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Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Just as the devotees of Lord Shiva are called Shaivas, the devotees of Vishnu ji are called Vaishnavas. Similarly, the devotees of Ganpati are called ‘Ganapatya’. They believe that Ganesha is the Supreme Being/Parambrahma. According to the number of saints, the followers of this sect are found in South India and Maharashtra, especially Maharashtra and Karnataka.
We all regularly chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya” during Ganesh Utsav. The first two words are easily understood as they refer to Ganesha as our father. But not many know the origin of the third word ‘Morya’.
How did the word ‘Morya’ originate
According to the priests and locals of Morgaon, Maharashtra, this word is said to pay respect to Morya Gosavi, the founder of the Ganapatya sect. Ganesha blessed him and his name should be followed by ‘Morya’ every time it is uttered. Thus, the chant is “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya”.
Who was Morya Gosavi (Who is Morya Gosavi)
Morya Gosavi’s parents Vamanbhatt and Umabai were originally from Bidar, Karnataka, but they settled in Morgaon. Ganesha was their favorite deity. Vamanbhatt and Umabai had a son after many years of marriage, whom they named ‘Morya’ because they considered their son a gift from Lord Morya. Morya took initiation in Ganesh worship from his father.
His parents died at the age of 125 and 105. Morya continued his penance in Morgaon, Theur and Chinchwad. He settled in Chinchwad. His penance was performed two kilometres away on the banks of the Pavana river. He used to drink the juice of durva grass for several days. Once he sat on his seat for 42 days without getting up. He attained many siddhis due to his tapa bal. His power was so strong that tigers would sit calmly in front of him and snakes lost their poison. He performed many miracles like restoring sight to the blind.
He taught Brahma Vidya to his wife. Moraya Gosavi named his son Chintamani. Tukaram Maharaj called the same son Chintamani Dev. Since then his family name became ‘Dev’. Moraya Gosavi took samadhi on the banks of the Pavana river in Samvat 1618. Even today, Moraya Gosavi’s name is hailed all over the country including Maharashtra.
Also read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: When such things happen in Kalyug, Lord Ganesha will appear, know what the eighth and final incarnation will be like
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