Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, Pillaiyar, and Ganapati, is one of the most well-known and revered Hindu deities. Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom, success, and fortune.
Ganesha is commonly regarded as the remover of impediments and is supposed to bring good luck. According to the Rigveda, “Na Kritey Twayam Kriyate Kim Chanare,” which means that no endeavor begins without Lord Ganesha’s grace.
The kind lord is always willing to assist people who diligently seek his favour. To gratify the elephant-headed ruler, one must first learn what he enjoys the most. Ganesha enjoys the following things.
1) Modak
Lord Ganesha is also known as ‘Modakpriya,’ which means “lover of modaks.” Modak is a delicious rice flour dumpling packed with grated coconut as well as jaggery. It is considered that Ganesha worship is partial without modaks.
Why does Ganesha adore Modaks?
When the demi gods came to see Lord Shiva and Parvati, they gave them a rare modak. (Whoever consumes the modak will have power over the scriptures, art, and literature.) Goddess Parvati desired to divide the modak among her two sons, Lord Ganesha and Karthik. But the brothers refused to share it. So Goddess Parvati declared that the first person to round the globe three times would receive the modak.
Karthik instantly climbed into his vehicle, peacocking to his mother’s command. Lord Ganesha only travelled around his holy parents’ three times since he deemed them to symbolise the entire universe to him. His integrity and insight earned him the coveted modak. Modak has since become Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet.
2) The Durva Grass
Lord Ganesha is presented with three blades of grass. Durva grass is the most effective in attracting Ganesha’s energies. Durva grass has a legend related to it.
Anlasura was a demon who lived in the home of Yama, the God of Dharma and Death. He was so terrifying that even the gods were terrified of him. Indra tried several strategies to control him, but Anlasura was always able to resist them.
The Gods then requested that Lord Shiva intervene. Shiva summoned his son Ganesha, who was nearby, and instructed him to go and destroy the monster. Ganesha agreed and headed off to find Anlasura right away. Anlasura chuckled as he noticed a fat young child with an elephant head had arrived to battle him.
The joyful Ganesha grew in size, eventually becoming his global form and swallowing Anlasura. Ganesha’s stomach immediately began to burn. Nothing could console Ganesha, even if Indra gave him the moon to wear on his brow, Lord Vishnu gave him his lotus, Lord Varuna showered him with water, and Lord Shiva wrapped a thousand-headed snake around his stomach.
Then a troop of sages appeared and presented him with 21 blades of Durva grass. The burn in his stomach went away. as soon as he ate them. Ganesha stated that those who worship him with Durva grass would henceforth experience his kindness.
3) Banana
Even though any tropical fruit can be presented to Ganesha, the elephant-headed God prefers bananas and banana leaves. As a result, banana leaves are frequently used to embellish the idol.
4) Shankh
Shankh, often known as a conch, is an important aspect of Hindu socio-religious tradition. The sound of shankh evokes pure and holy devotion to the Lord. One of Ganesha’s hands is holding a shankh.
The holy Shankh protects us from evil and bad consequences and bestows us with luck, money, and success. Shankh is claimed to increase mental power, boost self-confidence, and aid in the attainment of fame, joy, and good health. The blowing of the conch is considered auspicious for Ganesha puja.
5) Ladoos
When it comes to sweets, most people’s favourite is ladoos. Even Lord Ganesha adores orange motichur ladoos prepared from gram flour. Ladoos symbolise riches and success. In all of his statues and pictures, Ganesha is seen carrying a bowl of ladoos in his left hand.
6) Erukku Flowers
Arka, erukku, or milkweed are flowers used to worship Ganesha in order to be rid of all illnesses. The plant’s leaves and blooms are utilized in the worship of Lord Ganesha and Shiva.
Erukku flowers have the capacity to cleanse a person’s body and psyche of negativity. Offering a garland of erukku flowers to Ganesha grants a devotee a healthy, disease-free life.
7) Puffed rice
Ganesha is just as kind and compassionate to the impoverished as he is to the affluent. Puffed rice, which is inexpensive and tasty, is made into laddoos with jaggery and offered to Ganesha.
According to the Shiva Purana, Ganesha, when hosted by the super-rich Kubera, ate a whole feast and was still not satisfied. Shiva then advised Kubera to give puffed rice to Ganesha with complete dedication and goodwill.
When Kubera follows this suggestion, Ganesha’s appetite is eventually satisfied, indicating that this elephant-headed god, like the rest of us, enjoys snacking after meals.