Every Ganeshotsav, as the beats of dhols fill the streets and devotees gather to welcome their beloved Bappa, one chant rises above all: Ganpati Bappa Morya! We say it while bringing Ganesha home, during aarti and once again as the idol leaves for visarjan. But have you ever wondered why we say ‘Morya’ and how the name became inseparable from Ganpati? Scroll on to find out!
Who Was Morya Gosavi?
The answer lies in the story of Morya Gosavi, a revered Ganpati devotee whose life and devotion are closely associated with the spread of Ganesh worship in Maharashtra. His shrine in Chinchwad, near Pune, continues to be an important pilgrimage site for devotees.
Morya Gosavi is believed to have lived several centuries ago and was associated with the Ganapatya tradition, whose followers consider Lord Ganesha the Supreme God. He was born in Morgaon, home to the revered Moreshwar temple, one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples around Pune. His name itself is said to have been inspired by Lord Moreshwar.
From a young age, Morya Gosavi was deeply devoted to Ganesha. Legends surrounding his life speak of divine revelations and miracles, which gradually attracted people to him. He was also known for the importance he gave to anna-dana, or feeding people.
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How Did He Become Associated With Ganpati?
One of the most fascinating parts of his story is his connection with Morgaon. According to legend, Morya Gosavi would regularly travel from Chinchwad to Morgaon on foot to seek the blessings of Lord Moreshwar.
As he grew older, however, the journey became increasingly difficult. According to one legend, Ganesha appeared to him and told him to establish a temple at Chinchwad instead.
Soon after, Morya Gosavi is said to have found an idol of Ganesha while bathing in a river at Chinchwad. He established a shrine for it, known as Mangalmurti Wada, further strengthening Chinchwad’s connection with Ganpati worship.
So, Why Do We Say ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’?
For centuries, pilgrims visiting Morya Gosavi’s shrine have chanted ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ as a mark of respect for both Ganesha and the saint who devoted his life to the deity.
In simple words, the chant brings together Bappa, the beloved Lord, and Morya, his devoted bhakt. Over time, this expression of devotion travelled beyond the shrine and became part of popular Ganeshotsav celebrations.
That is what makes the chant so beautiful. It isn’t simply a call to Ganpati. It also remembers a devotee whose faith became so closely intertwined with his beloved deity that his name continues to be uttered alongside Bappa’s.
According to another legend, Lord Ganesha was deeply moved by his unwavering devotion and blessed him with a divine boon. It is believed that the Lord promised that His name would forever be taken alongside that of His beloved devotee, linking the two for generations to come.
This is why, when devotees chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” they are not only calling out to Bappa but also remembering the bhakt whose devotion brought him closer to the divine. The chant, in many ways, celebrates the beautiful bond between God and His devotee.
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So, the next time you hear thousands of devotees shout “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”, remember that the chant carries centuries of devotion within it. It is a celebration of Bappa — and a tribute to the bhakt whose love for Ganpati became a part of Maharashtra’s most beloved festival.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Thinker_Ashish
FAQs
Why do devotees say ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’?
The chant is associated with Sant Morya Gosavi, a deeply devoted follower of Lord Ganesha. According to legend, his devotion earned him a special place alongside Bappa’s name.
Who was Morya Gosavi?
Morya Gosavi was a revered saint and ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha who is believed to have lived several centuries ago. He is closely associated with Ganapati worship in Maharashtra.
What does ‘Morya’ mean in ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’?
‘Morya’ refers to Morya Gosavi, whose devotion to Lord Ganesha became an important part of the chant.
