Celebrating Vinayaka is an ancient practice, and finds mention in ancient texts, ranging from puranas to Tamil literary epics and celebrated in the lyrical works of saints and savants. Exalted as the first among the pantheon of gods, He is easy to pray to. Sastras say only prayers by priests have the power to summon gods, through elaborate rituals, but Vinayaka is exempt from this, said B. Damodhara Deekshithar.

The remover of obstacles, Vinayaka is everyman’s god and traditionally, he is crafted from mud found in one’s home and given shape to. Although Vinayaka, with his elephant face embodies complex philosophies, the common man represents Him easily, with a circular squiggle, when embarks on writing important documents. Hailed as the son of Siva and Parvati, whose origin is documented in various texts, including Brigu Maharshi’s work, it was freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak who came up with the idea of converting it into a public event, where people come together and celebrate Vinayaka in an outpouring of bhakti. Chaturthi became a 10-day event, but devotees of all ages worship Him with utter faith, seeking His help in the acquisition of knowledge and gaining of wealth and wisdom, every day.

Vinayaka is Anekadham, the one who grants all that a devotee prays for, sincerely. He is also the repository of all knowledge. When Vyasa decided to compose a work codifying the histories and philosophies of gods and great men, he prayed to Brahma for guidance, the latter asked him to pray to Vinayaka. “You can complete the work only if Vinayaka grants your wish; think of Him and He will appear to you.” Appearing before Vyasa, Vinayaka agreed to scribe the Mahabharata provided Vyasa matched the speed of his writing. Vyasa stipulated that Vinayaka should comprehend the deeper concepts in the epic, while writing. The Mahabharata was completed without a hitch. Vinayaka is also the provider of lifeline: when there was a severe drought, he took the form of a crow and tipped the water in sage Agastya’s kamandalam on the parched ground, creating a river. He is everyman’s everyday god.