Ganpati Bappa Morya
“Vakratunda Mahakaya Suriyakoti Samaprabha, Nivighanam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada”
Meaning: Lord Ganesha has a curved trunk with a powerful body. He has the brilliance of a million suns. May the Lord, remove all the problems from the actions I aim to achieve.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth of Lord Ganesha and signifies good luck, prosperity, wisdom, eradication of obstacles and is worshipped in the beginning of any prayer or starting anything new. Couldn’t have asked for more on this auspicious festival to write on ORRA’s spiritual collection of 14 painstakingly curated Ganesha pendants!
While its not know how and when Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated but it has been publicly celebrated in Pune from the times of Shivaji, founder of Maratha Empire which later became a private family celebration until it was later revived by the indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Bhausaheb Laxman Javale publicly introduced it in 1892 by installing the first public idol Shirmant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati in Bhudwar, Pune.
Lokmanya Tilak popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival to unite the differences and gaps between Brahmins and Non-Brahmins. Hindus across the globe usually celebrate this festival and more popular in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. Ganpati celebration brings together participations from all different religions.
According to the Hindu calendar the festival begins on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (fourth lunar day of waxing moon period) ending on Anant Chaturthi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period). Depending on individual family tradition, Ganesha is brought home for 1, 3, 5, 7 or 11 days after which the idol is immersed into a lake, river or sea. Most of the idols are made with plaster of paris or clay. However it’s always suggested to get an eco friendly statue to save our environment.
Ganapati – “Ga” denotes Buddhi (intellect), “Na” symbolizes Vijnana (knowledge) and “Pati” meaning leader.
Popularly known as Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi in Karnataka, Vinayaka Chaturthi or Pillayar Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu, Vinayakha Chaturthi or Lamboodhara Piranalu in Kerala, Chavath in Konkani, Goa; Chovoth and Parab/Parva in Romi Lipi.
Mr. Vijay Jain, CEO, ORRA speaks of the eclectic Spiritual collection, “With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner it’s only apt to give all spiritually inclined a strong reason to indulge in jewellery and the range of Ganesha pendants does just that. The upheavals that we go through in trying times can only be surpassed with a strong Spiritual connect and the energies that these pendants emanate, help the wearer tide through difficult situations. The most interesting part about these pendants is while they have such a strong rooted spiritual philosophy associated with them, they are adorned by even the fashion conscious younger generation because of the intricacy and classiness of these designs.”
Seated in the plush work space and sipping coffee, the team briefed me on the design inspirations from various symbols and forms of Ganesha. From the spiritual collection are beautiful pendants in 18k and 22k gold encrusted with diamonds and gemstones like rudraksh, navratna, coral and pearls. They range from approx Rs. 14,000 to 32,000.
Vakratunda: As the name illustrates, the lords curved trunk is set with a diamond, sacred chant “Om Gann Ganapataye Namah” engraved over its span with a lotus fanning over it with a drop shaped red mark. The carved frame represents the crown.
Ekadanta: Madasura, pride incarnated as a demon, defeated the congregation of Shiva, Indra and other gods. Ganesha overpowered him with one tusk and thus acquired this name. This charming pendant focuses on the distinct trunk of the Lord and the tusks. One must look for the little dangler earring pierced on Ganesha’s ear.
Swanandvighnaraj: This charming pendant combines the eight-faced Rudraksha, the visage of the Vighnaraja fondling with affection the Shivalinga, cradled in the digit of the moon. The eight groves of Rudraksha denote the eight incarnations of Ganesha.
Sometimes we step out from the thought of jewelry being an adornment and want to wear it for our culture, beliefs and religion. By enlarge jewelry in India holds an emotional connect with the buyers be it religious, contemporary or as a form of an investment. These also make lovely gifts.
To check ORRA’s spiritual collections follow the link: http://www.orra.co.in