From the inauguration of a new business to the start of a wedding, his invocation is mandatory for success. This tradition is rooted in powerful legends from the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana, where Ganesha’s extraordinary wisdom proved that the heart of the universe lies within one’s parents and the divine name of Ram.
Whenever any auspicious task is initiated, devotees first invoke Lord Ganesha by chanting “Shri Ganeshaya Namah”, followed by the well-known mantra:
Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada
“O Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty form, whose brilliance equals millions of suns, please remove all obstacles from my endeavors at all times.”
There are two fascinating mythological stories that explain why Lord Ganesha is worshipped before all other deities during auspicious occasions.
The Shiva Purana Legend: Wisdom Over Speed
According to the Shiva Purana, once all the gods approached Lord Shiva, bowed respectfully, and after offering their praises said, “O Mahadeva, please guide us as to who should be chosen as the leader of all the gods.”
After deep contemplation, Lord Shiva replied, “In my view, all of you are virtuous, patient, and capable. Choosing a leader among you depends on who is the most farsighted, eloquent, and capable of quickly distinguishing between right and wrong and taking decisive action.”
The gods responded, “O Lord, such qualities exist in all of us. Then how should the decision be made?” Lord Shiva glanced lovingly at Goddess Parvati and, after a moment’s thought, said, “Whichever deity completes three circumambulations of the Earth and returns to Mount Kailash first shall be the leader of all the gods and the first to be worshipped in auspicious ceremonies.”
Hearing this, all the gods mounted their swift celestial vehicles and set off at great speed to circle the Earth three times.
Lord Ganesha’s vehicle was a mouse, which moved very slowly. However, Ganesha possessed extraordinary intelligence and wisdom. After thinking for a moment, he mounted his mouse and began circumambulating Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who were seated nearby. After completing three circumambulations, Ganesha stood before Lord Shiva before any of the other gods had returned.
Lord Shiva was greatly pleased with Ganesha’s wisdom and blessed him, saying, “There is no one in this universe who matches you in intelligence. By circumambulating your parents three times, you have earned the merit of circumambulating all the three worlds. Therefore, you shall be the leader of all the gods and the first to be worshipped in every auspicious endeavor.”
By the time the other gods returned to Mount Kailash after completing their circumambulations of the Earth, they heard Lord Shiva’s decision. Accepting it with humility, they bowed before him and returned to their respective abodes. From that moment onward, Lord Ganesha became the foremost deity in auspicious rituals and the leader of the gods.
The Padma Purana Story: The Power of Lord Ram’s Name
According to the Padma Purana, after the creation of the universe, a dispute arose among the gods regarding which deity should be worshipped first. Unable to resolve the matter themselves, the gods approached Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. After offering hymns of praise, they presented their dilemma.
Lord Brahma declared, “The deity who circumambulates the entire universe seven times and returns to me first shall be worshipped first in all auspicious ceremonies.”
Upon hearing this proclamation, all the gods mounted their vehicles and began circling the cosmos at great speed. Meanwhile, the divine sage Narada approached Lord Ganesha and suggested a simple and profound solution. Following Narada’s advice, Ganesha wrote the word ‘Ram’ on the ground and circumambulated it seven times. He then reached Lord Brahma before any of the other gods.
Lord Brahma was immensely pleased with Ganesha’s circumambulation of the sacred name Ram and declared him the first among all deities to be worshipped. In essence, the name Ram is considered a direct manifestation of Lord Vishnu, within whom the entire universe resides. By circumambulating the divine name of Ram, Lord Ganesha attained the spiritual merit of circumambulating the entire cosmos. Thus, he was honored as the foremost deity and the leader of all gods.
Key Takeaways
Why is Ganesha Worshipped First?
| The Remover of Obstacles: | He ensures the smooth completion of tasks as Vighnaharta. |
| The Shiva Purana Lesson: | He won the race around the world by circumambulating his parents, proving wisdom is superior to physical speed. |
| The Padma Purana Lesson: | He earned the merit of circling the universe by circumambulating the sacred name of Ram. |
| Cultural Impact: | The Hindi phrase “Shri Ganesh Karna” has become synonymous with starting any new venture. |
Similar Article: “Why Does the Elephant-Headed Ganesha Ride a Tiny Mouse?“
