Ganesha Visarjan, the great ritual that marks the end of the ten-day-long festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, is one full of emotional ambivalence. Amid all the drumming and dancing and chanting, people say their goodbyes to their dear lord with teary eyes. However, according to Hindu philosophy, Visarjan is never taken as a final goodbye but is considered an act of respect towards the lord.
Why Is Ganesha Visarjan Considered A Farewell?
Goodbye means a complete leave-taking, whereas farewell means affectionate leave-taking with the expectation of meeting again. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is invited not only as a god, but also as a family member and a respected guest.
When the celebrations come to an end, the ritual of submerging the idol, or Visarjan, is a way of leaving Bappa to return to his celestial abode after his brief visit to Earth. The devotees are aware that while he may leave them physically, his divine blessings still live in their hearts.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Ganesh Visarjan?
God is omnipresent and without form (Nirakar) but is worshipped in the form of the image (Sakar) during the festival. Immersion represents the process of going from a form to infinity.
The same way the clay figure is made from the earth, worshipped, and then immersed into the water, man is created, worships, and goes back to nature.
The love that we have for the idol for ten days, followed by its immersion, teaches us the spiritual lesson of giving up the attachment to this world.
Why Is Lord Ganesha's Idol Immersed In Water?
The element of water signifies the very first element of life, purity, and cosmic consciousness. The element of clay, from which idols are made, is natural and can be dissolved easily in water bodies. The process of submerging the idol in water enables the physical material to go back to the earth and release spiritual energy in the cosmos.
What Does Ganpati Bappa's Return To His Abode Signify?
In Hindu Mythology, Ganesha comes back to Mount Kailash to meet his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This trip represents:
Lord Ganesha takes away all the pain, difficulties, and bad energies of his followers while going back.
It is a representation of spiritual balance, bringing peace and prosperity into the family.
Why Do Devotees Say 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Lavkar Ya'?
‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Lavkar Ya,’ the famous slogan, means ‘O Ganesha, our dear father and guide, please come back soon next year!’ It reflects the true spirit of farewell in the most appropriate way possible, as people not only don't feel sad about his departure but also look forward to meeting him in the coming year.
Conclusion
Visarjan of Ganesha is a perfect combination of devotion and spirituality. It teaches us that although our bodies keep changing from time to time, devotion, love, and the presence of God remain forever. Saying goodbye to Lord Ganesha is not an end but rather a moment of revival and happiness, as we will welcome him again next year.
Image credits: Freepik
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