Worshipping Shri Ganesh with prayer and knowledge is auspicious.
Shri Vakratund mahakay suryakoti samprabha, nirvghney kuru mey deva sarvakaryeshu sarvada – with a rounded trunk, gigantic figure which is illuminated by a thousand suns, may all my tasks be accomplished without any problems.
In the Indic tradition, any task, be it a new business or a holy ceremony, starts with the worship and igniting of Lord Ganesha. This puja is performed like a ritual. The underlying meaning associated with this practice is very profound. It is, therefore, essential for us to understand this, so that we can explain it to others, especially the younger generation, as it would make them realise and comprehend our culture and its Vedic wisdom in its true perspective.
Only when a puja or ritual is performed keeping in mind the philosophy and understanding the hidden messages concealed in the forms of the various deities, devi-devtas, and their ritualistic worship, can it be said to be whole and complete.
The curved trunk of Ganeshji represents the awakening of the kundalini energy. The big ears indicate the ability to assimilate and concentrate on all that others have to say. His big stomach inspires us to keep to ourselves our heart’s desire until it is accomplished. The single tusk reminds us of the time when Rishi Ved Vyas, in his arrogance for being a knowledgeable and good writer, was unable to start the Mahabharata epic. He had to invoke Ganeshji, who under the curse of the moon was left bereft of creativity and imagination. But then, Ganeshji, easily pleased by true heartfelt prayers, broke one of his tusks to be fashioned into a pen so that the task of writing the great epic could commence. Hence, from then on ivory came to be used in precious works of art.
Ganeshji’s vehicle is the mouse. The unique quality of the mouse is that, while the rest of the world sleeps with gay abandon, it quietly keeps stocking its burrow with all sorts of things, to be discovered only when its young ones start playing around.
Similarly, before starting any task, it is essential to undergo the penance of collecting related information and making necessary preparations.
Fuelled by hard work, this wisdom is the vehicle for success. It is signified by the laddoos in Ganeshji’s hands.
This is his true stuti or worship. A stuti is an expression of a humble desire, of working towards realising and consequently, actualising these qualities.
- Om Vigneshvaraye Namah: May all tasks be completed without any unwarranted delays or obstacles
- Om Sumukhaye Namah: May it be full of beauty and grace, or visual appeal
- Om Ekdantaye Namah: May the task and its purpose be our ‘one point programme,’ till it is accomplished
- Om Rajanathaye Namah: May we become large hearted and attain the powers to view the subtleties involved
- Om Rajkaranaye Namah: Bless us with the powers of self-actualisation
- Om Lambodaraye Namah: May we be able to have the power to keep to ourselves and be focussed, till the task is accomplished
- Om Dhumraketuvaye Namah: May we attain fame by having clarity of thought
- Om Bhalchandraye Namah: May we have high thoughts and ideals, maintain our humility, yet hold our heads high with self respect
- Om Vikataye Namah: Bless us with potent energies to eradicate negativity and win over our enemies
- Om Vinakaye Namah: Bless us with the qualities of leadership
- Om Gananakshaye Namah: May we lead the leaders
There is yet another important social message communicated by the symbol of Ganeshji. That is, if anywhere around us, at home or outside, there is someone with an unusual physical form, we should respectfully include such a person in our celebrations, especially when we are starting something new, because wishes from the truthful heart of such an individual assist in making the task obstacles free and successful.
Symbols are perfect representation of hidden messages and wisdom. When performed with complete understanding, attention, meditation, awareness, and as is prescribed ritually, these lead to miraculous experiences. If not, they still have some positive effects. This is because as mere rituals and traditions, they cannot attract wholly those powers, which assist in evolution, growth, success, and true bliss.
True puja is not just decorating and worshipping the idols, but also acquiring their qualities. Only by invoking the qualities of the lord of well-being, Ganesh, can any new task be accomplished effortlessly and fruitfully.
Pranam extends its soul in gratitude to all the people who have contributed to the creation of India’s golden heritage, the great tradition of symbolism, the beautiful grand idols that contain it and their inherent hidden wisdom.
Vande Matram
Pranam
