Ganesha the Primordial – A beginner’s understanding
Ganesha is mentioned in several ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and the Puranas. Lord Ganesha has numerous forms and manifestations, each with its own symbolism and significance. He has unique appearance, which causes curiosity, intrigue and speculations in understanding him. Ganesha’s popularity transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
Unique Appearance of Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is very distinctive in his appearance. He is depicted with the head of an elephant and a potbelly. Ganesha’s four arms typically hold various objects, including a broken tusk, a noose, an elephant goad, and a sweet delicacy called ‘Modak’, symbolizing his multifaceted nature. For mobility, he is depicted riding a rat. The elephant head symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and foresight, while the potbelly represents the ability to contain all knowledge. Marital status of Lord Ganesha is also a mystery.
Ganesha’s Universal Appeal
Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and has a brother named Subramhanya, Kartikeya or Murugan in Tamil. The large ears signify the importance of listening, and the small mouth represents the importance of speaking less. Ganesha’s vehicle is a tiny rat, often called a “vaahana.” This is a symbol of his ability to overcome even the smallest of obstacles. Ganesha is often depicted holding a stalk of ‘Dhurva Grass’. This grass is considered sacred in Hinduism and is used in various rituals and offerings to deities. Another of Ganesha’s names is “Ekadanta,” which means “one toothed”. This name refers to the single tusk that Ganesha is often depicted with.
Is the Puranic story of Ganesh Real?
The physical world is created by Ahankara Tattva. Lord Shiva governs the Ahankara Tattva. Devatas Gods and Goddesses were created from Sattvika Ahankara Tattva. Sensory organs owe their origin to Rajo Ahankara Tattva. Pancha Bhootas, or the five elements were created from Tamo Ahankara Tattva.
What is the connection between Tamo Ahankara Tattva and birth of Ganapathi?
Puranas mention that, Ganapati was created out of the chandana, or sandalwood Mud paste with Parvati, which is part of the Pancha Bhootas. First element among the Pancha Bhootas is mentioned as the Akasha Tattva, Sky or Space. Every beginning must have space to even exist and function. Ganapathi is called Vighna Nivaraka, Vighna Vinashaka or Vighneshwara for this reason.
What is the Swaroopa of Ganapathi?
Lord Ganapathi or Ganesha is of red complexion, and is shown wearing costumes red in colour. He is adorned with flowers red in colour like, hibiscus, lotus, kanakambara, pomegranate flowers etc. It is said, that meditating on red colour, while praying to Lord Ganesh can yield wonderful results.
He resides in Mooladhara Chakra and clears obstacles in the path, both in the material world and the spiritual world. Kundalini Energy is believed to be residing in the Mooladhara Chakra. Normally, this energy shows a downward movement, indicating the desires and material pleasures sought by ordinary mortals. Through meditation, when it shows upward movement, the seeker can experience the spiritual bliss.
Meditating on Lord Ganesha, can therefore fulfil both these needs in one’s life.
How is Ganesh explained in Astrology?
Lord Ganesh represents Ketu Graha among the Navagrahas in the Hindu Vedic astrology. Hence, offering Pujas like Sankashti Vrat, Doorva Ganapati Vrat, Ganesha Atharva Shirsha, offering Japas and performing Homas can help resolve the malefic impacts of Ketu in the Jatakam, horoscope or Birth – Chart.
The Origin of Ganesha
According to the Hindu scriptures, Ganesha was created by Parvati, the ‘Mother Nature’ and consort of Lord Shiva, using her own divine energy. His birth was a result of her desire to have a guardian at her door while she took a bath. When Shiva returned from a campaign and found a boy guarding the entrance who would not identify Shiva and let him in, a fierce battle ensued. Shiva beheaded the little boy. Parvati coming out from her bath, notices the damage done and becomes inconsolable. Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, making him the unique deity we know today.
The Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vara Siddhi Vinayak Vrat is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapadamaasa, during Shukla Paksha fortnight. This is an important festival, celebrated all over India.
The festival also symbolizes the idea of new beginnings and the removal of obstacles from one’s life. It is a common practice to bring clay idols of Ganesha into homes and temples, where they are adorned with flower garlands, embellishments and offered Pujas, Havan-Homas. A variety of sweets, savouries are prepared in all earnestness and offered to Ganapati, seeking his Anugraha or benevolence. Music and dances are performed in front of the deity to make him happy.
Temples and large Mandals have the practice of keeping Ganesha and offering Pujas for a period of ten days, fifteen days and in some places, the event goes on for a month.
The Ganapathi Immersion Ritual
The culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the immersion of Ganesha idols in bodies of water, such as rivers or the sea. This ritual, known as ‘Visarjan” is a poignant moment as devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, expressing gratitude for his presence and seeking his return in the following year.
Understanding the secrets of Ganesha
Ganesha is a figure of great mystery, power, and paradox. We sense in his unusual figure something of the unknown, unlimited and mysterious, far beyond our human considerations.
It is said that his mother Parvati created him for her protection and asked him to prevent anyone from entering into her room. While Parvati was bathing, Lord Shiva approached, and Ganesha, true to his role, would not let him in. When Ganesha obstructed Shiva from entering, Shiva sensed an infringement on his power, fought with him and in the skirmish cut the boy’s head off.
Shiva quickly, sometimes it is said by chance, found the head of an elephant for Ganesha, put it on the headless body and brought him back to life.
Ganapatya was a sect of devotees who prayed for Lord Ganapati. Sri Shankaracharya, who advised the Panchayatana System of worship, had also included Lord Ganesha with offering Agra Puja to him.
Interesting Ganesha Temples in India
Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Mumbai:
This is one of the most famous Ganesha temples in the world. Located in Mumbai, it is visited by millions of devotees every year.
Ashta Vinayak Temple, Pune:
This is a collection of eight Ganesha temples located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Each temple has its unique history and significance.
Ucchishta Ganapati Temple, Kashi-Varanasi:
Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, this temple is known for its unique black stone idol of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore:
Located within the Ranthambore National Park, this temple is visited by both pilgrims and wildlife enthusiasts.
Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Chennai:
This temple is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to be “Swayambhu”, or self-manifest.
You can read more about Ganesha Temples here:
https://www.pureprayer.com/blogs/without-a-miss-twenty-one-namaskarams/
Interesting Ganesha Stories for kids
Birth of Ganesha:
Long ago, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard her while she bathed.
When Lord Shiva returned and was denied entry by Ganesha, a battle ensued.
Eventually, Ganesha’s head was severed, and to make amends, Lord Shiva replaced it with an elephant’s head.
Ganesha and the Mango:
Once, Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya were given a challenge by their parents.
They had to race around the world, and the one who returned first would get a divine mango.
Ganesha won by simply going round his father and mother, signifying that devotion and wisdom are more valuable than physical strength.
Ganesha and the Broken Tusk:
Ganesha broke off his own tusk to use it for writing, when he used it to transcribe the epic, the Mahabharata, as Veda Vyasa Maharshi narrated it.
Ganesha and the Modak:
Ganesha is often depicted holding a Modak, a sweet dumpling, which is his favorite treat.
He is said to grant wishes to those who offer him modakas with a pure heart.
Ganesha and the Moon:
One night, the moon made fun of Ganesha’s large belly, which made him very angry.
Ganesha broke off one of his tusks and hurled it at the moon, causing it to disappear.
The moon was eventually restored, but it waxes and wanes to this day.
The Ganesha Purana is a Hindu religious text that primarily focuses on Lord Ganesha, one of the most revered deities.
Ganesha and Kubera’s Pride:
In another story, Lord Ganesha teaches the importance of humility to Kubera, the god of wealth.
Kubera once invited Lord Shiva and Parvati to a grand feast at his palace. Ganesha, who loved food, accepted the invitation on behalf of his parents. During the feast, Ganesha ate all the food that was offered to him and even ate the palace itself.
When Kubera saw that his palace had been devoured, he approached Lord Shiva and Parvati, seeking their help. Ganesha, agreed to give back the palace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lord Ganesh
How many types of Ganapathi are there?
Thirty-two forms of Ganesha are mentioned frequently in devotional literature related to the Hindu god Ganesha, or Ganapati. The Ganesha – centric scripture Mudgala Purana is the first to list them.
What is the powerful form of Ganapati?
Shakti Ganapati, as the name suggests, it is the powerful and Tantric form of Lord Ganesha. He has 4 hands and embraces Shakti Devi seated on his left knee.
Why is Ganesh a symbol of luck?
Lord Ganesha among the various powerful Hindu Gods is said to be the god of prosperity and wealth. Lord Ganesha is believed to bring good luck and thus he is worshipped before anything new is started. Ganesha idols and statues are of great significance to people around the world and thus are in great demand.
What is the favorite day for Ganesha Puja?
Lord Ganesha and Hanuman are worshipped on Tuesdays. Both are known as Mangala Murti meaning symbols of auspiciousness. Read to know the Mantras and shlokas you can chant on seeking their blessings.
Can there be 2 Ganesh idols at home?
Although you can keep more than one Lord Ganesha idol at home, it’s better to keep one Ganesha in the house. Keeping two or more Ganesha may not impact the positive vibes of the house. But Vastu experts are of the opinion, that two or more idols upsets the Ridhi Sidhi and counteracts the energy.
What is special about Ganesha?
Although Ganesha has many attributes, he is readily identified by his elephant head. He is widely revered, more specifically, as the remover of obstacles and thought to bring good luck; the patron of arts and sciences; and the deva of intellect and wisdom.
What is favorite food of Lord Ganesha?
Ganesha’s favourite food is the modak. These dumpling-shaped sweets are made of rice or wheat flour and then filled with a mixture of coconut and jaggery, and then steamed.
PurePrayer is a leading online platform offering Purohit Services of experienced and Vedic Pandits in all the Metro Cities of India like Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, s Mysuru, Pune and many others as well as in Teertha Kshetras across India. We provide the services of Bengali Pandits, Hindi Pandits, Kannada Poojaris, Kashmiri Pandits, North Indian Pandits, Tamil Vadhyars, Telugu Purohits, Marathi Guruji, Malayalam Pandits, Oriya Pandits and many more. Pandits are available in Offline or Remote support format.
Please visit www.pureprayer.com or call us on +91 8151002255, WA No: +91 9606036988 to learn more about booking online Pandits/Purohits for all Pujas, Havans and many more.
Loading...