As the Lord's mode of transport, the rat increases
the difficult task that a spiritual person faces when treading on the 'Way to
the Almighty'. A rat keeps nibbling all the time just like our senses which are
never satisfied. The wise man rides on his senses. He keep them under control.
Lord Ganesh's large belly
denotes prosperity and that He digests all the good and bad in the world. The planet Mars and Ganpati are considered to have the same complexion. On Ganesh Chaturthi frequencies from Mars and Ganesh reach
the Earth.
Ganeshji holds in His 4 hands:
An axe to cut off evil and worldly attachments and
old karmas.
A Rope pulls His disciples closer to the Spiritual Path.
The Rosary beads remind one to continuously strive towards the Real Knowledge.
The last hand is held up in a posture of blessing.
May the Lord Ganesh bestow His Grace upon all of you today.
Thought Two
So people will once again be bringing 'Lord Ganpati' into their homes.
They will be performing prayers and entertaining Him for a few days and then they will bid Him farewell with a request to return next year!
This wonderful custom was popularized by Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak to bring together the 'Hindustanis' during the British rule.
Originally worshipping Lord Ganesha was a family affair. Wet clay was fashioned into a
symbolic Ganesha form, placed on the left palm and worshipped with the chanting of mantras, followed by the rituals.
The idol was the immersed in the well or a pond. A devout Hindu believes that what came from the earth should return there.
Ganpati is supposed to smash, with the help of His trunk, all the obstacles that come in the path of His devotees.
When an elephant moves through the forest, his massive body clears the way for
others who follow. If the trunk of 'Ganesha' is curved to the right He is called 'Sidhi Vinayaka' and requires special worship.
So let us worship Him again this year. Let us bring Him, not only into our homes, but into our hearts and keep Him there.
The idol we may do 'visarjan' (immersion) of, and together with it, our negative tendencies.
Thought Three
Those conversant with Yoga would know that the 'Kundalini Shakti' or primordial energy, rises in a
zigzag manner through the Spinal chord, culminating in the third eye, which resides in between the eye-brows.
When the trunk of Ganeshji is facing straight forward, it signifies that the passage, though the Spinal chord, or 'Sushumna' is entirely open.
When the trunk of Ganeshji is swung right in the air, it means that the 'Kundalini
Shakti' has reached the Sahasraar' or the Region of the third eye, permanently.
When Ganeshji's trunk is curved to the right. He is called Siddhi Vinaayak.
The left side, represents the Moon. The right side represents the Sun. Hence if the Trunk of ones Ganeshji leans towards the Right, It would require
special worship, as the 'Sun' would burn one if rules are violated.
Another explanation: According to Hindu texts there are three channels or
naadis that are responsible for overall health.
The left channel is called the Ida Naadi and is connected to the right side
and the back of the brain. This naadi looks after our emotional side.
The right side channel is called the Pingala naadi. It crosses the Ida naadi
at the third eye or the Agna Chakra. Pingala is connected with the left side and
the front of the brain. It is the Super conscious mind.
The central channel is called the Sushumna. This channel helps us integrate
and helps in our Spiritual Evolution.
During earlier times, Ganpati was a tribal God, Guardian of the forests. He was,
in fact believed to be a creator of obstacles, by whose Grace one could survive in the treacherous jungles.
This world is no less than a jungle, where we constantly require His Grace to survive.
He forever protects us. His Big ears hear our tiniest complaint. His Big Belly, remind us that He is Prosperity Itself, and He owns all that we
might require. His trunk has the capacity to uproot a tree and to pick up a needle from a hay-stack.
He is all powerful, yet He sits on a humble mouse to remind us that however powerful He may be is forever present on
Earth, a humble planet, in the vast Universe.
Thought Four
In the case of Aum What looks like 3 is the 'a' sound in Sanskrit, the
tail or trunk is the 'u' sound and the dot on the half moon is the nasal sound
Together it says 'Aum' Aum is also a visual, and if you care to interpret it in
the following way, it looks like a Ganpati. The lower part of the 3 is the
belly,and the 'u' is the trunk, with a tika on top.
21 Durva blades are offered to Ganpatiji. It is believed that Ganpatiji is
formed from No 3. 2+1=3 2+1 is 21
9 is a complete and powerful number. The devout who believe in the power of
number 9 visit 108 Ganpatijis during these auspicious days.
Once again it is that time of year when the devout invite Lord Ganpati to
their home and entertain him, with so much love!
Thought Five
People often say that God is Just and Merciful.
If one analyses the two adjectives, one will realise that if one relies on
justice, one cannot always be merciful and if one shows Mercy, one probably
cannot exercise proper justice. The theory of karma is based on justice.
Forgiveness is a gift of Mercy. If you will only bear with me, I would like to
explain to you a theory which explains the above a bit better.
On the earth and for some miles around it we experience the Law of Gravity.
The Law of gravity does not exist in Space. Similarly while we are bound by
human knowledge, the Laws of karma apply. Once we transcend through love. We
break the barriers and we enter the Law of Grace, compassion and mercy. We have
then entered the realm of miracles. Now we can use our thoughts, feelings, words
and actions to co-create with God our own reality.
I will not write further on the above subject. Will you re-read
what I have written and ponder upon it?
The Lord Ganpati, is being revered across India, for the present
10 days as a great clearer of obstacles. He is considered a symbol of wisdom and
a bringer of good luck. He is believed to be a very powerful positive force in
the Universe. It is said that Ganpati was born when Shivji and Mother Parvati
contemplated on 'OM'
There was once a competition in Heaven as to who would circle the Universe
first. While the other gods went in different directions, Ganpati circled round
His parents. Some believe that because of Ganpati's example, we hindus revere
our parents always. Therefore we need not celebrate Mother's and Father's day ,
only on a particular day each year. So let us call upon Ganpati to enter into
our lives and affairs, and not leave our hearts even though we bid adieu to Him
at the end of the 10 day celebration.
Thought Six
The 12th of Sepember, 2000 is Maha-visarjan-day. The grandest (in stature) of
Ganpatis will be returned to the elements (Water). They have been feasted in a
grand manner fit for gods, and now it is time to chant:
Ganpati Baba Morya!
Pudcha varshi laukarya!
Which means: O Ganpati
Return soon, next year
As we prepare to allow Him to leave, let us get to know a little more about
Him.
It is believed that Ganeshji Himself wrote the Mahabharata, to the dictation of Guru Veda Vyasa. He is also considered the most intelligent. A challenge was thrown to brothers
Ganeshji and Karthikeya by Sage Narada. The challenge was whoever went around the globe first would have the fruit first. Karthikeya went around the world which took quite some time while
Ganeshji went round his parents thrice and claimed the fruit. The logic he gave was that since his parents represented the universe he had gone round them.
Ganeshji (Another name for Ganpati Bapa) is the beloved son of Shivji and Ma
Parvati. Shivji used to leave Parvati for long periods of time, to immerse
Himself into deep meditation. During one such time, Ma was feeling lonely, so
she took some clay and water and commenced to shape a baby. She breathed life
into him, and called the beautiful baby, Ganesh.
Once Ma Parvati went in to bathe and asked Ganesh not to let anyone in.
Shivji happened to return from his long sojourn and Ganesh refused him entry.
Enraged Shivji cut off Ganesh's head as he did not recognise the child. Ma
Parvati implored him to restore her son's life. Lord Shiva said that he would
cut the head of the first living creature that passed by and use it to replace
his son's head, and that is what he did.
However it makes me wonder why Lord Shiva said that he would cut the head of
the first living creature that passed. Could Lord Shiva have performed a head
transplant? Eric Van Daniken in his book 'Chariots of the Gods' claims
that humanity was very advanced in early history and far-fetched theories like
the above one, should be taken literally.
Another version: Mother Parvati pointed out the planet Saturn to Ganpati. The
latter's head got burnt due to the power of the planet.
The point to remember is that Ganeshji triumphed the onslaught of Saturn and
became immortal.
Later, Ganeshji married Sidhhi and Buddhi and had two sons called Kshem and
Labh. Please do some homework! find out the meaning of the above names and you
will be able to learn the great qualities that Ganeshji is endowed with.
According to Wapedia:
The marital status of Ganesha varies
widely in mythological stories and the issue has been the
subject of considerable scholarly review. [1] Several patterns
of associations with different consorts are
identifiable. One pattern of myths identifies Ganesha as an
unmarried with no consorts. Another pattern associates him with
the concepts of Buddhi
(intellect), Siddhi
(spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity);
these qualities are sometimes personified as goddesses who are
considered to be Ganesha's wives. [2] Another pattern connects
Ganesha with the goddess of culture and the arts,
Sarasvati, and
the goddess of luck and prosperity,
Lakshmi. [3] In the
Bengal region he is
linked with the banana
tree, Kala Bo. [4]
He also may be shown with a single consort or a nameless servant
(Sanskrit: daşi). [5]
Some of the differences between these patterns can be
understood by looking at regional variations across India, the
time periods in which the patterns are found, and the traditions
in which the beliefs are held. Some differences pertain to the
preferred meditation form used by the devotee, with many
different traditional forms ranging from Ganesha as a young boy
(Sanskrit: बालगणपति;
bālagāņapati) to Ganesha as a Tantric deity."
Ganeshji is called 'Ekdanta' because he broke one tusk while he engaged in a
fight. 'Ekdanta' means 'one tooth'
Once the 'Moon' laughed at the appearance of Ganpati. The moon since has had
dark spots on its beautiful surface as punishment.
Ved Vyaasji is the Poet Supreme . He penned the Shrimad Bhaagvat besides
other remarkably Divine compositions. While writing the Mahabharata, Ved Vyaasa
realised that his thoughts were flowing faster than his pen. So he requested
Ganpatiji to write, while he dictated. Ganpatiji agreed. But he put up a
condition. VedVyaas must not stop his dictation even for a second. VedVyaas
agreed on the condition that Ganpatiji would only write a couplet after he
understood it.
Ganeshji speed in writing was unsurpassed, hence Ved Vyaasji composed a
difficult 'shloka' from time to time to keep Ganeshji busy trying to
understand what he was writing.
So we have Ganpatiji to thank, for writing the hundred thousand couplets (shlokas)
of the Mahabharata, which took 3 years to complete.
Remember, Ganpatiji's wife's name is 'Buddhi'? Buddhi means intellect and
wisdom.
Truly Ganpati possesses all the powers to do away with any difficulty that
confronts a devotee of his. So say with me:
Ganpati Bappa Morya
Pudchaa Varshi laukarya!
and may our troubles be as small as Ganpati's mouse &
our moments as sweet His laddus.
When we chant Aum Ganeshaaya Namah before starting
anything we are saying: In what we are about to do, let wisdom be our Guide.
Names of Ganesha
Each different form has a name and colour says
Seema Burman
Dvija Ganapati is like the moon
Dvimukha Ganapati is bluish green
Dhoomravarna Ganapati has a smoke coloured body
Haridra Ganapati is bright yellow
Rinamochana Ganapati is white like crystal
Heramba Ganapati is of dark green colour. In some
cases , the colour of his head and body are different-the head is brick red with
a flesh coloured body...
Incarnations described in the Mudgala Purana took
place in different cosmic ages. These incarnations express complex philosophical
concepts associated with progressive creation. The demons mentioned exist within
us and we need the Grace of Ganesha to overcome them.
Vakratunda, (One with a twisted trunk) The
purpose of this Incarnation is to overcome the demon Matsaryusara who symbolises
envy and jealousy. His mount is a lion.
Ekadanta, (One with a single tusk)
The purpose of this Incarnation is to overcome
Madasura , symbolic of arrogance and conceit.
Mahodara,(Big bellied Ganesha)
The purpose of this Incarnation is to overcome the
demon Mohasura
Gajanana,
(Elephant faced) The purpose of this Incarnation
is to overcome demon Lobhasura or greed.
Lambodara (Large bellied)
The purpose of this Incarnation is to overcome
demon Krodhasura or anger.
Vikata ( One with an unusual form) He is an
embodiment of the Illuminating nature of Brahmn. The purpose is to overcome
kamasura or lust. His mount is the peacock.
Vighnaraja, King of obstacles corresponds
to Vishnu and is an Incarnation to preserve the nature of Brahmn. The purpose is
to overcome Mamasura or possessiveness. His mount is the celestial serpent
Shesha.
Dhumravarna, The grey coloured one
corresponds with Shiva and is an embodiment of the destructive nature of Brahmn.
The purpose is to overcome Abhimanasura, full of pride and attachment. His mount
is a horse.
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