A legend explains that once Shiva asked Kartikeya and Ganesha to circle the world and return. Kartikeya hurried off on his peacock, but Ganesha walked around Shiva and Parvati. He explained that for him, his parents constituted the world. Pleased, Shiva granted him a boon, saying that before undertaking any important task, people would pray to Ganesha. Therefore, no matter what the occasion or ceremony be, Ganesha is worshipped before all deities.

The Puranas say that the fourth day of the month, known as Chaturthi, is specially Ganesha auspicious for Ganesha worship.It is believed that Ganesha was born on the chaturthi of Bhadra.

The peculiar manner in which we worship him by rapping at our forehead with our knuckles and pulling at the earlobes with crossed hands etc. helps nadi-suddhi or purification of the nadis and puts our psychic powers in proper tune for his worship. The materials of worship for Ganesha, the dhruv-grass, arka-flower and leaves etc. which are the least coveted by common people, have a lesson. No part of creation is repellent to God. He is much pleased with the lowest of creation as with the highest.