Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four). Ganesha head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents OM. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as the Lord of Beginnings and the Lord of Obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the god of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as the Patron of Letters during writing sessions.
About SRI VIDYA GANAPATHI DEVALAYAM
On March 15, 1926 devotees in Vetapalem formed Sri Bala Bhakat Bhajana Nataka Samajam to practice group activities to meet their religious and spirutual, cultural and social needs. Their activities focused on weekly prayers and bhajans with ocassional plays and playlets. Search for peace of mind through prayers, entertainment, and social awarness programs through natakams were the direct benefit of their activities. The yearly main event was to celebrate Sri Vinayaka Chavithi festival and a procession to immerse Lord Vinayaka in the waters. This tradition has been continued till date by their decendents and neighbours. Even though later generations are away from Vetapalem, the tradition of annual Vinayaka Chaviti celebrations with cultural events are continued. As per the wishes of the founders, local people have continued the traditions. To continue the programs the decendants of the original founders and the community members have decided to build a Sri Vidya Ganapathi Devalayam that can perputuate the Hindu faith and traditions and incorporate social service, education, and cultural programs to meet the currentneeds of the society.
