Please share with me the history of doing visarjan of ganpati bappa (son of Shiva)? Why is it done? What is the exact history behind doing visanrjan?

Answer in Details

Certainly. The tradition of Ganpati Visarjan is deeply connected to Lord Shiva’s family, as Lord Ganesha (Ganpati) is the beloved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

History and Significance:

According to Shiva Purana and other ancient scriptures, Lord Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath. When Shiva, who was away meditating, returned, he was stopped by Ganesha (who did not know Shiva was his father) and a conflict ensued. Ultimately, Shiva beheaded Ganesha, but upon Parvati’s anguish, he restored Ganesha’s life by placing an elephant’s head on him, blessing him as the foremost deity to be worshipped.

Visarjan (Immersion) Significance:

The tradition of Ganpati Visarjan, or immersion of Ganesha idols, symbolizes several Shivaite philosophies:

1. Cycle of Creation and Dissolution:
Lord Shiva, as the destroyer and transformer, represents the cosmic process of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Ganpati Visarjan reflects this eternal cycle. The idol, created from earth (clay), is worshipped, and then returned to water, symbolizing the transient nature of life and material existence. This cycle teaches the Shivaite value of detachment and the importance of returning to the source.

2. Spiritual Detachment:
Lord Shiva teaches the value of vairagya (detachment). The act of visarjan reminds devotees that all forms are temporary and attachment leads to sorrow. By letting go of the idol, devotees practice non-attachment, a key aspect of Shiva’s teachings.

3. Unity with the Divine:
Just as Lord Shiva merges into meditation and becomes one with the universe (the state of samadhi), the idol of Ganesha merges with water, symbolizing the soul’s ultimate union with the Supreme.

Origin of the Festival:

While the worship of Ganesha is ancient, the public festival and visarjan tradition were popularized in Maharashtra by Lokmanya Tilak in the late 19th century to bring people together for social and spiritual unity. However, the underlying philosophy is in line with Shivaite thought, emphasizing the temporary nature of life and the importance of seeking the eternal.

In summary:
Ganpati Visarjan is done to honor the Shivaite principle of creation and dissolution, teaching detachment, impermanence, and the return to the divine source—from which everything, including Lord Ganesha, originates.

If you would like to know more about Lord Shiva’s teachings related to this tradition, feel free to ask.