According to the Mudgal Purana, Lord Brahma, the creator of universe emerged from a lotus while Lord Vishnu was sleeping in his yoganidra. When Brahma started the creation of the universe, two demons named Madhu and Kaitabha emerged from the dirt in Lord Vishnu’s ear and began disturbing Brahma. Then, Lord Vishnu woke up from his deep slumber and pitched a battle against the both demons. The battle continued for five thousand years. However, Lord Vishnu could not defeat Madhu and Kaitabh, since he had not invoked Lord Ganesha, the God of beginning and the remover of obstacles, before the fight. Therefore, he approached Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for help, who gave him Lord Ganesha’s mantra – “Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah” and advised him to go to the Siddhi Kshetra and worship Lord Ganesha with the mantra.

Thereafter, Lord Vishnu reached the Siddhi Kshetra where he found an idol of Lord Ganesha with his trunk on the right side. He installed the idol and worshipped it as ‘Siddhivinayak’ (right-trunked Lord Ganesha), and performed penance to invoke Lord Ganesha with his mantra. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Ganesha bestowed his siddhis (powers) and blessings on him. Lord Vishnu returned to fight the demons and eventually killed them. Siddhi Kshetra, the place where Lord Vishnu had gained the siddhis from Lord Siddhivinayak, later came to be known as Siddhatek.

Ganesha Chaturthi – Shukla Chaturthi, Bhadrapada Maasa

This festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha on Shukla Chaturthi (the fourth day of first fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. On this auspicious day, the idols of Lord Ganesha are installed at home and in public pandals and worshipped with great devotion. The festivities last ten days and end on the fourteenth day of the fortnight, known as Anant Chaturdashi. The idols of Lord are then immersed in the sea, lake or pond, with much fervour and gaiety.

Ganesha Jayanti – Shukla Chaturthi, Magha Maasa

Also known as Magha Shukla Chaturthi, Varad chaturthi and Tilkund Chaturthi, Ganesha Jayanti commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The day is celebrated on Chaturthi (the fourth day) during Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day, devotees observe a fast and worship an image of Lord Ganesha, made out of turmeric, sindoor or cowdung, which is later immersed in the water on the fourth day after this festival.