Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance in Hinduism. This special festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and intellect, who was born on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapad month. Devotees of Ganpati are known as ‘Ganpats’, just as followers of Lord Shiva are called Shaivas and devotees of Lord Vishnu are called Vaishnavas. They believe that Ganesh is the ultimate divine being. According to the tradition, this sect is mainly found in South India, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
During Ganesh Utsav, we often chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya." While the first two words are easily understood as referring to Ganesh as our father, many people are unfamiliar with the origin of the word ‘Morya’.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date, Puja Muhurat, Significance And All You Need To Know About The Festival
Origin Of The Word 'Morya'
According to the priests and locals of Morgaon, Maharashtra, the word ‘Morya’ is used to honour Morya Gosavi, the founder of the Ganpati sect. Ganesh blessed him and declared that every time his name was mentioned, ‘Morya’ should follow. Thus, the chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya" emerged.
Who Was Morya Gosavi?
Morya Gosavi's parents, Vamanbhatt and Umabai, were originally from Bidar, Karnataka, but settled in Morgaon. Ganesh was their cherished deity. After many years of marriage, they had a son whom they named ‘Morya’ as they considered him a gift from Lord Ganesh. Morya received initiation in Ganesh worship from his father.
His parents passed away at ages 125 and 105. Morya continued his spiritual practises in Morgaon, Theur, and Chinchwad, eventually settling in Chinchwad. His austerities were performed near the Pavna River, about two kilometres away. He often survived on the juice of Durva grass and once sat in meditation for 42 days without moving. Due to his spiritual power, he achieved many siddhis (supernatural powers), such as calming tigers and neutralising snake venom. He performed miracles, including restoring sight to the blind.
He taught his wife Brahmavidya (knowledge of the ultimate reality) and named his son Chintamani. Tukaram Maharaj referred to the same son as Chintamani Dev, which led to their family name becoming ‘Dev’. Morya Gosavi attained samadhi (spiritual liberation) on the banks of the Pavna River in Samvat 1618. His name continues to be celebrated across Maharashtra and throughout India.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]