Category Archives: Articles on Ganesha

The Female Ganesha

Nov 1

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The demon, Andhaka, wanted the goddess Parvati to be his wife. He tried to grab her by force so she called out to her husband, Shiva who immediately raised his trident and impaled the Asura.

But the Asura had a magic power; every drop of his blood that touched the ground turned into another Andhaka. The only way to kill him was to ensure not a single drop of his blood touched the ground, while he was impaled on Shiva’s trident.

Parvati knew that every divine being is a mixture of male and female forms, the male form representing mental potential and the female form representing material resources (Shakti). Parvati therefore called out to all the Shaktis. On her request, every divine being released their female energy who could drink the blood of Andhaka before it touched the ground. Soon the battlefield was filled with the shaktis of every god imaginable. Indra’s shakti emerged as Indrani, Vishnu’s shakti emerged as Vaishavi and Brahma’s shakti emerged as Brahmini. These shaktis drank the blood of Andhaka before it touched the ground. Thus was Andhaka destroyed.

Matsya Purana and Vishnu-dharmottara Purana list even Ganapati’s shakti in the list of female warrior goddesses. Her name was Vinayaki also known as Ganeshvari. This form of Ganapati is adored in the Vana-Durga-Upanishad.

Images of the female Ganesha start appearing from 16th century onwards. Some are of the opinion that these images perhaps represent Malini, the elephant-headed companion of Parvati, nursemaid to Ganesha, occasionally referred to in the Puranas.

The idea of a female elephant-headed deity whether it is the Shakti of Ganesha or the handmaid of Parvati is an integral part of Tantrik practices that preferred to see the divine in female, rather than the more dominant male form. This could be because in occult sciences, the female form was seen as the source of all generative powers: while the spark of life came from the male body, life finally was created and nourished by the female body. Or the reason could be more metaphysical. The female form was a code for material resources.

Sages in India have always had this debate between what matters more: the world of thoughts (mental potential) or the world of things (material resources). Those who veered towards intangible thoughts eventually came to be associated with Vedic practices while those who veered towards tangible things eventually came to be associated with Tantrik practices. The former coded their ideas through male forms while the latter coded their ideas through female forms. And so Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, gained popularity in Vedic circles, his female form, Vinayaki, became popular in Tantrik circles.

Were there stories associated with Vinayaki? We will never know as most of these ideas were oral. What we do know is that the fourth day after NEW moon is called Vinayaki Chaturthi. This day, which is sacred to Ganesha, is named after his female form.

Source: 
http://devdutt.com/articles/the-female-ganesha.html

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Ganapati: First and foremost

Oct 5

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The Matsya Purana says that Ganesha (lord of the ganas or hosts) was lovingly moulded by his mother Parvati out of the scented scrapings of bath-paste and oil from her own body. The Varaha Purana has it that Ganesha sprung from the radiance of his father Shiva’s luminous gaze. A popular legend recounts how Parvati’s “baby shower” for her handsome son turned into a terrible tragedy when the malefic gaze of Shani or Saturn fell upon the child, causing its head to burst into a thousand pieces. This resulted in a unique identity for Ganesha or Ganapati as an elephant-headed, corpulent personality who loves his modaks and laddoos. The elephant is regarded as wise and mature in Indian lore, hence Ganapati’s formidable intellect continues to inspire men of letters.

The story of how Ganapati came to possess the privilege of being the foremost among the devas is variously told in the Puranas but the broad consensus is that both his powerful parents granted him this boon in different contexts.

That he should be worshipped first by all humans and celestials is a dictum followed to this day by the devout as well as the ritually casual. Commencing a pilgrimage or any new venture with an invocation of him is a time-honoured tradition handed down to us by our ancestors. The first invitee to a wedding is always Ganesha.

Modern variants involve the collection of Ganesha figurines to tastefully decorate our homes.
Inherent in these practices lies an instinctive belief in the power of Ganapati to grant kaaryasiddhi or success in our efforts. He is the Vighna-nashak or remover of obstacles and is therefore famously saluted as Jai Mangalmurti (Victory to the auspicious being). Bringing Ganesha home and keeping him in it, figuratively speaking, is to usher peace and prosperity into our homes. Great powers are attributed to this lovable deity.

A hymn venerates him as parabrahma roopam or verily the Supreme Absolute:
Ajam nirvikalpam niraakaaram ekam
Niraanandam aanandam advaita poornam
(He is the unborn, formless, unique embodiment of the supreme, the absolute, the infinite and the complete. He is bliss.)
One may offer garlands and sweets to a bejewelled, richly clad Ganesha at a large temple this Ganesh Chaturthi. Or one may dip one’s head in hasty obeisance to a vazhi pillaiyar (Tamil term for the roadside Ganesha peeping out of niches in boundary walls).

Our prayerful sentiments are beautifully captured in the celebrated hymn, Bhadram Karnebhih (from the Ganapati Atharvashirsha): May we always hear and see auspicious things; may we live our entire lifespans healthy even as we praise the lord, who guides our thoughts and deeds and protects us from evil.

Source: 
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/editorial/op-ed/ganapati-first-and-foremost-872

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Lord Ganesha’s Ashta-Vinayak Legends

Oct 4

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Lenyadri Ganesha is one of the 8 Ganeshas that...

Lenyadri Ganesha is one of the 8 Ganeshas that form the Ashtavinayak in Maharashtra. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lord Ganesha is popularly known as Vighneshwara – the Lord of obstacles. For those on the spiritual path, Lord Ganesha represents a perfect wisdom who removes all obstacles that comes in the way of attaining God. But to those who need a mystical proof of God, the legends of Lord Ganesha’s eight temples in Maharashta collectively called Ashta-Vinayak temples offer much mysticism.

No Hindu ritual or auspicious act happens without invoking Lord Ganesha first. ‘Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah’ is the first mantra that is chanted before beginning meditation, prayer, starting new enterprises or undertaking any new initiative.

Seekers who have a subtle intellect invoke a formless Lord Ganesha by

“Ajam nirvikalpam nirakaramakam niranandam anandam advaitapoornam |

param nirgunam nirvishesham nireeham para-brahmaroopam ganesham bhaje-ma ||

which translates as

“O Lord, You are unborn, formless and absolute; You are beyond bliss and again bliss itself – the One and the Infinite. You are the Supreme, without attributes, differentiation and desire. You are verily the Supreme Brahman. To You, O Lord, do we offer our worship.”

But for those who need a form for invocation, Lord Ganesha’s forms are many as we can see in his sacred temples – especially the eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha all in the state of Maharashtra. These temples relate to various events mentioned in the ancient Puranas and other legends are collectively called Ashta-Vinayak. All the eight Ashta Vinayak temples are Swayambhu (self-originated).

In each of these eight sacred temples in Maharashtra, Lord Ganesha is called by a different name derived from a legend. Here are the names, place and legends associated with each of Lord Ganesha’s temples.

Shri Mayureshwar at Morgaon

Lord Ganesha defeated and liberated a demon called Sindhu. He fought the battle riding a peacock (Mayur is peacock in Sanskrit) and hence became known as Lord Mayureshwar or Moreshwar in Marathi. A 14th century saint called Morya Gosavi is also known to be associated with this temple.

Shri MahaGanapati at Ranjangaon

The MahaGanapati temple is said to be the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha. This is the place where Lord Shiva invoked Lord Ganesha in a Maha Ganapati form with 20 trunks, 10 hands and vanquished the demon Tripurasur.

Shri Chintamani at Theur

The legend goes – A greedy warrior King Ganasura snatched a wish fulfilling diamond called Chintamani from Rishi Kapila. Kapila Rishi invoked Lord Ganesha who destroyed Ganasura and got back the diamond.  Rishi Kapila in his devotion to Lord Ganesha requested him to stay back, completely dropping his desire for the wish fulfilling diamond. Lord Ganesha took up the name of this diamond Chintamani and remained under a Kadamba tree and came to be known as Chintamani Vinayak.

Shri Girijatmaj at Lenyadri

Once Parvati (also known as Girija) asked Lord Shiva who he was mediating on. He said he was mediating on Ganesha “the supporter of the entire universe” and initiated Parvati with “Gam” the powerful Ganesha Mantra. Desiring to have a son, Parvati underwent austerities meditating on Ganesha for twelve years at Lenyadri. Pleased by her penance, Ganesha blessed her with the boon that he will be born as her son. And so he incarnated. Shiva granted a boon that whosoever remembers Lord Ganesha before starting any tasks will successfully complete that task. For 15 years Lord Ganesha grew up at Lenyadri and since he was born to Girija came to be known as Shri Girijatmaj

Shri Vighneshwar at Ojhar

Lord Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara or the remover of all obstacles, this he achieved by vanquishing the demon Vighnasur. The place where the battle was fought was Ojhar and Lord Ganesha came to be known as Vighneshwara Vinayaka – the conqueror of Vighnasur.

Shri SiddhiVinayak at Siddhatek

According to the Mudgala Purana, Lord Vishnu invokes and gets blessings and siddhis (powers) from Lord Ganesha to fight and slay two demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Sages like Maharishi Vyaas, Morya Gosavi and Narayan Maharaj performed austerities and obtained siddhis in Siddhatek. The Lord is called Siddhi Vinayak (one who bestows Siddhis).

Shri Ballaleshwar at Pali

Among Ganesha temples, Ballaleshwar is the only name of Ganesha that is known by his devotee’s name. A merchant didn’t like his young son named Ballal worshipping Lord Ganesha neglecting his business. While in a deep state of contemplation on Lord Ganesha in the forest, Ballal was beaten, tied him to a tree in the forest by his father and went home.  Lord Ganesha took form of a learned man, freed Ballal and healed all wounds. Ballal intuitively recognised the true form of Lord Ganesha and pleased by his devotion asked to what boon he wanted. Ballal requested the Lord to stay there permanently in the forest. Lord Ganesha disappeared and a black rock with Ganesha’s carved form appeared. This idol came to be known as Shri Ballaleshwar.

Shri Varad Vinayak at Mahad

Vachaknav Rishi was visited by a ruler by name Rukmangad, and during the visit the rishipatni got infatuated on the king, but he King turned her down. Indra, the king of the Devas took the form of the King Rukmangad and procreated an illegitimate son Grudsamad. The son, learning of the story of his birth got stricken by grief, and prayed to Lord Ganesha. His prayer was granted and was given a boon (var) due to which he became a renowned Rishi. Since a boon (var) was given at this place, Lord Ganesha came to be known by VaradaVinayak.

Source: 
http://www.indiawest.com/news/223-blog-lord-ganesha-s-ashta-vinayak-legends.html

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Types Of Ganesha Idols To Bring Home

Sep 18

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Ganesh Chaturthi is approaching and the festival to celebrate Ganapati Bappa is in full-swing now. Every year, many families bring home a Ganesha idol during Ganesh Chaturthi. Some families also have the tradition of bringing a particular type of idol every year. Some believe that the sitting Ganesha is the most auspicious one, while others vouch for the dancing Ganesha.

Here are the major forms of Ganesha idols that you can aspire to bring home next.

The Sitting Ganesha: This is the commonest type of Ganesha idol. A majority of homes have this type of Ganesha who is sitting on a throne. Sometimes, the two wives of Ganesha, Riddhi and Siddhi are seen sitting on his lap. In some creatively designed idols, the Ganesha is also seen sitting on a rat which happens to be his preferred vehicle.

Standing Ganesha: Standing Ganesha idol is typically huge and proud-looking. Ganesha statues usually look bulky due to His enormous belly. But when Ganesha stands to his full height, the image is just breathtaking. A standing Ganesha idol is often seen leaning on a throne.

Natraj Ganesha: Many Ganesha idols also come in a dancing pose. This form of Ganesha looks somewhat like the dancing pose of Natraj. As we all know, the Natraj dance pose symbolises the dance of destruction. For Ganesha too, this dancing pose is symbolic of a destructive energy. Ganapati Bappa took this pose when he killed asuras. This kind of Ganesha is rarely seen at homes. It is sometimes installed at mandapas or community pujas.

Reclining Ganesha: The elephant God has a very regal presence. So the massive figure of Ganesha reclining on a couch cuts a very impressive figure. Usually, Ganesha is seen reclining on a pillow and supporting himself with one arm. This type of Ganesha idol is seen more often in creative art forms and not as an idol for worship.

5-Headed Ganesha: In a mythical anecdote, lord Ganesha was blessed with 5 elephant heads so that he could protect The Earth from troubles coming from all 4 directions-North, South, East and West. The fifth head was given to him so that He could protect the Earth even from the skies. This means, even if the wrath of the Gods fall down upon us from the heavens, then Ganesha will protect us.

These are some of the most interesting forms of Ganesha idols. Which one have you brought home this Ganesh Chaturthi?

Source: 
http://www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2012/ganesha-idol-types-031051.html

Posted in Articles on Ganesha, Forms of Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturti 2012

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Is Lord Ganesha Married?

Sep 14

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Is Lord Ganesha, the lord of the people, married or is he a bachelor? If you ask this question in different parts of India, you will get different answers. There are several culture specific stories related to the wife of Ganesha. A majority of people seem to believe that Lord Ganesha is married but there are many ambiguity too! There seems to be some confusion regarding who are the consorts of Ganesha.

Here are some of the prominent mythical explanations to answer the question about Lord Ganesha’s marital status.

The Story Of Kartikeya & Ganesha: Ganesha and Kartikeya (sons of Lord Shiv and Parvati) once had a wager. They decided that whoever goes around the Universe 7 times and comes back first will be the first to get married. Ganesha with all his bulk and only a mouse as his vehicle was sure to lose to the agile Kartikeya who flew on a peacock. But Ganesha was smart, he declared that his parents were the entire Universe for him and went around Shiva and Parvati 7 times. He was married by the time his younger brother came back.

Evidence From The Purana: Some tales from the ancient Puranas state, that Lord Ganesha was a bal bramhchari (sworn to be a bachelor and a monk). This version of the myth is popular down South in India. Ganesha in many of the temples is depicted as a bachelor.

Ridhi & Siddhi: When a Maharashtrian family brings home a Ganpati idol, it is never alone. Ridhi (fame) and Siddhi (prosperity) always comes along. It is believed in Northern India that Ridhi (fame), Sidhi (prosperity) and Buddhi (intellect) were turned into goddesses and given to Lord Ganesha as wives. When Ganesha is pleased He blesses you with name, fame and good judgement; so he is has the women with these three qualities as his consorts.

Kala Bou: In the eastern part of India, mainly Bengal and Assam, Ganesha has a ‘green’ consort. During Durga Puja, a freshly cut banana plant is draped in a saree and placed next to Ganesha as his wife. Actually, the Kala bou (bride of Banana plant) has no connection with Lord Ganapati according to our scriptures. This was a local and primitive practice to worship Mother Earth for a bountiful harvest. When Durga Puja became a part of popular culture, Kala Bou was assimilated into the rituals and placed by Ganesha’s side because Kartikeya is a bachelor, so there is no place for a woman by his side.

These are the different stories related to the wife of Lord Ganesha. Do you know of any other consort that Ganapati is seen with?

Source: 
http://www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2012/lord-ganesha-wife-030252.html

 

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Story of Ganesha as Gajanana and Lobhasura

Sep 13

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Gajanana is one of the eight avatars of Ganesha as per the Mudgala Purana. It is stated in the Mudgala Purana that one of the mission of the Gajanana Avatar was to annihilate Lobhasura – the demon greed.

Kubera, the treasurer of wealth, once visited Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pleased with the devotion of Kubera, Shiva blessed him with the vision of the divine couple whenever he wanted.
After the blessing Kubera made it a point to have the vision of divine couple daily. Soon Kubera was enamored by the beauty of Goddess Parvati and he gazed Her with lustful thoughts. Goddess Parvati who realized this gave an angry look at Kubera. Kubera was trembling in fear at the look of the Goddess and from the fear was born the demon named Lobhasura.
Lobhasura did penance and propitiated Shiva. He was granted the boon of fearlessness. The spiritual strength and lack of fear made Lobhasura powerful and he became to the ruler of the three worlds.
Power made the asura corrupt and he led a demonic life killing and looting innocents. Fed up with Lobhasura, people approached Sage Raibhya. He instructed them to offer prayers to Ganesha in Gajanana form.
Gajanana was pleased with the devotion of the people and decided to annihilate the demon. Ganesha did not want war and destruction. So He asked Vishnu to apprise Lobhasura of the strength of Gajanana.
Vishnu was able to convince Lobhasura about Gajanana’s strength and the futility of opposing him. Lobhasura who also had a spiritual side realized that he did not have the power to stand before Ganesha. The demon surrendered before Gajanana without a fight.
Symbolically, the story indicates that those who are overpowered by the demon of greediness can overcome it by surrendering before Gajanana.
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Story of Ganesha’s broken tusk

Sep 12

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Shri Ganesh had two tusks, but he had a great fight with Parshuram, when Ganesh laid claims to immortality.

There are only seven who are immortal :-
1) Shri Hanumanji
2) Vibhishan
3) Kripacharya
4) Shri Parshuram
5) Ashwathama
6) Bali and
7) Ved Vyas (Markandey Rishi also joined their ranks later)

These great men do not die and even when the world dissolves and a new world takes birth they will be here.

They are not born again and again. They live on the mighty Himalayas and it is said that some great souls do come across them.

Anyway, Shri Ganesh declared that he was eligible for such a position, but Shri Parshuram was not satisfied and wanted to test him. Parshuram loses his temper at the drop of a hat (as the saying goes), so he declared he would fight with Shri Ganesh; and if Shri Ganesh won, only then he would be immortal.

There ensued a terrible battle. Shri Parshuram became very ferocious in the heat of the moment and in the process he dealt a deadly blow, which Shri Ganesh took on his left tusk and as a result, it broke in the heat of the battle.

From that moment on, Shri Ganesh is called as Ekdant (The ONE with One Tusk)

Shri Ganesh was chosen by Naradji to write down the Mahabharata for posterity, while Ved Vyasji related the tale of his grandsons to him.

He chose his broken tusk to write.

He told Vyasji that he would only write if he gave the dictation continuously and did not stop or hesitate and waste time.

His mother Bhagwati (Parvati) asked Shri Ganesh to also use his buddhi while writing also and explain certain points so that the generations to come would understand the great epic as it was meant to be understood.

SO IS THE REASON WHY Saraswati – The Goddess of Learning, is prayed to after Shri Ganesh. …

Source: 
http://silenceofsoul.com/articles/Story-of-Ganeshas-broken-tusk-a195.html

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Dhoolpet’s artistic offering

Jul 5

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Dhoolpet is alleged to be the hub of liquor brewing and ganja making business but every year, three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi they wash off their sins by making idols

It’s atonement time for the Dhoolpet residents who are brewing gudumba (illicit liquor) or busy making ganja round the clock. They are now giving final touches to the Ganesh idols. Dhoolpet is one of the old suburbs in Old City. This area is inhabited by people who migrated from Uttar Pradesh during the Nizam’s rule.

Dhoolpet is known for the notorious liquor brewing and ganja businesses, but every year, this is the time when they wash off their sins by making Ganesh idols. However, the earnings are three times less than what they earn by selling illicit liquor. In spite of this, they are ready to compromise as it’s a matter of pleasing god to wash off their sins.

“Three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi is the only time when we stop brewing liquor. The main aim is to wash off our sins. It’s been over a month now since we have started to make Ganesh idols. I have made nearly 120 ganesh idols so far. The sizes range from two feet to 20 feet. Even the women from the family are involved in making idols. The men in the family do the final painting,” said Laxman Singh, who has been making idols since the last two decades.

“The earnings are low compared to what we earn otherwise but paapo ka prayaschit karna bhi zaruri hai,” he adds. Gudumba and Ganja are our their source of income. Most of the families are into this business from the time of Nizams. “The excise department has conducted many raids here, but we don’t fear in the trade that we practice as Lord Ganesha will take care of us,” gushes the old man.

Not adhering to government rules is nothing new for the residents.

Most of them still make idols using plaster of paris and they don’t want to make clay idols. “Whatever the government may say, but idols made of plaster of paris are still more in demand compared to the clay ones. Pandal organisers place orders for plaster of paris made idols only and that is the reason we don’t make eco-friendly Ganesh idols,” said Devi Singh, a resident of Dhoolpet.

Many workers are seen giving the “Dhoolpet finishing” to the idols. It’s a particular finishing in terms of touch, colour and even design.

Source: 
http://postnoon.com/2012/07/04/dhoolpets-artistic-offering/57302

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331 items wins Sattari man matoli competition

Sep 11

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Rajendra P Kerkar

KERI: The directorate of art and culture’s annual state-level matoli competition for individual houses saw a drop in the number of participants this year, but a rise in the quality of the presentations.

Of the 17 participants from Pernem to Canacona-20 participated in 2010-Sattari-based Ankush Rama Ozrekar bagged the top spot for his matoli that featured 331 different items.

A matoli is the canopy above the idol of Lord Ganesha, prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditionally, it features flowers, fruits, herbs, etc found in the wild. But over time and changing lifestyles, it has come to hold readily-available fruits and flowers, and in some instances even plastic replicas.

“Which is why this competition is of importance,” said art and culture director Prasad Loliyekar. Hailing from the forested areas of Canacona taluka, Loliyekar has been instrumental in starting this contest, now in its fifth year.

“The contest is an attempt to promote and preserve the traditions of our hoary past and to boost the morale of those who try to maintain the rich knowledge of ethnobotany,” said Loliyekar.

This year’s first prize winner, Ozrekar, is such a person. A folklorist from Bambatwada-Maloli, the 25-year-old lives near the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, while the Nirankarachi Rai (sacred grove) is just 500 m from his home.

“Where I live and what I am exposed to have instilled in me a deep love for floral diversity,” said Ozrekar. His matoli featured most of the wild flowers, fruits, herbs, shoots and roots from around his home.

The second prize was bagged by Rama Gaonkar of Satre in Sattari whose matoli had 325 items, while Curti-Ponda‘s Shrikant Satarkar took the third place with 300 items. The first three winners have earned 10,000, 7,000 and 5,000 respectively.

Interestingly, the feat for the most number of matoli items-453-is held by Rupesh Poinguinkar of Poinguinim, Canacona.

A regular participant, the 35-year-old couldn’t participate this year on account of a death in the family which saw them celebrate Chaturthi for just one-and-a-half days.

The matoli competiton is organized on the third and fourth days of the festival.

Govind Shirodkar, cultural organizer with the art and culture department, told TOI, “Though the number of participants were lesser this year as compared to last year, the quality of the presentations was superb. Participants used floral, Ganesha and mangal kalash designs to decorate their matolis.”

 

Source:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-07/goa/30122268_1_sattari-fruits-items

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Lucknow residents write letters to Lord Ganesha, seek fulfilment of their wishes

Sep 11

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Hundreds of Lucknow-based devotees have written a letter to Lord Ganesha to seek fulfilment of their wishes during the ongoing Ganesh Utsav festival.

There was a beeline of devotees standing in a queue to pay obeisance before the deity and to offer their letter of wish-list. Devotees believe that Lord Ganesha would fulfill their wishes.

“We have written this letter thinking that, at present times as we have wishes and we face difficulties in our life, and he is our leading deity, whom we worship on all auspicious occasions, so we are hopeful that our wishes will be fulfilled,” said Neelam, a devotee.

The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour across India, but the uniqueness of celebration in this city is that people irrespective of their caste, age, and sex come out and pray to the holy almighty and seek his blessings.

Organisers of Ganesha Utsav believe that Lord Ganesha fulfils everyone’s wishes if they write their wishes on the letter and offer it to the deity during this festive season.

“The wish list that is kept here and all those devotees who write their wishes in it and offer it in our temple, we believe that it is surely fulfilled by the deity,” said Satish Aggarwal, organiser.

The annual celebration falls between the months of August and September.

It marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha as numerous rituals are performed while a colourful statue of the portly Hindu god marks the event.

This year the ten-day long festival began on September 01.

This festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra, where hundreds of thousands of Ganesha idols are worshipped during the festival and later immersed in free flowing water. (ANI)

Source:
http://hamaraphotos.com/news/national/lucknow-residents-write-letters-to-lord-ganesha-seek-fulfilment-of-their-wishes.html

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