Why Do We Say “Ganpati Bappa Morya”? The Hidden Story

गणपति बप्पा मोरया

One of the most popular chants among all the chants performed during Ganesh Chaturthi festival is ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya.’ This chant is sung by people when they welcome Lord Ganesha, take him for immersion, and sing in praise of him. But do you know what the word “Morya” means?

Whereas “Ganpati” and “Bappa” have their meanings related to Lord Ganesha, Morya is not directly related to him, as it relates to Morya Gosavi, who was a very devoted follower of Lord Ganesha. His tale is related to Chinchwad near Pune and the sacred temple of Ganesh in Morgaon.

Morya Gosavi is known to be a devout follower of Lord Ganesha and has lived in the 14th century. There are close associations between the life of Morya Gosavi and Chinchwad, the place where he used to perform worship.

As it is believed that every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, Morya Gosavi used to undertake a tough journey from Chinchwad to Morgaon to pay homage to Lord Ganesha. It is much more than a journey that any regular devotee of Lord Ganesha, who has dedicated his whole life to him, can take.It was an expression of faith and surrender.

As he got old, the task of doing so got more and more difficult for him. It is at this time that Lord Ganesha supposedly appeared to him in his dreams.

According to the legend, Lord Ganesha informs Morya Gosavi that Morya Gosavi will find his deity in the river. The next day Morya Gosavi goes to the river and during the bathing ceremony finds a Ganesha idol.

For Morya Gosavi, it was a very significant spiritual experience, since now he did not need to make a long trip to Morgaon anymore, as Ganesha appeared before Morya Gosavi, as per the legend.

This event brought the bond between Morya Gosavi and Lord Ganesha closer.

This is where the famous chant gains its deep meaning.

Morya Gosavi was considered to be an exceptionally devoted devotee of Ganesha. Gradually, his name was linked to the devotion to Ganesh in Chinchwad and nearby areas.

It is believed that a well-known devotional tradition involves calling Morya Gosavi as “Morya” and his response was called “Mangalamurti”, which is one of the names for Lord Ganesha as an auspicious form of the deity.

Thus, out of devotion, the following famous phrase was coined:

"Mangalmurti Morya!"

The case of Morya Gosavi is especially significant in Maharashtra due to its linkage between two important centers of Ganesha worship, namely Morgaon and Chinchwad.

Morgaon is generally considered a center of worship of Ganesha, which is associated with Mayureshwar, a very important form of Ganesha in the devotional practices of Maharashtra.

The association of Chinchwad with Morya Gosavi and his Ganesha worship is also very strong, and the samadhi of Morya Gosavi remains an important site of pilgrimage till this day.

For many followers, “Ganpati Bappa Morya” is far more than just a slogan for a festival. Morya is a name that reflects a follower’s commitment to Lord Ganesha.

There is a beautiful philosophy of spirituality that is reflected in this slogan, one that says a follower can be remembered along with the god he follows by being fully devoted to him.

In the call of “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” followers pay their respects to Lord Ganesha along with remembering the strong faith associated with Morya Gosavi.

Ultimately, the tale of Morya Gosavi becomes one of devotion. All the stories of how he traveled to Morgaon, how Ganesha appeared to him in his dreams and how he discovered the idol in the river become part of the devotional folklore that has remained intact till today.

Hence, whenever you utter these words, “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” always keep in mind that the word “Morya” is derived from Morya Gosavi, the great devotee of Lord Ganesha.

It is not only an appeal to Lord Ganesha, but also to the devotee, who made the devotion into the living tradition of Lord Ganesha of Maharashtra.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangalmurti Morya!