Knowledge Bank

Importance of effort in spirituality

The Ganga cannot descend to earth unless a great ascetic like Bhagirath, with intense penance and unwavering determination, invites her with utmost devotion. Similarly, rainfall does not grace the earth until Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, releases the waters withheld in the skies. This highlights that without sincere effort and readiness, one cannot attain the Self (Atman). The Atman chooses only those who genuinely seek it and are prepared to strive for it.

In which all countries Lord Ganesha is worshiped?

Lord Ganesha is worshiped in many countries around the world, particularly in regions with significant Hindu populations. 1. In India, his birthplace, he has the largest number of devotees and is one of the most widely worshiped deities across the country. 2. In Nepal, where Hinduism is a major religion, Lord Ganesha is revered by many Nepalese Hindus. 3. Sri Lanka has a significant Hindu population, especially among the Tamil community, who worship Lord Ganesha. 4. Despite being a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh has a Hindu minority that worships him. 5. In Indonesia, Bali has a Hindu-majority population that includes the worship of Lord Ganesha. 6. Thailand sees him worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists, where he is considered a god of arts and sciences. 7. The Hindu community in Malaysia, primarily of Indian descent, worships Lord Ganesha, as does the significant Hindu population in Singapore. 8. In Mauritius, Hinduism is the largest religion, and Lord Ganesha is widely worshiped. 9. The Hindu community in Fiji, mainly descendants of Indian laborers, worships him, as does the Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian community in Trinidad and Tobago. 10. Similarly, the Indo-Guyanese community in Guyana worships Lord Ganesha. 11. In countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, there are sizable Hindu immigrant communities from India and other parts of South Asia who worship Lord Ganesha. Globally, Lord Ganesha is revered by Hindu diaspora communities and even by non-Hindus who are drawn to his symbolism as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.