‘Visarjan’ in Sanskrit means the act of respectfully
requesting departure, generally related to a God or Goddess. Normally, when we
hear this word, it is one particular ritual that comes to our mind, and that is
‘Ganesh Visarjan’. But, have you ever thought why the idol of Lord Ganesha is
actually immersed in water, and what the significance of this ritual is?
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is one that is celebrated
with utmost joy and zeal. This festival that holds a very special place in the
hearts of Indians all around the world has its roots running deep in the Indian
history. It was initially started by Chhatrapati Shivaji Rao to popularize
local culture, which became a widely accepted festival in Maharashtra, and
mainly Pune. It was then carried on by the Peshwa rulers with equal enthusiasm.
However, with the fall of Peshwas, the glory of the festival started declining.
It was then the great Indian nationalist and freedom fighter, Lokmanya Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, who popularized the festival as a ‘Sarvajanik’ affair! It was
he who started the concept of the idol of Lord Ganesh being submerged into
water with a great procession. He took this step with the thought that making
this festival a ‘Sarvajanik’ one will bridge the gap between the Brahmins and
other castes on the Indian society, and unite the entire nation. Inaugurated to
create a sense of nationalism and togetherness among the Indians during the
British rule, this festival has maintained great importance ever since.
However, today people have forgotten the real history, and
perceive the festival and its rituals in their own ways. It is believed that the
whole essence of this ritual is based on the philosophy that after the idol of
Lord Ganesha is brought into the homes of people and worshipped for so many
days, the power and energy of the deity rises to an immeasurable level, which
only Mother Earth has the power to control. So, it is believed that immersing
the idol in water helps Mother Earth calm its power and helps him return to his
Heavenly abode.
Another supporting belief is that this practice helps in
balancing the environment. Earlier when the ritual was begun, idols were made
of old clay that was dug up from several water bodies. In the few days of the
Ganesh festival, the idols are clad with kumkum and turmeric, flowers and
leaves. So, when the idol is immersed in water, the clay goes back to where it
came from, while the turmeric, flowers and leaves serve as food for the aquatic
life residing in the water bodies.
However, today Ganesh idols are made of Plaster of Paris and
toxic chemical paints, which not only remain undissolved in water but also
prove to be harmful for the aquatic life. This has made such an ecologically
well-thought festival a hazardous one! Nonetheless, there is a ray of hope that
the emerging society that is environmentally aware will realize this concern
and return to celebrating the festival in its true sense, to keep Mother Nature
safe and protected.
So, this year celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh festival with
idols made of clay, and make sure to observe the right rituals of the event by
hiring the Pujaris of MakeMyPuja to do the needful by carrying out the rituals
in the right manner.
Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/
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