How much do you know about Lord Ganesh? – Ganpati Special Quiz
Here is a 10 questions quiz on Ganpati Bappa, share your answers with us in the comments sections and let us know how many answers you got correct.
Here is a list of 50 questions about Lord Ganesh, the revered Hindu deity, along with their answers. These questions cover various aspects of his mythology, significance, and worship.
- Q: Who is Lord Ganesh?
A: Lord Ganesh is a Hindu deity known as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings and wisdom. - Q: Why is Ganesh called the ‘Remover of Obstacles’?
A: He is believed to remove obstacles from the paths of his devotees, ensuring smooth and successful endeavors. - Q: What is Ganesh’s vehicle?
A: Ganesh’s vehicle is a mouse or rat, which symbolizes the ability to penetrate even the most difficult spaces to remove obstacles. - Q: What is the significance of Ganesh’s elephant head?
A: His elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection. - Q: How many hands does Ganesh typically have, and what do they carry?
A: Ganesh is usually depicted with four hands, which carry a lotus, an axe, modakas (sweets), and a rosary or sometimes one hand is shown giving a blessing. - Q: Who are Ganesh’s parents?
A: Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. - Q: What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrated to honor the birthday of Lord Ganesh, marked by widespread festivities and clay idols of Ganesh installed in homes and public places. - Q: Why do people immerse Ganesh idols in water during Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: The immersion symbolizes a ritual send-off for Ganesh, taking away with him the devotees’ misfortunes and obstacles. - Q: What is a popular sweet offered to Ganesh during worship?
A: Modak, a sweet dumpling, is considered a favorite of Lord Ganesh. - Q: Why does Ganesh have only one tusk?
A: According to mythology, Ganesh broke off one of his tusks to use as a pen to write the Mahabharata as dictated by sage Vyasa. - Q: Which scriptures mention Lord Ganesh?
A: Ganesh is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Ganesha Purana, and Mudgala Purana. - Q: How is Ganesh usually depicted in art?
A: Ganesh is depicted with an elephant head, a plump body, and his vahana (vehicle), the mouse, often at his feet. - Q: What does the position of Ganesh’s trunk signify?
A: The direction of Ganesh’s trunk has symbolic meaning; to the left is believed to represent happiness and success, while to the right signifies the sun and knowledge. - Q: What is the significance of the modak in Ganesh worship?
A: Modak symbolizes joy and the reward of a wise and good life; it is believed to be Ganesh’s favorite food. - Q: How did Ganesh become the ‘lord of beginnings’?
A: Ganesh was granted a boon by his father, Shiva, that he would be worshiped first before any other gods or at the start of any ritual. - Q: In which month is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually falling in August or September. - Q: What are other popular names for Ganesh?
A: Ganesh is also known as Vinayaka, Vighneshwara, Gajanana, and Ganapati. - Q: How does Ganesh’s large belly symbolically benefit his devotees?
A: His large belly symbolizes Ganesh’s ability to digest all the problems and obstacles of his devotees. - Q: What type of leaf is commonly used in Ganesh worship?
A: The Bilva leaf or the Durva grass is commonly used in rituals dedicated to Ganesh. - Q: What is the significance of Ganesh’s four hands?
A: His four hands represent the four inner attributes of the subtle body, namely mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned conscience (Chitta). - Q: How many avatars (incarnations) does Lord Ganesh have?
A: Lord Ganesh is said to have eight avatars, known as the Ashtavinayak. - Q: What is the ritual of ‘Pranapratishtha’ during Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: ‘Pranapratishtha’ refers to the process of infusing the deity into an idol during Ganesh Chaturthi. - Q: What does Ganesh’s small mouth signify?
A: His small mouth symbolizes his characteristic of listening more and speaking less. - Q: Why do devotees write ‘Om Ganeshaya Namah’ before starting anything new?
A: It is a way to invoke Ganesh’s blessings for the removal of obstacles and for success in the new endeavor. - Q: What lesson does Ganesh’s large ears teach?
A: His large ears signify the importance of listening attentively. - Q: What is Ganesh’s brother’s name?
A: Ganesh’s brother is Kartikeya, also known as Murugan or Subrahmanya. - Q: What does Ganesh’s axe symbolize?
A: The axe represents the cutting away of all attachments. - Q: What is the symbolism behind Ganesh’s single tusk?
A: The single tusk symbolizes keeping the good while throwing away the bad. - Q: What is the story behind Ganesh’s birth?
A: Ganesh was created by Parvati from clay to guard her door while she was bathing; Shiva, not knowing who Ganesh was, beheaded him in anger and then replaced his head with that of an elephant. - Q: Why is Ganesh associated with the arts and sciences?
A: Because he is considered the god of intellect and wisdom, which are fundamental to both arts and sciences. - Q: What does Ganesh’s lower right hand gesture symbolize?
A: It usually makes the gesture of blessing, symbolizing protection and fearlessness. - Q: What role does Ganesh play in the Hindu wedding ceremony?
A: Ganesh is invoked at the beginning of the ceremony to ensure the proceedings occur without any hitches. - Q: What festival involves visiting eight ancient temples dedicated to Ganesh?
A: The festival called Ashtavinayak Yatra involves visiting eight ancient temples of Ganesh, each temple housing a distinct idol of Ganesh. - Q: What does Ganesh’s third eye represent?
A: His third eye represents the inward focus needed to attain spiritual enlightenment. - Q: What is a common mantra chanted for Ganesh?
A: A common mantra is “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.” - Q: Why is Ganesh worshiped in almost every Hindu home and establishment?
A: Because he is the remover of obstacles and is believed to bring prosperity, fortune, and success. - Q: What does the snake around Ganesh’s belly represent?
A: The snake around his belly represents energy in all forms. - Q: How does Ganesh’s large head inspire his devotees?
A: It symbolizes thinking big and wisely. - Q: What is the importance of the position of Ganesh’s legs?
A: When seated, one leg resting on the ground signifies a grounded nature, while the other on his lap represents spiritual pursuit. - Q: How is Ganesh related to the chant ‘Om’?
A: Ganesh is often associated with the sacred syllable ‘Om’, representing the primordial sound of the universe. - Q: What does Ganesh’s mouse vehicle symbolize in spiritual terms?
A: The mouse symbolizes desire, which can gnaw away at all that is good unless controlled by the Lord. - Q: Why is Durva grass considered auspicious for Ganesh worship?
A: It is believed that the Durva grass cured Ganesh when he became ill, making it auspicious. - Q: What is the story of Ganesh and the moon?
A: Ganesh cursed the moon to wane after it mocked him for his large belly. - Q: How is Ganesh’s love for sweets symbolically significant?
A: It symbolizes the sweet rewards of practicing good virtues and the sweet inner joys of the soul realized through spiritual practices. - Q: What festival is associated with Ganesh’s rebirth?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi marks his rebirth as he is believed to descend to Earth to bless his devotees. - Q: Why do writers and intellectuals particularly revere Ganesh?
A: Because he is the patron of letters and learning. - Q: What is one of the historical sites known for ancient Ganesh idols?
A: The Elephanta Caves near Mumbai feature ancient sculptures of Ganesh. - Q: What philosophical teachings are associated with Ganesh?
A: Ganesh is associated with the removal of ego and the importance of humility. - Q: What is unique about the Ganapati Atharvashirsha?
A: It is a Sanskrit text that lauds Ganesh and identifies him with the ultimate reality, Brahman. - Q: How does Ganesh’s story inspire devotees to handle life’s challenges?
A: His stories teach that wisdom, strength, and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
These questions offer a broad view of Ganesh’s symbolic significance, his stories, and his role in Hindu worship and culture.