With your elephant’s trunk
And single tusk, and benign looks,
With the tingling of your anklets,
And your prodigious belly,
Looking like a dwarf,
But capable of bestowing all knowledge,
Oh Son of Parvati!
Hail! Lord of the Ganas.
Extract taken from : (Ganapati: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesha and his principle)
Vinayaka or Ganesha or Ganapati or Vighneshvara---all indicate the elephant-God, who is popular among young and old, and who is worshipped as the very first deity, before regularly beginning any ceremony or samskara, any yaga or yajna, any vow or fast or pilgrimage. He is the Lord of the Ganas or Divine Forces, inside and outside the human body; He is the Lord, who masters and overwhelms vighna (obstacle), however imminent or eminent.
This is the natural effect of the fact that Ganapati is the God of Intelligence, Vidya or Buddhi (learning or intellect). Ganapati is a God revered in Tantric (ritualistic) lore, and also, by various Vedic mantras. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
(Prathama vandita, Shri Ganesha)
Ganapati is one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with supreme intelligence. These two are termed as Siddhi and Buddhi respectively. Siddhi and Buddhi are described as his two consorts. (SSS Vol.28)
This is very wrong. They are two manifestations of Divine Power or Shakti that Ganapati has. When Buddhi supports and guides, Siddhi (realization, success) is won. Those two are like two wings. They carry out His will. They place obstacles before bad activities and removeobstacles from the path for good activities. Worship Vinayaka (leader); you acquire Buddhi (pure, clear intellect) and Siddhi and Mukti (liberation).
Ganapati is known not only as Vinayaka, He is worshipped as Vighneshvara the Lord who subdues obstacles. He is the image of His parents Siva–Shakti, having the power and characteristics of both.
This body has millions of cells and each cell has in it the Divine. God is Rasa, Delight and sweetness. Every limb and every cell is controlled and regulated by Buddhi. Vinayaka, worship directed to Vinayaka renders the relish of every cell active and satisfying.
The Ganesha festival is observed for the acquisition of Buddhi and Siddhi - Intelligence and Power. Intelligence is the basis for all knowledge. Students must strive to acquire, purify and develop it; not only students, but everyone, always; and students, even after they finish the years in college. In the Gita, Krishna says that He is the Buddhi, which men seek and share, when He allowed Arjuna to experience the cosmic aspect of god. Vinayaka is the embodiment of ‘Buddhi’, the Buddhi that makes us aware of the truth, which is beyond the reach of the senses. (NNSG Vol.8, pp. 63-65)
As He is the Adipati (master) of Siddhi and Buddhi, he is regarded as their husband in mundane terms. Vinayaka has no desire and hence there is no need for Him to have wife and children.
In everyday parlance, Ganapati is described as the son of Parvati. Parvati represents Prakrithi (Nature). Man is a child of Nature. Hence every human being is a Vinayaka. He is a spark of the Divine Shiva-Shakti, the union of the Lord and Nature. Everything in the world has emanated from Prakrithi (Nature). All things are aspects of Nature. It is to reveal this sacred truth that holy festivals are observed. (SSS Vol.28)
The adoration of Parvati and Ganapati is not of recent origin. Ganapati is lauded at several places in the Rig Veda. This clearly shows that Ganapati is as ancient as the Vedas. (SSS Vol.30)
The worship of Vinayaka has been in existence from times immemorial in Bharat. The Rig Veda, the Narayana Upanishad and the Taittiriya Upanishad have passages referring to Vinayaka. Adoration of Vinayaka as Prathama Vandana (First deity to be saluted) has been mentioned in the Vedas. It is embedded also in a Gayatri Mantra.
Tat purushaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya dhimahi
Tanno Dantih Prachodayat
This Mantra indicates that Vinayaka’s divinity is glorified in this Gayatri Mantra. He is one who instils purity in body, and fearlessness in the mind. ‘Tanno Dantih Prachodayat,’ gives importance to his tusk. Hence, Ganapati signifies an all-pervading divine potency.
The very sight of Vinayaka’s figure gives joy to many. The form itself is extraordinary. He has a big belly, beautiful tusk, penetrating eyes, handsome ears —all these are harmoniously balances to produce an attractive form. (SSS Vol.31)
The name of our nation, Bharat, is derived from that of Saraswati, the goddess of all knowledge and wisdom. Some people wrongly attribute the name Bharat as one derived from the name of Bharata, the brother of Rama. This is not so. Among the names mentioned in the hymns in praise of Saraswati is Bharati. With reference to music, the word Bharati is significant. Good music has to combine bhava (feeling, represented by the letter bha), raga (tune, ra), and tala (rhythm, thi). The feeling, tune, and rhythm have to be combined to produce good music.
Every music concert begins with a song in adoration of Ganapati, like ‘Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje!’ This shows that by worshipping Ganapati, profanely in any sphere is achieved. Ganapati is not only the lord of various activities but is the presiding deity for all auspicious functions. He can make even inauspicious occasions auspicious. He is always engaged in conferring boons on all. He is the river of prosperity and intelligence. With the grace of Ganapati, any desire can be realised. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 243-244)
He is the master of suraloka (heaven). Ganapati has no master above him. Being the master of all, he teaches the qualities of leadership. Ganapati is being worshipped and extolled since Vedic times. The Vedas and the Upanishads contain hymns in praise of Ganapati.
He is also called Lambodhara, which means Guardian of Wealth--Lakshmi Swarupa. Here Lakshmi represents all wealth and prosperity and not only Dhanam (money) for which there is a separate deity called Dhana Lakshmi, one of the eight Lakshmis. Here wealth means Sukha and Ananda (pleasure and bliss). What is the use of having all other things when one has no pleasure or bliss?
Prayer to Vinayaka gets rid of delusion
To get rid of this delusion and enable man to comprehend his inherent divine nature, the ancient sages taught a prayer. This prayer is the one that is addressed to Vinayaka.
Shuklam baradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam|
Prasanna vadanam Dhyayet sarva vighnopa shantayeh ||1||
Who is Vinayaka? In the sloka beginning with the words ‘Shuklam baradharam Vishnum’, only one form of the deity is described. But there is another inner meaning for the name of Vinayaka. ‘Shuklaam baradharam’ means one who is clad in white. ‘Vishnum’ means, He is all – pervading. Shashivarnam’ means His complexion is grey like that of ash. ‘Chaturbhujam’ means, He has four arms.
‘Prasanna vadanam’ means He has always a pleasing mien. ‘sarva vighnopa saantayeh’ means for the removal of all obstacles, ‘Dhyayet’, meditate (on Him). Vinayaka is the deity who removes all bad qualities, instils good qualities and confers peace on the devotee who meditates on Him.
This is how the theistic believers interpret this prayer. The atheists have made a parody of it by construing the prayer as a description of a donkey, which carried white clothes on its back, is ash-grey in colour, wanders everywhere, has four legs, and has a bland look. (SSS Vol.24, pp. 270-272)
What is the meaning of the name Ganapati? Where are the Ganas? What is their form? When you investigate this, you find that the Jnanendriyas and Karmendriyas (five organs of perception and the five organs of action) are the Ganas. The mind is the master over these ten organs. Buddhi (intellect) is the discriminating faculty above the mind. The ten senses, the mind and the intellect together constitute the Ganas.
Ganapati Is the Master of Ganas And Sadgunas
Man should adhere to truth and righteousness, as these two never desert him under any circumstances; they follow him in all the births and in all the worlds. These two principles have been the mainstay of ancient culture of Bharat. The Vedas, Upanishads and the Puranas emphasise these principles: Satyam vada, Dharmam chara (speak the truth and practise righteousness). By ignoring these twin principles, man undergoes all sorts of sufferings and miseries and in the process forgets his very divine nature. It is impossible to experience divinity without cultivating human values. Having been born as a human being, man’s foremost duty is to cultivate human values.
Otherwise, his life will become meaningless. What is the purpose of human life? Is it only to eat, sleep and indulge in pleasures like birds and beasts? No. Man is born to set an ideal to the rest of the world.
uddhared atmanatmanam
natmanam avasadayet
atmaiva hy atmano bandhur
atmaiva ripur atmanah
(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6:5)
Uddhared atmanatmanam (one should work for one’s own emancipation), says the Gita. Man should redeem his life and also help his fellow-human-beings to work for their redemption. This is the spiritual knowledge that Ganapati imparts.
The name Ganapati has many inner meanings. Ganapati is the master of the all the ganas (gods) and sadgunas (virtues). ‘Ga’ stands for Buddhi (intellect) and ‘Na’ for Vijnana (wisdom). So, Ganapati is the master of Buddhi and Vijnana. He is the master of suraloka (heaven). Ganapati has no master above him. Being the master of all, he teaches the qualities of leadership. Ganapati is being worshipped and extolled since Vedic times. The Vedas and the Upanishads contain hymns in praise of Ganapati. So, Ganapati-worship is not of recent origin; it originated in the hoary past. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 202-203)
As Vighneshvara is the Lord of the intellect and Wisdom, He is called Ganapati, the Lord of the intellect and the higher knowledge. The question may be asked: ‘Are the intellect and the higher knowledge present in the external world or are they to be found within man?’ The answer is that He is present within each human being. There is no need to seek for Him in the outside world. Ganapati dwells in every human being in the form of intellect and wisdom. (SSS Vol.30)
(Shiva and Parvati giving a bath to Ganesha)
’Parvati tanaya Ganadhipa!’ (Oh son of Parvati! Lord of the ganas). In these terms the Vedas extolled Ganapati. (SSS Vol.30) When Ganapati is described as ‘Parvati tanaya,’ who is this Parvati? Who is her son? Parvati signifies Prithvi (Mother Earth). Everyone is a child of Mother Earth. The meaning of Parvati tanaya (son of Parvati) is that Ganapati, who is the Lord of the Ganas, is the son of Parvati, who symbolizes Shakti (the Divine Energy). What is the relationship between mother and son? Few Bharatiyas care to enquire into these questions. The Vedas proclaimed ‘Oh Ganadhipa!’ Who are these ganas? Are they celestial hosts or Asuras (demonic beings)? They are celestial beings. Where are they? Are they wandering in the external world or are they present subtly in human beings? He (Vighneshvara) is called Ganadhipati because he is the Supreme Lord of the ganas. The ganas are the embodiments of the Jnanendriyas (organs of perception) and of Karmendriyas (organs of action). The mind is the master of these ten senses. The presiding deity of the mind is called Indra as he is the Lord of the Indriyas (the senses). The master over the mind is the Buddhi (intellect). (SSS Vol.30)
It follows from this that what are called ganas are parts of the human body. The Vyakti (individual) is a part of shrishti (creation). Hence, Divinity, of which the cosmos is a projection, is immanent in the human being. ‘Vigatho nayakah Vinaayakah’ (Vinayaka has no master over him). This means that Vinayaka is a totally autonomous and independent deity. He has no lord above him. In the world, any individual or authority has someone superior above him. But Vinayaka has no overlord. (SSS Vol.30) Ganapati is Vinayaka: He has no Nayaka or Superior.
Ganapati is the lord of intellect and wisdom
Ganapati is the pati (lord) of the intellect and wisdom. To worship the intellect and wisdom is one form of worship of Ganapati.
Ganapati represents the combination of much energy. Because of this, the name Ganapati is appropriate for him. Nor is that all. He is the lord of all the Ganas (celestial hosts). Hence, he is hailed as Ganapati.
He is called by another name, Vinayaka. There is no master above him; he is the master of all.
Another name for him is Vighneshvara. This name means that he is the lord of every form of aiswarya (wealth). He is the embodiment of all forms of wealth.
When we explore the inner meanings of all the attributes associated with his name, we find that he possesses all powers. They include the all-pervading cosmic vibrations, the power that is latent in all animate and inanimate objects, and the effulgence of the all-pervading Light. He is the energy that animates every being.
There is electro-magnetic energy in every body. Nature is the embodiment of the same energy. This energy may assume different forms, but its essential character is one and the same. A lighted bulb, a fan that is revolving, and many other things working through electrical power depend on the same kind of current. The energy may manifest itself in the form of light, heat, or magnetic energy, but it proclaims the power of the Divine, which is the source of all energy. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 239-240)
In all human beings, humanness is present equally
The electro-magnetic energy in man expresses itself in the form of radiation. It is also called reflection of the ‘Inner being’. The power of sight, hearing, speech, digestion, and movement of the limbs is derived from this energy. Water also contains this energy. In fact, the entire cosmos is permeated by this divine energy.
On the basis of this, Vedanta declares, ‘Sarvam kalu idam Brahma (verily, all this is Brahman).’ Recognising this, the Vedas declared, ‘Sarvam Vishnumayam jagat (The cosmos is permeated by the Divine).’ Hence, there is no room for making any distinction between Ganapati, Vishnu, Siva, Shakti, or man.
In all human beings, humanness is present equally. It manifests itself externally in various forms. This is only the external manifestation of nature, not its internal essence. The inner aspect is present in all begins in a subtle formless substance. That is atomic energy. Several means were employed for harnessing this energy for various purposes. (SSS Vol.31, p. 240)
How Vinayaka got Gajasura s head
Once, the story goes, Parvati and Parameshvara were playing the game of dice, with Nandi (Parameshvara s vehicle, the bull), as the umpire. Although Ishvara lost the game, Nandi declared Him as the winner. Enraged at this unfair decision Parvati cursed Nandi that he would be afflicted with an incurable disease. Nandi, seeking Parvati s forgiveness, explained that he gave the verdict in Parameshvara s favour because the latter was his master and his duty as a servant was to serve him. Parvati relented and said that Nandi would be freed from the curse if he offered to her son Ganapati what was most relished by Nandi. Nandi pondered for a moment and declared that what he loved most as a bull was fresh green grass. He would offer that to Ganapati. That was how the practice of including fresh green grass among the offerings made to Ganapati during festival occasions came into vogue.
Ganapati accepts as offerings many things which men consider useless and trivial. One of the names of Vinayaka is Arkadronapriya (one who loves thummi and jilledi flowers which are usually not valued by people). Other offerings to Vinayaka include a special kind of grass. There is a story relating to this.
Why Ishvara is known as Bhola Shankara
Once upon a time there was an Asura (demon) named Gajasura. He performed a penance. Ishvara, pleased with his penance, offered him as a boon whatever he desired. Ishvara is a deity who is easily propitiated. Hence he is known as Bhola Shankara. When he is pleased with a devotee, He gives the devotee whatever he asks. Sometimes he gets into a difficult situation, as in the case of Bhasmaasura who was granted by Shiva the boon to turn into ashes anyone on whose head he placed his palm. Immediately after getting the boon Bhasmaasura wanted to test his power by trying to place his hand on Shiva s head itself!
What was the boon Shiva gave to Gajasura? The demon desired that fire should go forth from him continuously so that no one dare approach him. Shiva granted him the boon. Gajasura continued to do penance and Shiva used to appear before him off and on once Shiva asked him what he wanted. The demon said- ‘I want you to dwell in my stomach.’ Shiva granted the boon and lodged himself in the demon s stomach. Shiva s consort Parvati searched for Shiva everywhere and could not find Him. As a last resort, she went to her brother, Vishnu, and appealed to Him to trace the whereabouts of her husband. The all-knowing Lord assured her: ‘Don t worry dear sister. Your husband is Bhola Shankara. He grants readily whatever boon his devotee prays for, without considering the consequences. I suspect that he must have got into some trouble. I shall find out what has happened.’
Vishnu, who is the director of the cosmic play, staged a minor drama. He converted Nandi (Shiva s bull) into a dancing-bull and led it before Gajasura, while himself assuming the role of a piper playing music on the pipe while the bull did the dancing. Gajasura was in ecstasy over the dancing performance of the bull. He asked the piper (Vishnu) what he wanted. The piper replied- ‘Can you give what I ask?’ ‘What do you take me for? I shall readily give you whatever you ask.’ The piper said: ‘If that is so, release from your stomach Shiva who is dwelling there.’
Gajasura then realised that the piper was none other than Vishnu Himself, who alone could know the secret of Shiva s presence inside his stomach. He fell at the feet of Vishnu, released Shiva from his stomach and prayed to Him for a boon. He said- ‘I have been blessed by many boons from you. My last request is that all should cherish my memory by worshipping my head after I pass away’ Shiva thereupon brought his son and placed Gajasura s head on him.
Ever since, the tradition has prevailed in Bharat that every auspicious function of any kind commences with worship of Ganapati. It was the result of Shiva s boon to Gajasura. (SSS Vol.30)
The reason for endowing the deity with an elephant’s head
Gajanana is another appropriate name for Ganesha. The derivative meaning of Gajanana is: ‘ga’ means gamyam (goal), ‘ja’ means janma (birth); ‘anana’ means face. So this name indicates that Ganesha is not merely one who has the face of an elephant as commonly understood. He is the deity that enables us to be face - to –face with God, who is the goal of human birth. (NNSG Vol.8, p. 9)
Vinayaka has the head of an elephant. What is its significance? No human being has an elephant s head. It is against the order of nature. How then did Vinayaka acquire an elephant s head? This has an inner significance.
The elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant s foot is larger than that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest jungle. In this way, it signifies the quality of a leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is highly intelligent. The elephant is also known for its fidelity and gratitude. In any circumstance it will not forget its master. Even in its last moments, if it hears the voice of its master it will open its eyes and look for him. It will sacrifice its life for its master. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be grateful to those who have helped him.
What, it may be asked, is the reason for endowing the deity with an elephant’s head? The elephant is well known for its high intelligence. Among animals, it has a prodigious size. No other animal is cast in such a big mould. The elephant’s foot encompasses the footprint of the lion, esteemed as the lord of the animal kingdom. In the jungle, hunters follow the footprints of the lion to trace it to its lair. But if an elephant has walked over those footprints, they are totally erased.
Moreover, the elephant is the pathfinder for human beings. In a forest covered with dense bushes, humans cannot easily find their way. But once an elephant has gone through the jungle, its trail becomes a path for others to follow. All these traits of the elephant show that in the journey of life, one can find one’s way if one has the intelligence of the elephant. Because he is endowed with the form of an elephant, Ganapati is associated with the quality of intelligence. . (SSS Vol.31, p. 242) That is why it is termed Gaja Thelivi (elephant intelligence). (SSS Vol.27)
The elephant is proverbially the most intelligent among the mammals and it is vegetarian, indicating its saathwik (balanced or pure) nature. Ganapati has the head of the elephant, for, it indicates the Intelligence through which obstacles in the path of achievement, secular as well as spiritual, can be overcome.
There is a popular verse, used on most occasions when Ganapati is invoked. It mentions various attributes of this God: Suklambaradharam (wearing white vesture) is the first, this is the symbol of purity, for, ambara means also the sky, the aakaasha of the heart. Ganapati is pure, having universal love and compassion. Vishnum is the second attribute, ascribed to Him. Vishnu means that He is present everywhere, at all times. Shashivarnam is the third adjective, used. Of the complexion of ash or Vibhuti; that .is to say, glowing with spiritual splendour, with the majesty of spiritual attainments, achievements and potentialities. These are also called Vibhutis, for, in the Geetha, we find Krishna saying, wherever you see Power, Glory, Majesty (Vibhuti), know that it is Mine! (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
The elephant will not trust anybody except its master. The faith of the elephant is as strong as its intelligence. His love for the master is equally strong. It is steadfast love. These qualities of devotion, faith and intelligence are associated with the elephant. Whoever has these qualities can be regarded as endowed with the head of an elephant. (SSS Vol.25)
What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity?
One having a sharp brain is described as having the intelligence of an elephant. It has Medha Shakti. Moreover, the elephant has large ears and it can hear even minute sounds. Shravanam (hearing the glory of the Lord) is the first step in spiritual sadhana for which ears should be sharp. After hearing one has to ruminate over this and put it into practice which is termed as Shravana, Manana and Nididhyasana. The elephant takes the Dhushana and Bhushana (praise and blame) equally. When it hears something bad, it moves its body this way and that way and shakes off the unwanted things while it retains goods things quietly.
Only Vinayaka teaches the lessons that are essential for mankind. You should not stop with installing the idol and doing Puja for a few days. You should make efforts to become a Nayaka or Master over yourself. (SSS Vol.27)
Men today are too much immersed in selfish pursuits. Animals and birds display less selfishness than man. The purpose of festivals like Ganesha Chaturthi is to remind men of their inherent divinity and awakening in them the sense of oneness of all mankind.
Ishvara s family consists of Shiva, Parvati, Ganapati and Subrahmanya. When you consider the vehicles of the four, you find that by nature they are antagonistic to each other.(SSS Vol.25)
We have learnt from books and elders that Ishvara has Nandi or Bull and Parvati the Universal Mother the lion, as their carriers. The head of her son is like the head of an elephant. His carrier is a mouse. Her second son has for his carrier a peacock. Thus, the four members of the family, Parvati, Parameshvara, Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Subrahmanya represent the four purusharthas:Dharma,Artha, Kama and Moksha. In this family, consisting of four members, we can recognise the unity that exists in spite of the fact that their respective carriers are in conflict with each other. We know that the lion and the bull do not go together at all. While the lion is the vahana for the mother, the son Vinayaka (Ganesha) has an elephant for his head. The lion and the elephant cannot bear to even see each other. The elephant will die of fear if it sees a lion even in the dream. The vehicle of Vinayaka is a mouse. All the ornaments which his father wears are serpents. There is enmity between the mouse and the snakes. The carrier of Subrahmanya is a peacock. The serpent, peacock and mouse are totally inimical to each other.
Ishvara wears Agni or fire in his forehead and water Ganga on his head. Water and fire do not go together at all. While their carriers and the ornaments they wear and their appurtenances are all mutually contradictory and inimical to each other, yet this closely-knit family of Ishvara and Parvati has been demonstrating to the entire world how a family, though consisting of contradictory elements, should live in concord. (SSB 1974 Part II, pp. 114-115)
In spite of the natural enmity of these different vehicles of Ishvara s family, there is no discord at all among them. Perfect harmony prevails among the members of the family and their different vehicles. This harmony and unity is an example to the world. (SSS Vol.25)
Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society
The vehicles of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Subrahmanya and the objects worn on their bodies all get on harmoniously though they are in their original nature antagonistic to each other. Take the examples of the lion, the vehicle of Parvati, living in peace with the elephant, the form of Ganesha, and the bull, the vehicle of Shiva, the peacock, the vehicle of Subrahmanya, bearing no enmity towards the snake, the garland of Shiva.
Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society. Though there are lots of common features among mankind, people are not able to visualise their unity, but promote only their differences. The cause for the lack of peace in the world is the absence of harmony in thought, word and deed in each individual, which is reflected in the lack of unity among different individuals.
Spiritual values have been given up, resulting in the turmoil that we see today. Ganapati taught that one should respect one s parents and thereby win their grace and secure bliss. (SSS Vol.26)
Unity is essential for achieving good things. There should be no unity for evil purposes. Whether a person achieves eminence or goes down depends on the kind of people with whom he associates. However, students should not associate with fair-weather friends. The only true friend is God. All others are friends only for their own selfish purposes. God is always with you, in you and around you. He will not give you up in any circumstance. But if your heart is polluted, God will leave you. There is no room in a polluted heart for God. (SSS Vol.25)
No bird or beast is to be despised
Do not grieve, nor be the cause of grief. The very embodiment of Ananda (God) is in you, as in others, as in all else. In spite of a multiplicity of containers, the contained is the same. That is the principle of Sat, Cit and Ananda (Being, Awareness, Bliss). The minutest atom, the mightiest star---both are basically one. All are, in truth, Brahman, Divine. You read in the sacred books that Vishnu (God engaged in Preservation, Protection and Fostering the Universe) has as His vehicle, the Garuda (Eagle); that Shiva (God engaged in the Mergence, the Disintegration and Destruction of the Universe) has the Nandi (Bull) as His vehicle; that Brahma (God engaged in the Emergence, Evolution and Creation of the Universe) rides on a Hamsa (Swan); Subrahmanya (the General of the Divine army) rides on a peacock; Shani (the God who directs Saturnine influences) has the crow as his vehicle. Ganesha (the God who helps in overcoming obstacles) rides on a mouse, though he is stupendously corpulent and has the head of an elephant! This does not mean that the Gods are helpless without these animals and birds as instruments of locomotion. It only reveals that no bird or beast is to be despised; for, the Divine is using each as His vehicle. Seen as deha (body) all are distinct; seen as dehi (the embodiment),Brahman, all are One. See the unity in the teachings (SSS Vol.9)
Once, Parvati and Parameshvara, parents of Ganapati and Subrahmanya, wanted to test their intelligence. They summoned the two sons and told them to go around the world to find out which of the two would do it quicker. The elder of the two, Ganapati, did not stir from his place. The younger son, Subrahmanya, mounted his peacock and set out on a round-the world trip. With a great deal of effort, he completed the trip and was approaching his parents. Seeing him from a distance, Ganapati circumambulated his parents and claimed himself to be the winner.
The mother, Parvati, told Ganapati, ‘Ganapati! Here is your brother, who has gone around the world. And you have not stirred from this place. You made no effort at all. How can you claim that you have gone around the world? How can I regard you as the winner?’
Ganesha replied, ‘Mother! The cosmos is the combination of matter and energy —the unity of father and mother. When I go around You, I have gone around the world itself, since You are the parents of the cosmos. There is no place where You two are not present. I see Your omnipresence. By circumambulation of both of You, I can claim to have gone around the cosmos.’
The moment He heard these words, Ishvara was astonished at the high intelligence of His son. Ganesha had recognised the truth about His divine parents. Ishvara said, ‘Vinayaka! You are an exemplary son for one and all. Let the world worship you first before they offer worship to me. I am not as intelligent as you are. We are your parents, but not more intelligent than you.’
Ishvara declared, ‘I have many attributes, but not your intelligence. Hence, before offering worship to Me, let all people worship you. This is the boon I confer on you.’ Ishvara is a parent who conferred such an honour of a higher status than His own on His son. Hence, Ganapati represents no commonplace principle. He is the embodiment of all potencies. He is the abode of every kind of intelligence. The Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) dwells in His belly. Nothing untoward can happen wherever He is present. Ganapati occupies the position of one who is the source of all prosperity. Morevoer, when He is invoked before any undertaking, there will be no impediments to its completion.
Today, every kind of people —the wealthy, the wise, the scholars, and the common people— worship Ganapati. Students, with a view to securing the grace of the goddess of wisdom and ensuring that there is no hindrance to their studies, place their books before the idol Ganapati and worship Him.
The story of Vinayaka also has a great message for mankind. Vinayaka is the embodiment of wisdom. That is why all gods worship him. The inner meaning is that they should pray for the divine wisdom to be bestowed on them. It is most essential that the students to worship Vinayaka on this auspicious day. He fulfils the desires of his devotees. He confers only anugraha (grace). He has no agraha (anger). Hence, not only the Bharatiyas, even the people of other countries, worship Vinayaka.
Ganapati means the pati (husband) master, Lord of gana (group). He is accorded the first place among the gods that are worshipped. He is the Muladhara Shakti in the Kundalini Yoga. He is the Pranava, OM. All words emanate from OM. The footprints of all the beasts of the jungle are wiped out when the elephant’s foot tramples on them. That is to say, it subsumes the pathways of every being.
Ganesha is bathed in His Divine Glory; that is the significance of the attribute, Shashivarnam. Chatur-bhuja (Four-handed) is the next denotation. This means that apart from two visible hands, He has two invisible hands, that are available for the two divine uses of (1) Blessing the devotee, and (2) Guarding him from danger. The last: of the descriptive word is: Prasannavadanam (of graceful countenance). The countenance depicts the inner calm, happiness and balance, inner grace and mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty.
Without intelligent discrimination, no skill or strength can be profitably used. One must know how fire, for example, or the electric current, has to be used and how far one can deal with it as an instrument for our needs. The senses of man are also like fire; they have to be kept under constant vigil and control.
No worship can succeed unless the heart is pure and the senses are mastered. Ganesha is the God who helps overcome obstacles; but, He will create obstacles when good endeavour is obstructed by bad influences; He will clear the path for the sincere Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant). He is Prasannavadanam (of beneficial looks) when you pray to Him for good ends; but, He will not be that, when you seek His help for nefarious stratagems! He is Pranava-Swarupa, the Om personified; so, He is auspiciousness itself. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
Vidya is total awareness of Life
Ganapati has the appellation Vinayaka because there is no master above him. He is all-powerful and independent. Without recognising the esoteric significances of the Vinayaka Principle, people look only at the external form and offer worship in mundane terms.
In what form does Vinayaka--the one who has no master--exist within a human being? It is in the form of the Atma. The Atma has no master. The mind is the master of the Indriyas (senses) Indra is the master of the Indriyas. People conceive of Indra as presiding over his own celestial realm. But as the Lord of the Manas (mind), he resides in everyone. The Buddhi (intellect) which is the master of the mind, is the very embodiment of Jnana (Wisdom or Awareness). What kind of awareness is this Jnana? It is Constant Integrated Awareness. It remains unchanged, neither growing nor diminishing. it is called Vijnana. Unfortunately, nowadays Vijnana is equated with science. Science is not Vijnana. Science is phenomenal knowledge. It is based on demonstrability.
Students today worship Ganesha for success in academic studies and. for developing into good scholars. As a matter of fact, all that is learnt by these studies may be termed education or learning but cannot be called Vidya (true knowledge or wisdom). To apply the term Vidya, which has a profound inner significance, to modem academic education is a misuse of language.
Vidya is awareness of the power that animates every cell in one s being. It is through this awareness that man learns all about the meaning of events in one s life from birth to death.
Vidya, in this sense is ‘a way of life’. Everything you do is part of Vidya. It is total awareness of life. It comprehends everything in its totality. It is for this kind of total knowledge that you should pray to Vinayaka. The acquisition of degrees does not constitute Vidya. To know upto the last moment how you should give up the ghost is Vidya. The entire life of a man should be regarded as one continuous process of learning. A true student is one who pursues knowledge in this spirit. The student is called Vidyarthi (Vidya+arthi--seeker of knowledge). The knowledge to be sought is not book knowledge or knowledge of the phenomenal world. It is Atma Jnana (spiritual knowledge) that should be sought. Knowledge of the Self is the highest knowledge. The Gita declares: ‘Adhyatma Vidya Vidyanam’ (Among all forms of knowledge I am the knowledge of the Self). The true aim of life is to acquire this knowledge.
Vinayaka is the preceptor for this knowledge. That preceptor is within you. The Vinayaka Principle is in everyone. (SSS Vol.30)
The form of Ganapati cannot, by any human standards, be termed as handsome. He has a small head, big stomach and uncouth form. But still we are captivated by His form and like to see Him more and more and worship Him. Beauty does not lie in the Akara, the external form but can be experienced even in Vikara (apparent uncouthness). Ganesha sacrificed his own tusk and used it as a pen to write down the Mahabharata to the dictation of Vyasa, for .the benefit of humanity. Man worships God only for selfish purposes. No one is prepared to sacrifice anything for getting Divine Bliss, while men are prepared to go to any length for worldly pleasures. Your mind and heart should be rendered pure to worship Divinity. You should see unity in diversity. (SSS Vol.26)
Lessons that Ganesha teaches men
Ganesha can teach many a lesson to man. That is the reason for His being adored by people of all ages and professions. Take the problem of food. Tygaraja invites Ganapati most endearingly, and delights in offering Him sweet sattvika items of food---coconut kernal, sweet fruits of various types, steam-cooked rolls and balls of modak etc. The elephant feeds on grass, sugar cane, bamboo-shoots, and twigs and leaves of the banyan tree. Devotees offer Ganesha, while worshipping, leaves, grass blades and flowers gathered from meadows and valleys. Ganesha, the Elephant-headed, is adored as the source of Love, Faith, Intelligence, Guidance and Grace.
Take into consideration another role assigned to Ganesha. When Siva is moved to supreme ecstasy and it is expressed as the Cosmic Dance of Nataraja, Ganesha, Master of Tune and Time, leads other Gods, marks time on the mridangam (drum). No wonder, the Gods are pleased when Puja is offered to Ganesha even before any of them is propitiated.
Man is bound by three tendencies. The first is Kama (the longing to possess). When that longing fails, Krodha (anger) raises its hood. When the desire is fulfilled and the thing is gained the third tendency, Lobha (greed) overtakes him. If one s desire is beneficial, the Divine will shower Grace. Ganesha has no desire, no anger, no greed. His Grace is available for all who seek good and godly goals. Look at the vehicle which He has chosen, the mouse! The mouse is a creature that is led, even to destruction, by Vasana (the smell of things). Men are all victims of Vasana (Preferences and predilections stamped on our minds during the past lives). Ganesha smothers and suppresses the Vasanas which mis-direct man and create misfortune.
In this land of Bharat, Ganapati is highly venerated. Ganapati worship is prevalent in all parts of India. Lord Ganesha shines in every heart. Ganapati teaches you forgiveness and love, so that you may realize divinity and enjoy bliss. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 201-218)
You strain so much for filling this small stomach. Does this satisfy you? There is no contentment at any point of time. Based on this, Lord Vighneshvara said, ‘Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham’ – you cannot derive happiness out of happiness. Happiness is the fructification of difficulties. You want all the comforts and happiness, but this will not give you Peace. If you want to have a taste of happiness and peace, obstacles are necessary.
As long as it is alive, the tree bears fruits
for others; even after it dies, by splitting itself,
it becomes useful as firewood.
(Telugu Poem)
Tree is the very symbol of sacrifice. For the ideal of sacrifice, trees are the best exemplars. In this human life, sacrifice is essential. Without sacrifice, you cannot enjoy the state of bliss anytime. Cultivate the spirit of sacrifice right from now onward.
You may extend hospitality and kindness
to a mean-minded person, but he will certainly
harm you due to his very nature. Because of the
‘poison’ that gets into one’s psychology, human
life is ruined.(Telugu Poem)
Therefore, we should never be mean-minded. We should be noble and broad-minded. We should uphold the pristine glory and esteem that man is supreme in the universe. In ancient times, the sages erred occasionally, but repented and atoned for their sins. They were great personalities. You should follow such mighty, eminent personalities. Modern man is weak. In modern times, people commit sins, but they neither realise their mistakes nor do they repent. In those days, the elders corrected their mistakes and led a pure life, being very grateful to God. Repentance is the basis for the glorious life that follows. To recognise this truth, you worship Lord Vighneshvara.
Who is Vighneshvara? Who is Ganapati? The word ‘Ga’ is related to the intellect. ‘Na’ refers to wisdom. Ganapati is the head of all the secular and spiritual knowledge. Vinayaka has no master above him. He is the master unto himself. Vinayaka will never put you to suffering in anyway. Vinayaka blesses all your endeavours, efforts and confers success. He will never allow anything evil to reside in you. He has the mouse as his vehicle. A mouse stands for darkness as it moves about in the darkness at night. Vinayaka helps you to dispel this darkness and spread light.
Divinity is not limited to mankind alone. We find divinity present in birds and beasts too. To demonstrate this latent, immanent divinity, we have Vinayaka having an elephant’s head, with a mouse as his vehicle. The elephant is highly intelligent, faithful and loyal. It never leaves the path that it lays all by itself and stands as a symbol for gratitude. Gratitude is a very sacred quality. Forbearance is Truth, dharma, Veda, Nonviolence, and everything. The elephant has got great patience and forbearance. It is prepared to sacrifice its life, but it can never tolerate its master’s suffering. When there is no path for us to tread in the jungle, it is the elephant that walks through and creates a path for us. Similarly, in this jungle of life, it is the elephant-headed Vinayaka who shows the ideal path for all of us to tread. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 230-232)
Control of the Mind Is True Spiritual Practice
Today no one is making an attempt to know the principle of Parameshti, who is the fundamental force behind vyashti, Samashti and srishti. Parameshti is the master of all. In this world, man undertakes various activities, of which some are good and some are bad. Man’s sankalpa (thought) is the root cause of this duality. Good thoughts lead to good actions and vice versa. Man is the embodiment of sankalpas and vikalpas (resolutions and negations). True spiritual practice lies in controlling these thoughts and their aberrations.
Today man is troubled by worry and anxiety. There
is not a moment when he is free from worries. What
are the worries that disturb man? ‘To be born is a
worry, to be on earth is a worry; world is a cause
of worry and death too; entire childhood is a worry
and so is old age; life is a worry, failure is a worry;
all actions and difficulties cause worry; even happiness
too is a mysterious worry.’ (Telugu Poem)
Body attachment is the primary cause of all worries. Man cannot attain happiness without difficulties and worries. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. It is impossible to experience happiness without undergoing difficulties. There is divinity in every human being. The power latent in man is not present elsewhere. However, he is unable to make use of the divine power in him. Every man is endowed with Buddhi (intellect) which has immense potentiality. Vijnana (wisdom) is far superior to intellect. The principles of Buddhi and Vijnana have to be properly understood in the first instance. (SSS Vol.35, p. 240)