~ Lord Ganesha ~

[MysteRy]

About Lord Ganesha




Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. He  is the God of Knowledge and Remover of Obstacles. He is also known as Vinayaka (bestower of knowledge) and Vigneshwara (remover of obstacles). He is worshipped before starting any important task and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. A Grand festival is held every year for Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated usually for 10 days from Ganesh Chathurthi. People buy idols of Ganesh and pray at their house. After performing pooja they take the idols on procession and leave it in sea, river or pond. This is believed to bring lot of luck and prosperity.

Ganesh Slokas

Suklaambara Dharam Vishnum
Sashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadhanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye

Agajaanana Padmaarkam
Gajaananam Aharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam
Ekadantam Upaasmahey

Thathpurushyaaya Vidhmahe
Vakarathundaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Dhandhi Prachodayaaath

Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Vishvaathi bhootham hrudhiyoginam vai
Prathyacharoopena vibhanthamekam
Sadhaa niraalambha samaadhigamyam
Thamekadhantham sharanam vrajama

Om Eaekadanthaye Vidhmahe
Vakratundaye Dheemahi
Tanno Buddhi Prachodhayat

Gajananam Bhootha Ganaathi Sevitham,
Kavitha Jambu Manasara Bakshitham
Uma Sutham, Soka Vinaasa Haaranam,
Namaami Vigneshwara, Phaadha Pankajam

Mooshika Vahana Modhaga Hasta
Shyamala Karna Vilambitha Sutra
Vamana Rupa Maheshwara Putra
Vigna Vinayaka Pada Namaste

Tamil Slokam
Vaakundam Nalla Manamundam, Maa Malaraal
Nokundam, Meni Nudangaadu Pookondu,
Thuppar Thirumeni Thumbikaiyaan Paadham,
Thappamal Saarvaar Thamakku.

[MysteRy]

108 Names of Lord Ganesha




Names &  Meanings

Akhuratha - One who has Mouse as his Chariot/Vehicle
Alampata - Ever Eternal Lord
Amit - Incomparable Lord
Anantachidrupamayam - Infinite and Consciousness Personified
Avaneesh - Lord of the whole World
Avighna - Remover of Obstacles
Balaganapati - Beloved and Lovable Child
Bhalchandra - Moon-Crested Lord
Bheema - Huge and Gigantic
Bhupati - Lord of the Gods
Bhuvanpati    - God of the Gods
Buddhinath - God of Wisdom
Buddhipriya - Knowledge Bestower
Buddhividhata - God of Knowledge
Chaturbhuj - One who has Four Arms
Devadeva - Lord of All Lords
Devantakanashakarin - Destroyer of Evils and Asuras
Devavrata - One who accepts all Penances
Devendrashika - Protector of All Gods
Dharmik - One who gives Charity
Dhoomravarna - Smoke-Hued Lord
Durja    - Invincible Lord
Dvaimatura - One who has two Mothers
Ekaakshara - He of the Single Syllable
Ekadanta - Single-Tusked Lord
Ekadrishta   - Single-Tusked Lord
Eshanputra - Lord Shiva's Son
Gadadhara - One who has The Mace as His Weapon
Gajakarna - One who has Eyes like an Elephant
Gajanana   - Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajananeti   - Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajavakra   - Trunk of The Elephant
Gajavaktra   - One who has Mouth like an Elephant
Ganadhakshya -   Lord of All Ganas
Ganadhyakshina - Leader of All The Celestial Bodies
Ganapati - Lord of All Ganas
Gaurisuta - The Son of Gauri
Gunina - One who is The Master of All Virtues
Haridra - One who is Golden Colored
Heramba - Mother's Beloved Son
Kapila - Yellowish-Brown Colored
Kaveesha - Master of Poets
Kirti - Lord of Music
Kripalu - Merciful Lord
Krishapingaksha - Yellowish-Brown Eyed
Kshamakaram - The Place of Forgiveness
Kshipra - One who is easy to Appease
Lambakarna - Large-Eared Lord
Lambodara    - The Huge Bellied Lord
Mahabala - Enormously Strong Lord
Mahaganapati - Omnipotent and Supreme Lord
Maheshwaram - Lord of The Universe
Mangalamurti - All Auspicious Lord
Manomay - Winner of Hearts
Mrityuanjaya - Conqueror of Death
Mundakarama - Abode of Happiness
Muktidaya - Bestower of Eternal Bliss
Musikvahana - One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
Nadapratithishta - One who Appreciates and Loves Music
Namasthetu - Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins
Nandana - Lord Shiva's Son
Nideeshwaram - Giver of Wealth and Treasures
Omkara - One who has the Form Of OM
Pitambara - One who has Yellow Colored Body
Pramoda - Lord of All Abodes
Prathameshwara - First Among All
Purush - The Omnipotent Personality
Rakta - One who has Red Colored Body
Rudrapriya   - Beloved Of Lord Shiva
Sarvadevatman - Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings
Sarvasiddhanta - Bestower of Skills and Wisdom
Sarvatman - Protector of The Universe
Shambhavi    - The Son of Parvati
Shashivarnam - One who has a Moon like Complexion
Shoorpakarna - Large-Eared Lord
Shuban - All Auspicious Lord
Shubhagunakanan - One who is The Master of All Virtues
Shweta - One who is as Pure as the White Color
Siddhidhata - Bestower of Success and Accomplishments
Siddhipriya   - Bestower of Wishes and Boons
Siddhivinayaka - Bestower of Success
Skandapurvaja - Elder Brother of Skanda
Sumukha - Auspicious Face
Sureshwaram - Lord of All Lords
Swaroop - Lover of Beauty
Tarun - Ageless
Uddanda -  Nemesis of Evils and Vices
Umaputra - The Son of Goddess Uma
Vakratunda - Curved Trunk Lord
Varaganapati - Bestower of Boons
Varaprada - Granter of Wishes and Boons
Varadavinayaka - Bestower of Success
Veeraganapati -  Heroic Lord
Vidyavaridhi - God of Wisdom
Vighnahara    - Remover of Obstacles
Vignaharta   - Demolisher of Obstacles
Vighnaraja   - Lord of All Hindrances
Vighnarajendra - Lord of All Obstacles
Vighnavinashanaya - Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments
Vigneshwara - Lord of All Obstacles
Vikat   - Huge and Gigantic
Vinayaka -   Lord of All
Vishwamukha - Master of The Universe
Vishwaraja -King of The World
Yagnakaya   - Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrificial Offerings
Yashaskaram - Bestower of Fame and Fortune
Yashvasin   - Beloved and Ever Popular Lord

[MysteRy]

Ganesh Chaturthi




Birthday of Lord Ganesh is one of the most popular Hindu Festival. It is celebrated on the 4th day (chaturthi) of  the bright fortnight month of Bhadrapada (August-September) in Hindu Calendar. The celebration continues till Anantha Chaturdasi which is for 10 full days.

There are interesting stories associated with Ganesh Chaturthi and its significance. One of the most popular legend found in Skanda Purana says, once Ganesha was invited for a feast in Chandralok. The joyous Ganesh feasts himself to his heart's content. But he grows very restless and feels that his stomach would burst out. In order to prevent the stomach from bursting out, he ties a snake around it. But he was not able to balance himself after the huge meal and stumbles and falls. The moon watches the scene from the sky and laughs at Ganesh.

Angered, Lord Ganesh curses the moon to vanish from the universe. However because of the moon's absence, the whole world began to wane. So the gods asked Shiva to persuade Ganesha to relent. The moon also apologized for his misbehavior. On Shiva's intervention, Ganesha modified his curse. He announced that the moon would be invisible on only one day of a month, and would be partially seen for the Ganesha Utsav most part.

On the occasion of the Ganapati festival a large number of images are made of all possible sizes, and people buy them to keep in their houses as a divine guest for one and a half, five, seven, or ten days. On the day of the Chaturthi, shrines are erected, firecrackers let off, huge images of Ganeshji are carried in grand procession for 'Ganesh Visarjan' accompanied by the sound of devotional songs and drums.  The idol should not be kept after this day, as it is considered inauspicious.

Procedure:

Before starting the Pooja take a cleansing bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the place of worship, Ganesh idol or picture and all other pooja articles. Place a betel leaf or a clean plate before the god. Make a Ganesh vigraha with turmeric and water to from a thick dough and shape it with your hands. Place kumkum on it and decorate it with flowers. Decorate the idol also with flowers and grass (Arugam pul if available). Prepare the Prasad for Ganesh. Click here for Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes. Place the Prasad before the Lord on a banana leaf or clean plate. Plate fresh fruits and  coconut.

Light the lamp and start the pooja. Offer flowers, fruits and Prasad to the Lord while chanting Ganesh Chaturthi slokas. Click here for the Slokas. End the pooja by offering prasad to everyone.

The turmeric vigraha should later be immersed in water after completion of pooja on the final day.

The pooja should be started when Chaturthi sets in. It is also believed that moon should not be looked that day as that will bring bad luck for the whole year.

[MysteRy]

Story about the Birth of Lord Ganesh




Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi. The story of creation of ganesh is a very fascinating one.

Long time ago when Lord Shiva, was away fighting for the gods, the lady of the house, goddess Parvathi was alone at home. On one occasion, she needed someone to guard the house when she was going for a bath. Unable to think of an alternative, she used her powers to create a son, Ganesh. She instructed Ganesh to keep strict vigil on the entrance to the house and not to allow anyone into the house. Ganesh agreed and stayed on the strictest of strict vigils.

In the meantime Lord Shiva returned happy after a glorious victory for the gods, only to be stopped at the entrance by Ganesh. Ganesh, acting on Parvathi's orders verbatim, did not allow Shiva to enter the house. Lord Shiva was enraged beyond control and in a fit of rage slashed the head of Ganesh. In the meantime Parvathi came out from her bath and was aghast at the scene. She was very angry at her lordship for what had happened and explained him the situation.

Lord Shiva wanted to make it up to Parvathi very badly and agreed to put life back into Ganesha by putting the head of the first sleeping living creature that came in sight which was sleeping with its head to the north. He sent his soldiers to go in search of the creature. The first creature which came in sight was an elephant. So Lord Shiva re-created his son with the head of the elephant. Hence the trunk of Lord Ganesha.

Parvathi was still not totally happy with the deal and wanted more. Then Shiva granted Ganesha a boon that before beginning of any undertaking or task people would worship Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh has to power to remove any obstacles that come in the way of all true devotees. So before starting any new project or work it is good to pray to Lord Ganesh with all shradha and bhakthi for the successful completion of the task undertaken.

[MysteRy]

SLOKAS




By ancient tradition, the elephant-headed God, Ganesha is always worshipped first and foremost in every ritual or festival. He likes sweet items and milk; hence we can offer them to win his attention. Common belief is that Ganesha is most deity-friendly. He is happy with simple offerings of coconut or three "Kuttu" (gently tapping of both temples with folded fists) or just a prayer with a pure heart.

Recite these mantras/slokas to clear your path from bad luck and fill it with good fortune, before you start any new project to ensure success and prosperity.

Sri Maha Ganapathi Sthuthi

Suklam baratharam vishnum sasivarnam sathurbujam
Prasanna vadanam dyayeth sarva vignoba santhaye

Vakra thunda maha kaya soorya koti sama praba
Nirvignam kurume deva sarva kaaryeshu sarvadha

Gajananam, Bhootha Ganaathi Sevitham,
Kavitha Jambu Manasara Bakshitham
Uma sutham, shoka vinaasa haaranam,
Namaami Vigneshwara, paada pankajam

Agajaanana padmaarkam gajanana maharnisam
Anekadham dham bhakthanam ekadhantham upasmahe

Mooshika Vahana Modhaga Hasta
Shyamala Karna Vilambitha Sutra
Vamana Rupa Maheshwara Putra
Vigna Vinayaka Pada Namaste

Ganesha Gayatri to remove obstacles

Ganesha is the king of obstacles and guardian of all existing beings. If you want obstacles from your path (of your goal) to be removed, Ganesha is the right supervisor to talk to. If you make friends with Ganesha, the obstacles will not only be removed, but will also not occur in the first place. He is tough with his enemies and smashes them with the power of a real elephant, but gives sweetness and joy to the one who honours him. Whatever you do with sincerity and a good heart (with Ganesha, who is the joy of life) goes smooth and effortless. In India, temples of Ganesha are found in every village, every junction of street corners and his pictures adorn every home. He is called the destroyer of obstacles - 'Vighna Vinayaka', The one who gives happiness and joy - 'Sukha Kartha', The absorber of sorrow and misfortune - 'Dukha Hartha', He makes wishes come true - 'Siddhi Vinayaka'.

By ancient tradition, the elephant-headed God, Ganesha is always worshipped first and foremost in every ritual or festival. He likes sweet items and milk; hence we can offer them to win his attention. Common belief is that Ganesha is most deity-friendly. He is happy with simple offerings of coconut or three "Kuttu" (gently tapping of both temples with folded fists) or just a prayer with a pure heart.

Recite this mantra to clear your path from bad luck and fill it with good fortune, before you start any new project to ensure success and prosperity. Recite it every morning before you begin your day. The power of this mantra will ensure smooth sailing of life even in the most turbulent of times.

Ohm Eikdantaye Vidmahe,
Vakratundaye Dhi-Mahi
Tan No Buddhih Prachodayat


Ganesha Pancharatnam

1.
Mudha karatha modhakam, sada vimukthi dayakam,
Kaladaravathamsakam, vichithra loka rakshakam,
Anayakaika nayakam vinasithebha daithyakam,
Nathashubha pranasakam, namami tham vinayakam.

I salute that remover of obstacles,
Who has modakas in his hand,
Who always bestows salvation,
Who wears a part of moon on his head,
Who protects this world which is varied,
Who is the leader of those who cannot be lead,
Who is the cause of destruction of asuras,
And who destroys all things which are not good.

2.
Nathetharathi bheekaram navodhitharka bhaswaram,
Namath surari nirjaram nathadhikapadhugdharam,
Sureswaram Nidheeswaram Gajeswaram Ganeswaram,
Maheswaram thamasraye parathparam nirantharam.

I bow before that great Lord permanently,
Who creates fear in the enemies of his devotees,
Who sparkles like the just risen sun,
Who is saluted by Gods and Asuras
who destroys obstacles of his devotees,
Who is the God of all devas,
Who is the God of all wealth,
Who is the God of all elephants,
And Who is the leader of the army of Lord Shiva.

3.
Samastha loka sankaram, nirastha daithya kunjaram,
Daretharodaram varam varebhavakthramaksharam,
Krupakaram, Kshamakaram, Mudhakaram, Yasaskaram,
Namaskaram Namaskrutham namaskaromi bhaskaram.

I bow to that Ganapati who shines like the Sun,
Who bestows peace to all the worlds,
Who removed the Gajamukhasura from this world
Who has a very big paunch,
Who has an elephant-face which blesses,
And who is the one who shows kindness
Who is patient,
Who is full of blessing,
And who showers great fame,
To those who salute Him.

4.
Akinchanarthimarjanam chiranthanokthi bhajanam,
Purari purva nandanam surari garva charvanam,
Prapancha nasa bheeshanam danamjayadhi bhooshanam,
Kapola dhana vaaranam Bhaje purana varanam.

I salute the very ancient elephant-god
Who destroys the wants of the have nots,
Who has been worshipped since ancient times,
Who is the eldest son of the lord who destroyed cities,
Who eats away the pride of the enemies of the gods,
Who is awesome at the time of final deluge,
Who wears serpents like Dananjaya as ornaments,
And who is fierce like the elephant in rut.

5.
Nithanta kanthi dantha kantha manthakantha kathmajam,
Achinthya roopamantha heena mantha raya krunthanam,
Hrudanthare nirantharam vasanthameva yoginaam ,
Tham eka dantha meka meva chinthayami santhatham.

I always meditate only on that God with single tusk,,
Who is ever lustrous tusk is very pretty,
Who is the son of Lord who killed the god of death,
Who has a form beyond ones imagination,
Who is endless,
Who tears asunder all obstacles,
And who dwells forever in the heart of Yogis ,
Like the season of spring.

Phalasruthi

Maha ganesa pancha rathna maadharena yo anvaham,
Prajalpathi prabhathake hrudhi smaran ganeswaram,
Arogadhamadhosadham susahitheem suputhratham,
Samahithayurshta bhoothi mapyupaithi sochiraath.

The resultant benefit.

He, who remembers with respect every morning,
These five gems of the great Lord Ganapati,
and who meditates in his heart the leader of ganas,
Will soon be blessed with a healthy life,
Free of all problems, endowed with great peace
Great sons, longevity and spiritual and physical wealth.

Vigneshwara Ashtothram
GANESHA GAYATRI TO REMOVE OBSTACLES

Lord Ganesha or Lord Ganapati is the destroyer of obstacles. People mostly worship Him for siddhi, success in undertakings, and buddhi, intelligence. He is worshipped before any venture is begun. He is also the God of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature and fine arts. Lord Ganesha is also one of the five Gods the worship of whom was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya; the other four being Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti and Surya. The worship of these five deities is called the panchaayatana puja. In some cases, Skanda is also worshipped. It is said that Ganesha was born when the eternal couple contemplated on "Ohm". If you view Lord Ganesha sideways, you will see the symbol "Ohm" in Sanskrit. That's why Ganesha is called "Ohmkara" and worshipped first. "Ohm" is pranava mantram which means "Excellent Boat" (Prakriti +Nava = PraNava). The PraNavam is the only means to cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Ganesha has four hands, an elephant's head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), and a sweet dessert ball - laddoo (to reward devotees for their spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence and presence of mind.

Om ekadanthaya vidmahe vakratundaya dheemahi tanno danthi prachodayat
Om ekadanthaya angushttabhyaamnamah Om vidmahe tharjaneebhyaam namah
Om vakrathundaya madhyamaabhyaam namah Om dheemahi anamikabhyaam namah
Om tanno danthi kanishtikabhyaam namah  Om prachodayat karathalakaraprishtabhyaam namah ithi karanyasaha
Om ekadanthaya hridhayaya namah Om vidmahe shirase swaha
Om vakrathundaya shikayai vashta
Om dheemahi kavachaya huum Om tanno danthi nethrathreyaya vouwshta
Om prachodayat astraya fatt ithi hridyadinyasaha Om gum ganapathaye namah ithi ganapathigayathri manthraha

SRI GANA NAYAGASHTAKAM

Ekadantam Mahaakaayam Taptakaajnchana sannibham
LambodaraM VishaalaaxaM  Vande Ham GaNanaayakam

Mounji Krishnajeenadharam NaagaYagnopaveethanam
Bhalendu Sakalam Moulim, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Chitraratna Vichitragam Chitrmaalaa Vibhushitham
Kamarupadharam Devam, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Gajavaktam SuraSreshtam, Karnachamara Bhushitham
Pasamkusadharam Devam, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Mushikootham maaruhya Devasura Mahaahavey
Yooddukamam Mahaaveeram, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Yaksha Kinnera Gandharva, Siddi Vidhyadharay Sadha
Stuyamanam MahaaBhaahum, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Ambika Hryudayanandham, Matrubhihi Pariveshtitham
BhaktaPriyam Madhoonmatham, Vande Ham Gananayakam

SarvaVignaharam Devam SarvaVigna Vivarjetham
Sarvasiddi Pradhataaram, Vande Ham Gananayakam

Ganashtakam Idham Punyam Yah Pateth Satatham Narah
Siddyanthi Sarva kaaryaani, Vidhayaavan Dhanavaan Bhaveth

Ithi Sri GanaNayashtakam

[MysteRy]

MYTHS




GANESHA LEGENDS

Many myths and beliefs are attached to Lord Ganesha. How he came to have an elephant head is an interesting story. According to some legends, Ganesha wasn't actually born to Shiva and Parvati but was created from the saffron paste gathered from Parvati's person. Parvati wanted someone who would owe his first allegiance to Parvati and not Shiva and so she created the boy who was handsome and strong and breathed life into him. "You are my son, my very own son, I do not have anyone else to call my very own" said Parvati. Then Parvati gave the boy a staff and asked him to guard the door to her private rooms and said, "Do not to allow any one to enter without my permission." A little later Shiva arrived and wondered who the boy could be and why was he there.

As Shiva approached the door, the boy stopped him. Shiva tried to explain to the boy that he was Parvati’s husband and he had the right to enter without asking any one. The boy said without hesitation, "No one enters these halls without my mother’s permission." When Shiva ignored him, the boy hit him with his staff. Shiva was furious! He tried to fight the young boy and realized that he was no ordinary boy. Shiva asked his attendants to capture the boy but single-handedly, the boy defeated them all.

Shiva then sent a messenger around to enquire who the boy was. The boy declared, "I am the son of Parvati. I will give my life to carry out my mother’s orders. No one can enter the palace without my mother’s permission."

The messenger returned to Shiva and humbly informed him what the boy had said. Shiva’s pride was hurt. He was so angry that he sent his entire army to capture the boy. Parvati called for her other powers, Kali and Durga and asked them to stand beside her son. Shiva’s army lost the battle and His attendants ran for their lives. Shiva then called Vishnu to join him in defeating the small boy. This was not a fair fight. While the boy was engaged in fighting with Vishnu, Shiva threw his Trident and beheaded the boy. After the head rolled off, Shiva realized his mistake.

When Parvati heard of the unfair fight she decided to destroy the world. Brahma humbly approached Parvati, seeking for mercy to save the world. Parvati agreed on two conditions, "My son must regain his life and he shall be worshipped before any of the other gods." By that time Shiva had calmed down and apologized for his rash behavior. He agreed to bring the boy back to life. He asked Brahma to go North and bring the head of the first creature that crossed his path. Brahma left with his party and soon brought back the head of a strong elephant. The head was then fitted to the body of the boy and Brahma sprinkled water on it. The boy came to life with an elephant’s head on his shoulder. Parvati embraced her son with joy. She then turned to Brahma to fulfill her second condition. Indra and the other gods brought Shiva to Parvati.

Shiva apologized for his arrogance and declared "Hence on, this valiant boy will be my son. He will be respected as any other God and will be worshipped before any other God. He will be called Ganesh, the chief of my Ganas or attendants, and also Vigneshwar, the remover of all obstacles."

Thus Lord Ganesha came into being and began to be worshipped by one and all.

[MysteRy]

MYTHS




WHY DOES LORD GANESHA HAVE A HALF-BROKEN TUSK?

When he came up with the idea to Mahabharatha, Sage Ved Vyasa looked around for someone who would write down the words even as he recited them. He approached Lord Ganesha and asked him if he would do so. Lord Ganesha readily agreed.

Ved Vyasa said "I will narrate the story and you must take it down as fast as I say it and should not interrupt or stop anywhere in between" and Lord Ganesha too said that "I will do so and if you halt or hesitate, I will stop writing and your epic will never be written". Ved Vyasa agreed with his final condition "So I agree but you must also agree to fully comprehend the meaning of the poems as you write and not just blindly write them as I say".

The elephant headed God gave his consent and they started writing the epic Mahabharata. To write this Lord Ganesha broke a bit off his tusk and used it as a pen. As they continued with the writing, Ved Vyasa found that Ganesha was very fast and he didn't even have any time to breathe in air! His face slowly turned blue and he wondered how will he go on without pausing to draw his breath also. Then he came up with the solution and narrated a difficult stanza. Ganesha, who was writing at a furious pace, stopped for a second to get the meaning of the stanza and Ved Vyasa thankfully used the split second gap to gulp deep lungful of air. But Ganesha carried on immediately and they went on. And so, whenever Ved Vyasa needed a break, he would tell a difficult phrase and used the time Ganesha took to comprehend the meaning. Thus the original Mahabharata contains many difficult stanzas placed at intervals throughout the length of the epic.

[MysteRy]

MYTHS




Why people don't look at the Moon on that day?

There is very popular legend regarding this context. Lord Ganesha was very fond of sweet pudding or Ladoos. On one of His birthdays, He was going around house to house accepting the offerings of sweet puddings.

Having eaten a good number of these, He set out moving on his mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled as it had seen a snake and became frightened with the result of that Lord Ganesha fell down.

His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Lord Ganesha stuffed them back into his stomach and, caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly.

Seeing all this, the moon in the sky had a hearty laugh. This unseemly behaviour of the moon annoyed Lord Ganesha immensely and so he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. If anyone does, he will surely earn bad luck.


WHY GANESH CHATHURTHI?

There was a monster (Rakshasa) called Gajasura. He was all powerful and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He underwent penance for many years to receive special boons from Shiva. Lord Shiva, the god, who is easily pleased by prayers, is deeply moved by Gajasura's devotion. He lesses the monster and offers him a boon. But the devotee is not as innocent as Shiva. He pleads with Shiva to reside in his belly. Left with no option but to grant the boon, Shiva gets into Gajasura's stomach.

Meanwhile on Mount Kailash, Parvati - Shiva's wife, becomes anxious not knowing the whereabouts of her husband for a long time. She searches through the whole universe but to no avail. Finally she approaches Lord Vishnu - the preserver of the world.

Vishnu assures Parvati to find Shiva out. He disguises himself in the form of a street player along with andi - the sacred bull of Shiva and sets out in search of Shanker (another name for Shiva). They go to Gajasura's kingdom and Nandi performs a dance to please the monster. The monster is delighted to see the bull ancing in his honor and wishes to reward the bull. The bull asks for Shiva as a reward. Hearing this, the monster realises that the entertainer is none but Lord Vishnu himself. He also realises that Shiva cannot be made to live in his stomach forever because he has his role to play in the world. He lets Shiva out of his stomach. But he prays to him, that he be made immortal in the memories of people.

To fulfill this wish, Shiva severs Gajasura's head and frees him from the cycle of birth and death. He carries the head along with him. On Mount Kailash, in the Himalayas, Parvati comes to know of Vishnu's victory and is very happy. She makes arrangements to receive her Lord and goes to bedeck herself. She wants somebody to stand guard. So she creates a doll out of the dough that she uses in her bath. She calls him Vinayak - the one who puts off all obstacles. This boy having never seen Shiva, prevents his entry into the palace. In a fit of fury Shiva beheads the boy and enters the palace. Parvati is unaware of the happenings and receives Shiva with warmth, for he had returned after a long period. During the course of their conversation, Shiva mentions the incident at the palace gates and tells her about severing the child's head. Parvati is shocked to hear the news and pleads with Shiva to bring the child back to life for he is like a son to her.

Shiva who has with him the head of Gajasura, immediately puts it on the torso of the dead child. Thus the child comes back to life. That day is Bhadrapad Chaturthi. Shiva blesses him with a boon that the entire world would worship him on that day and also would propitiate him before any auspicious event.

At the same time, all the Gods approach Shiva and request for a leader. Shiva and Parvati have a son called Kumarswami or Kartik. To select the best one of them as a leader of all the Gods, Shiva conducts a test between the two. He says that whoever makes three rounds of the earth sooner than the other, will be made the Ganaadhipati. Kumarswami seated on a peacock, his vahanam (vehicle), starts off for the test.

Vinayak is given a rat which moves swiftly. Vinayak realises that the test is not so easy but he cannot disobey his father. He reverently pays obeisance to his parents and goes around them three times and completes the test before Kumarswami. He says, " my parents pervade the whole universe and going around them, is more than going round the earth." Everybody is pleasantly surprised to hear Vinayak's logic and intelligence. Meanwhile, Kartik is amazed to see Ganesh completing the holy bath at each river that he reached at and ready for another round of the universe.

When he comes back to Kailas, Shiva had already declared Vinayak as the winner. He is blessed as the Supreme God of the universe. After this, Vinayak is called as Ganaadhish, Ganapati and Ganesh. All the gods worship him.

[MysteRy]

MYTHS




THE SYAMANTAKA JEWEL

It is said that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely charged with theft or a similar crime. If someone inadvertently sees the moon on this night, he/she may remedy the situation by listening to (or reciting) the story of the syamantaka jewel. This story may be found in the Puranas such as the Bhagavata and the Vishnu. Briefly, Satrajit, who secured a jewel syamantaka from Surya, did not part with it even when Krishna the Lord of Dvaraka, asked for it saying it would be safe with Him. Prasena, the brother of Satrajit went out hunting wearing the jewel but was killed by a lion. Jambavan of Ramayana fame killed the lion and gave it to his son to play with. When Prasena did not return, Satrajit falsely accused Krishna of killing Prasena for the sake of the jewel.

Krishna, in order to remove the stain on His reputation, set out in search of the jewel and found it in Jambavan's cave, with his child. Jambavan attacked Krishna thinking Him to be an intruder who had come to take away the jewel. They fought each other for 28 days, when Jambavan, his whole body terribly weakened from the hammering of Krishna's fists, finally recognised Him as Rama.

I now know You. You are the life in all creatures, virility, grit and strength. You are Vishnu, the Primeval Lord, All-prevailing, the Supreme Lord (of the worlds). (Bhagavata 10.56.26)

He Who built a bridge (across the ocean) that is a standing monument to His fame, set Lanka ablaze, and with His arrows severed the heads of Rakshasas, which fell to the ground. As repentance for his having fought Krishna, Jambavan gave Krishna the jewel and also his daughter Jambavati in marriage. Krishna returned to Dvaraka with Jambavati and the jewel, and returned it Satrajit, who in turn repented for his false accusation. He promptly offered to give Krishna the jewel and his daughter Satyabhama in marriage. Krishna accepted Satyabhama as His wife but did not accept the jewel. In the event one is not even able to listen to or read the story, the following mantra may be recited holding some water in the palm of the right hand. The water is then to be sipped.

A lion killed Prasena; the lion was killed by Jambavan. Don't cry, O dear child! This syamantaka jewel is yours.

VALLI KALYANAM

The Story of Skanda's marriage with Valli

Legend has it that the ghat region of Tamilnadu was ruled by Nambirajan, the king of the Kuravas or the hill tribes. Nambirajan worshipped Shiva, praying for a daughter; his prayers were answered and it was revealed to him that he would discover a baby in the nearby woods and that she would be his daughter.

Accordingly the kurava king discovered ‘Vallinayaki’ in the woods and brought her up as his own. Valli grew up to be a beautiful maiden and Subramanya - son of Shiva and Parvati sought her hand in marriage. Their courtship is full of very interesting stories which form the basis of many and folk and classical performing arts in Tamilnadu.

Murugan assumed the form of an old bangle seller, and sold bangles to Valli, in return for a local delicacy of honey soaked corn flour. A conversation ensued between the two, which was interrupted by the arrival of Valli's brothers, a valiant lot who were highly possessive and protective of their sister. Flustered by their sudden appearance, and unwilling to indulge in battle, Skanda manifested himself as a Vengai maram (a stump of which is still seen in the Temple at Velimalai in Southern Tamilnadu).

Skanda appeared again, in the guise of an old tribal king and sought her hand in marriage. The brothers materialized again, and Skanda transformed himself into an old ascetic from the Himalayas, and they left the spot.

Upset by the ongoing hindrance, Skanda sought the help of his brother Vinayaka - the remover of obstacles, who appeared on the spot as a wild elephant. The scared Valli, embraced Skanda and promised to offer him anything in return for protection from the wild beast. Skanda sought her hand in marriage, and Valli consented gladly, realizing that her suitor was none other than Murugan, whom she and her tribe held in great regard.

Valli married Murugan and the marriage was celebrated in great splendor by Nambirajan, the king of kuravas.

[MysteRy]

BELIEFS




In India, Lord Ganesha is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Lord Ganesha is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. Any new project or venture that a Hindu family undertakes starts with his name, the housewife utters his name before even starting a small chore as he is the remover of all obstacles and is an extremely benevolent god, fulfilling the wishes of those who pray to him sincerely.

Lord Ganesha also has long been associated with commerce, and merchants still pay homage to him. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before one of the family's effigies of Lord Ganesha . These tokens please him and he therefore brings more beauty, money and food to the family.

It is also a firm belief of every religious Hindu that he / she must pray to Lord Ganesha before undertaking any job. Once, Lord Siva set off in his chariot to wage war against a demon. Soon after He set off, one of the wheels broke. Then He realised that He had forgotten to pray to Lord Ganesha. So, He went back home, prayed to His own son, and successfully defeated the demon!

Significance of Ganesha's form

Ganesha's elephantine head and human body are explained as follows in the Mudgala Purana:

Ganesha's human body representing 'tvam', His elephantine countenance representing 'tat' and their joining together signifies the nondifference of 'tvam' (You) and 'tat' (Brahman). Thus, the body of Ganesha is the visible representation of the highest reality, Brahman, realised from 'tat tvam asi'.

Another explanation has it that Ganesha's head signifies Atman the Highest Reality, while the body below the neck represents mAyA, the principle of phenomenal existence. The Atman's involvement with the world is characterised by the assumption of mind and speech.

Ganesha's ears, which appear like large winnowing baskets, have a philosophical significance too. Just as one uses a winnowing basket to separate grains from dirt, one must use discrimination (viveka) to separate the real (Brahman) from the unreal (mAyA) in life. Here the grains stand for Brahman and the dirt signifies mAyA. Or, Ganesha's ears indicate that such discrimination between Brahman and mAyA is to be gained by taking recourse to SravaNa or hearing. Listening to the scriptures from a Guru will lead to proper discrimination and Brahman realisation.


Ganesha Iconography

As with the 64 forms of Shiva, 32 forms of Ganapati are recognized in the Agamic scriptures. They are:

1. Baala Ganapati - Red colored image of a four armed Ganesha

2. Dharuna Vinayakar: Red colored image of an eight armed Ganesha

3. Bhakti Vinayakar: Grey colored image of four armed Ganesha

4. Veera Vinayakar: Red colored image of 16 armed Ganapati

5. Shakti Ganapati: Red colored image of 4 armed Ganapati, seated with his consort to his left.

6. Dwija Vinayakar:  White colored image of four faced Ganesha with 4 arms.

7. Siddhi Vinayakar: Golden colored image of four armed Ganapati.

8. Ucchishta Ganapati: Blue colored image of six armed Ganapati with his consort.

9. Vigna Vinayakar: Gold colored image of eight armed Ganapati

10. Kshipra Ganapati: Red colored image of four armed Ganesha bearing a ratna kumbham.

11. Heramba Vinayakar: Black colored image of ten armed Ganesha with five faces, seated on a lion.

12. Lakshmi Vinayakar: White colored image of eight armed Ganesha with two consorts.

13. Makara Vinayakar: Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, 10 arms, bearing a ratna kumbham, with his consort.

14. Vijaya Vinayakar: Red colored image of 4 armed Ganesha on the mooshika mount.

15. Nritta Vinayakar: Gold colored image of Ganesha in a dance posture.

16. Urdhva Vinayakar: Gold colored image of six armed Ganesha with his consort.

17. Ekakshara Vinayakar: Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye,  seated on a lotus.

18. Vara Vinayakar: Red colored image of 4 armed Vinayaka with a third eye.

19. Dhryakshara Vinayaka: Gold colored image of four armed Vinayakar, decorated with Chaamara ear rings.

20. Kshipraprasaada Vinayakar: Red colored image of six armed Ganapati.

21. Haridra Vinayakar: Yellow colored image of four armed Ganapati.

22. Ekadhanta Vinayakar: Blue colored image of four armed Ganapati.

23. Srishti Vinayakar: Red colored image of four armed Ganapati seated on his mooshika mount.

24. Utthanda Vinayakar: Red colored image of 10 armed Ganesha with his consort to his left.

25. Ranamochana Vinayaka:  Crystal  image of four armed Vinayakar.

26. Dundi Vinayakar:  Four armed image of Ganesha bearing a tusk, a garland, an axe and a gem studded vessel.

27. Dwimukha Vinayakar:  Red colored image of Ganesha with two faces and four arms.

28. Trimukha Vinayakar: Red colored image of Ganesha with three faces and six arms seated on a golden lotus.

29. Simha Vinayakar:  White colored image of Ganesha with eight arms (with an arm bearing a lions face).

30. Yoga Vinayakar: Red colored image of Ganesha in the posture of a yogi.

31. Durga Vinayakar: Red colored image of Ganesha with eight arms.

32. Sankatahara Vinayakar: Red colored image of four armed Ganesha clothed in blue, seated on a lotus peetham with his consort to his left.

[MysteRy]

BELIEFS




GANESHA IN LITERATURE

Several literary works of the 2nd half of the second millennium CE are addressed to Ganapati.

The Ganesa Pancharatnam of Aadi Sankaracharya of the first millennium CE in sanskrit salutes Ganapati.

The tamil works of Tirumoolar and Avvaiyaar (of the 1st millennium CE), also bear hymns saluting Ganesha. The Vinayakar Akaval hymns of Avvaiyaar are well known. So are the Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar of the 1st half of the 2nd millennium CE (addressed to Skanda). The popular Tiruppugazh hymn Kaittala nirai kani describes several of the attributes of Ganesha. It also refers to the role of Ganesha in Tripura Samharam and in Valli Kalyanam.

Several of the sanskrit kritis of the Karnatic Music composer Mutthuswamy Deekshitar salute Ganapati shrines all over Tamilnadu. Possibly the best known of these is Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje addressing Vatapi Ganapati at Tiruchenkattankudi (Ganapateeswaram) in Tamilnadu.

His Names in India & Abroad

NAMES IN INDIA
Ganesha is known not by one name or two, but by many names, Each name has an explanation.
Because of his elephant face he is called Gajanana ('Gaja' meaning elephant);
As the leader of Shiva's Gana he is known as Gananayaka;
Ganesh As he is Leader of Shiva's Attendants,
Pillaiyar As The Noble Child, BenakaOne with a Long Nose ,
Gajamukha One with an Elephant's Face,
Vakratunda One with a twisted trunk,
Lambodara One with a large belly,
Surpakarna One with the pointed ears,
Vamanarupa One who is short in Stature, He bestows boons on his devotees and so is Varasiddhi Vinayaka,
He is Vidya Ganapati because he grants knowledge and wisdom;
He is called Gowriputra because he was born by the grace of Parvati,
Ekadanta because he has only one tusk, and
Vighneshwara because he is the Lord of all obstacles - so he has many names.

NAMES IN ABROAD
Vinayaksha or Kobo Daishi or Sho-Ten In Japan,
Kwanshidiyik or Kuan-Shit'ien or Ho-TeiIn china ,
Brahganesh or Prah-Kenes Cambodia Totkar or khaghan Mangolia,
Tchoprak or Ts'ogs-Bdag Tibet,
Maha-Pienne Burma,
Heramba Nepal,
Mahabini Borneo.

The belief that, Ganapati loves his devotees immensely is the reason for his worship everywhere.

GANESHA'S WEAPONS

There are four magic weapons in the four hands of Ganesha. As with all numbers, there are connections and correspondances which can be made between all sets of 4 (eg. the 4 Vedas, the 4 mobile elements (spirit, the fifth, is represented by the immobile head), the 4 sacred meters, the four kinds of being etc.).

The four weapons carried by Ganesha can be broken down into two pairs.

 

The Noose and Goad
These two images are frequently found together in the rupas of many devas (gods) and devis (goddesses). The goad is an elephant goad, used to produce movement from inertia. Like the Self, the elephant seems too large to control, but the goad makes this movement possible. Obviously, the elephant goad has specific associations with the symbolism of the elephant. The word Natha means "master", and the initiate of the Adinath tradition aims to be an adept or master of her or himself. The god Indra has as his vehicle the king elephant Airavata, who represents ultimate force. Indra's goad is therefore a symbol of his mastery of the universe. Ganesh combines the form of human and elephant - he is his own power.

Vara and Abhaya Mudra
These are respectively the mudras (or hand-gestures) denoting the granting of boons and the dispelling of fear. In Hindu mythology there are three types of cosmic or supernatural being who have identical magical powers. The vara mudra shows that Ganesha may grant boons to the human being. Traditionally, the role of granting boons is the prerogative of Prajapati, the all-father or creator-god, who is identified with Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in different myths (as well as Ganesha his Upanishad).

[MysteRy]