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Lord Ganesha: The mystery of His marital status
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal

GANAPATI'S exact marital status is a mystery. While images of Ganesha
with Shakti in his lap and engaged in intimate lovemaking abound, it
is often taken as a figurative statement of deeper metaphysical
truths. There are many stories, which throw light on this mystery.
The two most popular stories highlighting his marital status follow.

In the Southern Indian tradition, Ganesha is considered a celibate;
legend has it that Ganesha considered his mother Parvati to be the
most beautiful woman in the universe. His only wish was that, if he
were to get married, his consort would have to be as beautiful and as
perfect as his mother and as no one in the universe met this
standard, he remained single.

scrambling, screeching In Northern India, it is believed that Ganesha
is married to Siddhi (success) and Buddhi (wisdom). According to an
interpretation of the puranas, Shiva and Parvati asked their sons
Ganesh and Kartikeya to race around the world three times. The winner
would be married first. Ganesha circumambulated his parents thrice,
and when his curious parents asked him what he was up to, he replied
with a smile: "The entire universe is contained within you, need I go
any further?" Thus he won the right to marry first. That explains the
presence of the bachelor Ganesh in south Indian temples - even those
built by South Indian patrons in the north.
Courtesy: GANESHA THE GOD OF INDIA By Sunil Vaidyanathan



Uluru-Ayers Rock, the Swayambhu Ganesh of Australia
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal

Mount Uluru is the world's largest monolith rising 318m above the
Australian desert floor and has a circumference of 8km.

HINDUISM, long known for its capacity to accept, transmute and
finally absorb anything alien that it comes in contact with,
continues to retain this capacity. In, fact even the name Hindu is a
gift from foreigners, who used it as a term to denote all Indians.
Here is an account by Greta More, an Australian, who like many other
Australian Hindus, considers the Uluru rock a Swayambhu Manifestation
of Ganesha.

"Some months after my return to Australia in 2001, during an outdoor
meditation session, it felt like there was a calamitous
scrambling, screeching or screaming of beings just beyond my human
range of vision. The children who had been playing nearby also seemed
to become very unsettled as if unconsciously responding to what was
happening around them in the ether/subtle. We all put the palms of
our hands on the Mother Earth and took the mantra of `Shri Uluru
Ganapati・three times and instantly, it seems, everything became
quiet.
Everyone in the group looked at each other in amazement as the
silence became tangible. (I had added the term Ganapati as it means
leader of ganas or people.) The children also became quiet and
resumed their play in a more joyous and congenial manner. There is a
belief by some that there is a light source which emanates from the
mount at various times of the year. According to the aboriginal
belief, the mount is hollow below ground and that there is an energy
source called Tjukurpa or the DreamTime.



Vishnu's boon to Ganesha
By Sunil Vaidyanathan
Source: Free Press Journal
O excellent God! O dearest one! May your puja be performed before
that of any other god. Since he is the Lord (Isha) of all the ganas
(Shiva's dwarf companions) he is known as Ganesha. Since he his
stomach (Udara) is elongated (Lamba) he is known as Lambodara.

Ever since Psrshurama broke off his tusk in a feirce duel he is left
with just one (Ek) tusk (Danta) and so is named Ek Danta.

He is also called by various other names the most prominent among
these being , Heramba, Vinayaka, Siddhi Vinayaka, Gajavakra and
Guharaja. By Vishnu's decree, it was decided that Ganesh would be the
god, who would be worshipped before any undertaking or before
performing any ritual. According to the Brahma-vaivatra Purana/
Ganesh Khanda, Shiva and Paravati married their son Khanda, Shiva and
Parvati married their son Kartikeya to the Goddess Shashti, also
known as Devasena and Ganesh was married to Pushti.
Courtesey: GANESHA THE GOD OF INDIA



Ganesh Worship in Japan
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal
Scholars commonly date the presence of Ganesha in Japan with the age
of Kukai (774- 834), the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese
Buddhism. The centrality of the worship of Ganesha or Vinayaka or
Kangiten, as he is popularly called in Japan, is a distinguishing
feature of this cult. The doctrines, rituals and beliefs of the sect
have a number of parallels with the cult of Ganpatyas, to which
belonged saints like Gajanan Maharaj of Shegao, Maharashtra.

China, the land through which the Elephant-headed divinity entered
Japan has Ganesha Sculptures dating back to the fourth century, which
surprisingly predates any depiction of Ganesh in India. Both the
lands recognize Ganesha as having converted to Buddhism.

Ganesha's most popular form in Japan is the dual-Vinayaka or the
Embracing Kangi. Two tall figures, elephant headed but human bodied,
male and female, stand in embrace. The female wears a jeweled crown,
a patched monks robe and a red surplice.

Her tusks and trunk are short. Her eyes are narrowed. Her body is
whitish. The male neither wears a monk's robe nor a crown, though he
may have a black cloth over his shoulders. His body is reddish brown.
His trunk is long. His eyes are wide open. His countenance is not
compassionate, but loving. His head rests on the female's shoulder.
The feet of the female may rest atop the male.
Also called the Deva of bliss, Ganapati is invoked both for
enlightenment and for worldly gains - more for the latter than the
former. Katigen - Vinayaka is offered "bliss - buns" (made from
curds, honey and parched flour), radishes, wine, and fresh fruits.
The offerings are later partaken in the same spirit as Hindus take
prasad. Whosoever fulfills the rituals of the dual Kangiten is
believed to attain success in all worldly endeavors. The King
Vinayaka mantra is as follows:

Noba binoyokkyasha Kashitchibokyasha taniyata on noyokka noyokka
binoyokka tarayokka


Ganesha in Jain worship
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal
By the 5th century separate cults devoted to the worship of Ganesha
or Ganapati had made their presence felt. The earliest Jaina
depiction of Ganesha is in Mathura, with a figure of Jain Yakshi
Ambika.

As in the Vedic tradition, he is recognised as the auspicious one,
whose name is to be invoked before any auspicious undertaking. He is
the supreme remover of obstacles.

According to the Acharadinakara, of Vardhamansuri, a svetamabar Jain
monk, even the Gods propitiate Ganesh before embarking on any
venture. The same text also mentions the manner in which Ganesh is to
be worshipped and the correct manner of visualising his form during
meditation.

This tradition is very common among the Svetambara community to
this day.
He is accorded a highly favoured position in Jaina worship as a
bestower of Siddhi or success. In the beginning he was visualized as
having two arms, which commensurate with his growing popularity grew
to four, then to six. He is shown to be seated on his favorite mount
the Rat, and raises his palm in the Abhaya Mudra and holds his goad
and Noose. The fourth palm holds his favorite sweetmeat, the Modaka.

There are two Digambara Jain caves in Udayagiri and Khandagiri in
Orissa which date back to the midieval period. Both contain images of
Ganesh. The Abhidhanachintamani, dating back to the 12th century
mentions several epithets used to describe Ganapati: Ghatodhara (pot-
bellied), Heramaba, Ganavignesa, Vinayaka etc.


Ganesha as Om; the Pranava Mantra
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal
Ganesha is, as a popular song describes him, `Omkar Swarupa・or the
mystic syllable OM manifested in form. He is the secret force behind
all mantras as the OM is the primeval sound, the sound-womb from
which the entire world of names and forms has come into existence.
Being such he is also the lord of speech, erudition and insight.

He is thus the para-vaikhari or the illumined speech manifested. As
the mystic syllable OM, he symbolises the waking state,

the state of dreams, the state of deep sleep and the last and final
state of complete freedom from the world of names and forms; Turiya.
He is the granter of success in all ventures and the guardian of all
siddhis, or super natural powers. He loves music, dance, and
fragrance and is the lord of scribes, musicians and all creative
ventures.
� His huge belly holds the sum of universal knowledge. His little
eyes are all seeing. His huge flapping ears listen to everything that
goes on in the universe.


Vinayaki, the Female Ganesha
BY SATISH PUROHIT
Source: Free Press Journal
The earliest evidence of a female Ganesha or Vinayaki is a weathered
terracotta plaque from Rairh in Rajhasthan, which is said to date
back to the first century.

� It is a figure of a corpulent human female body with an elephant
head. References to Vinayakis also abound in the puranas. The Matsya
Purana mentions Vinayaki as one of the two hundred `celestial
mothers・ created by Mahadev, or Shiva to consume the blood of the
fiery demon Andhaka. Linga Purana also mentions the deity. Malini, a
demoness, who has an elephant head, drinks Paravati's bath water and
is honored by Shiva.

Malini, with her elephant-head and a human female's body is often
said to be the first Vinayaki. Vinayaki is further seen depicted
amidst the sculpture of Causath-Yogini temple in Jabalpur, Madhya
Pradesh. She stands regally, while Ganapati is shown supporting her
right foot. Sri Kumara a text dating back to the sixth century
invokes Vinayaki in the following words:

Prostrations to the Goddess Vinayaki,
who is an elephant above the neck
and below is a youthful female.
Salutations to Sakti- Ganapati who
is vermilion, the color of the horizon
when the sun is about to set, her
corpulent belly hangs out enticingly,
her breasts bend her waist with their
weight and she sports ten splendid
arms holding weapons.


Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part VII
Source: Eprarthana.com
Umaputra - Son Of Uma
Uma, another name of Pravati, desired to have a son. Lord Shiva
granted her wish and Ganesha took form. He is the beloved son of Uma,
her delight, and obedient servant, ever ready to serve her.

Vakratunda - Askew-Trunked
Lord Ganesha, the single-tusked one, is attribute with an askew
proboscis or trunk, which symbolises power, capable of destroying all
obstacles and evil.

Varaganapati - Bestower Of Boons
Ganesha is the bestower of all fruits of desire and granter of all
adeptness that his workshippers seek. He is magnanimous and
forgiving, being a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.

Varaprada - Granter Of Boons
ord ganesha grants boona to his devotees. He is most efficacious. He
gives knowledge to tha seeker of wisdom, prosperity to those desiring
wealth. issues to the childless, and guidance of spirtual libration.

Varadavinayaka - Bestower Of Bounty And Success
The massive Ganesha, the granter of boon to his devotees, is the
guarantor of success in all ventures. His devotees need never fear
failure. As the benefactor of his devotees, he is greatly abored by
them.

Veeraganapati - The Valiant Warrior
The red-complexioned Ganesha is sometimes attributed with eight pairs
of arms, holding a bow, arrow, goblin, spear, hammer, mace, pick-axe,
serpent, banner, trident, discus, good, noose, battle-axe, sword and
shield all signs of a valiant warrior.

Vidyavaridhi - respository Of All Knowledge
Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom. He incinerates ignorance by his
divine fire and enlightens by his knowledge. He is a goldmine of
knowledge and wisdom.

VignaharaDestroyer Of Evils -
Vignahara is Lord Ganesha, who like a vigorous wind, scatters away
and destroys the dark clouds of evils. His name's ever recollection
removes all sins.

Vignaharta - Destroyer Of Obstacles
Lord Ganesha is a veritable sceptre that destroys all obstacles. He
is the destroyer of multitudes of obstacles, destroyer of all
afflictions.
Vighnanashin - Destroyer Of Obctacles
The askew-trunked Ganesha, also called vighnanashin, is the destroyer
of all impediments. He is the destroyer of darkness created by
obstacles.

Vighnaraja - Lord Of All Obstacles
The veritable sceptre to destroy all objects, Lord Ganesha is
invincible. He is the inimitable jungle fire who destroys the jungle
of troubles for his devotees. He is the destroyer of multitudes of
obstacles.

Vighnarajendra - Lord Of All Obstacles
The noble Ganesha is the king of all factors causing obstacles. He
causes obstacles for the demons and enemies, causing them to stumble
and be vanquished.

Vighnavinashanaya - Destroyer Of All Afflictions
The four-armed Ganesha is sometimes attributed with eight pairs of
hands that are symbolic of destruction of evil. He protects his
devotees by destroying all afflictions.

Vigneshwar - Lord Of All Obstacles
Vigneshwar, the only sun to destroy the darkness caused by obstacles,
the only fire to incinerate the jungle of impediments, the only
Garuda to browbeat the haughty snakes of troubles, is the Lord of all
obstacles.

Vikat - Of The Monstrous Figure
Lord Ganesha, the most adorable one, adored by all gods, is endowed
with a huge, monstrous body, symbolising unity of the primeval forest
denizen with man combining the physical energies of mortals.

Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part VI
Source: Eprarthana.com
Sarvasiddhanta - Provider Of Adeptness To His Disciples
The repository of wisdom and knowledge, Lord Ganesha bestows success
onhis devotees. He who chants his name continually will be sure of
being blessed with the ability to be adept in all his actions.

Savatman - Blesser Of The Universe
He who dwells in every heart in asecret manner, by whose command this
entire world exists, who is Infinite and the Enlighter of the hearts,
by knowledgw, he is Sarvatman, Lord Ganesha.

Shoorpakarna - Large-Eared
Lord Ganesha is the Lord with large ears. These large ears serve the
purpose of gathering information from alll possible directions. Like
a winnowing basket, His ears are receptive and attuned to every
mortal's cry of woe or praise.

Shuban - One Who is Auspicious
A prayer to Lord Ganesha precedes all worship for he is auspicious
and nothing can take place without invoking his name. For, he is the
remover of obstacles in one's path, and the guarantor of success in
all ventures.

B>Shubhagunakanan - Mine Of All Virtues
Lord Ganesha is the Lord of all treasures and virtues, symbolic of
perfection and infinite beauty he is compassionate, forgiving,
endearing and protector of all that is good.

Shwete - White Colour
The huge-bellied Lord Ganesha, with an elephant face, a single-tusk
which is askew, has his body and clothes white, being worshipped on
the shore of ocean of milk with white flowers. His face beams the
beatitude.

Siddhidhata - Bestower Of Success
The chanting of Lord Ganesha's name will pay rich dividends in the
form of being bestowed with success. The Lord is the bestower of the
desired abilities.

Siddhipriya - Bestower Of Boons
Siddipriya is Lord Ganesha who grants the desires and boons of his
devotees. Being compassionate and large-hearted the elephant-faced
Ganesha fulfils the wishes of workshippers.
Siddhivinayaka - Bestower Of Success
Lord Ganesha's huge pot-belly is symbolic of wealth and success. He
bestows both on his devotees, being the kind and compassionate Lord
who grants them boons and showers them with success.

Skandapoorvaja - Older Than Skanda
Ganesha is the older son od Shiva and Parvati, and brother of SKanda
(Karthik). He is the destroyer of the asura's pride, and protector of
the weak and helpless. He protects and loves his brother SKanda.

Sumukha - Of Auspicious And Pleasant Visage
His strange visage is in the form of 'OM' the sound symbolic of the
cosmos in its entirely. He is the symbol of auspiciousness.

Sureshwaram - Lords Of All The Gods
Sureshwaram is Lord Ganesha as Head of the ganas or celestials. He is
the Being, the Foremost Being, the very cause of the creation of the
cosmos Lord Almighty.

Swaroop - Lover Of Beauty
Lord Ganesha, the Master of resourcefulness and prefection in all
spheres, is a lover of beauty. His awkward body signifies that
outward form has no connection with inner beauty and spiritual
prefection.

Tarun - The Youthful
The youth Ganesha, ever youthful, is Wisdom personified. His huge
body takes on the colour of red like the noonday sun, depicting the
strength of youth.

Uddanda - The Punisher of Evil
Uddanda is Lord Ganesha as punisher of evil. He also forgives those
who seek his pardon. He is the vanquisher of demons and remover of
all obstacles.


Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part V
Source: Eprarthana.com
Mudakaram - Abode Of Joy
Lord Ganesha is the home of Siddhi and Buddhi, the repository of
knowledge and the adobe of joy. He bestows happiness and welfare to
all.

Muktidaya - Giver Of Eternal Peace
Muktidaya is Lord Ganesha who grants security to his devotees,
thereby providing eternal peace. He destroys all the obstacles that
one may face when entreated by his devotees.

Musikvahan - He With The Mouse As His Vehicle
Lord Ganesha, with his massive body, favours the mouse as his beloved
vehicle. The mouse, known to cause great havoc, is kept under the
control of Ganesha by Serving as his vehicle.

Nadapratithista - Lover Of Music
Lord Ganesha is symbolic of the music and rhythm of the cosmos. He
loves music and some times a veeena is one of the attributes seen in
his hands. He is the patron of music and dance.

Namasthetu - Destroyer Of All Sins
Lord Ganesha is the sea-fire to end the sea. He purges the devotees
of all sins by and impieties by his holy fire.

Nandana - Son Of Lord Shiva
Nandana, son of Lord Shiva, is the mind-born son of Lord Shiva, or,
as popularly believed, the creation of Parvati. He is the elder son
od Shankara, and the belovedof his mother, Uma.

Nideeswaram - Master Of All Kinds Of Treasures
Lord Ganesha, the repository of knowledge, is adorable, with his
plump body, his tusk broken and single. His is the Lord of all
wealth - material as well as spiritual - endowed with intrinsic
qualities that command the respect of all.

Pashin - One Who Sits Like A Rock
Lord Ganesha is Infinite and Consciousness personified, solid and
unwavering like a rock, who is unshakeable, Invincible, the seat of
infinite power, the pure essence of luminous mind.

Pitambar - Wearer Of Yellow Clothes
Lord Ganesha, who wears clothes of white and yellow, personifies
purity and uniqueness. With a deep knowledge of the self, he is the
eternal sprit who is changeless yet causes change all around.

Pramod - Lord Of The Place
As Pramod, Lord Ganesha is the only refuge of the shelterless as he
is Lord of the place. He is the Lord of the gods, the repository of
wisdom, the seat of spiritual awakening, from whom creation has come.

Prathameshvar - One Who Holds the First Place
Lord Ganesha, the eternal spirit, the Brahman, is the God of
Auspiciousness, holding the first place. He is the Beginning of all
beginnings, worshipped by Mahesha and other gods.
Purush - The Supreme Authority
Lord Ganesh is Purush, the Supreme Authority. He is the Omniscient
Lord Almighty who rules over the entire universe. He is the Ultimate
Reality, the One Truth, the Manifest Spirit.

Rakta - Red-coloured
Lord Ganesha's body hue is compared to the red lotus and his tusk to
the vermilion blood marks when it is thrust into his enemies for
destruction.

Rudrapriya - Beloved Of Shiva
Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Shiva, is the Master of all, whose
virtuous qualities are orisoned by even the creator, Brahma. He is
Shiva's revered and noble son.

Sarvadevatman - Accepter Of Celestial Offerings
As Lord of the gods, Lord Ganesha is happy to accept the loving
offerings of the celestials. They adore and worship him, and as their
master, and he bestows his grace on them.

Vinayaka - Lord Of All
As Vinayaka, Lord Ganesha is the Supreme Leader of all, being endowed
with special qualities. He is the Chief of all the celestial demi-
gods, and is ever adored by them.

Yashaskaram - Giver Of Frame And Glory
Lord Ganesha is worshipped by both the devas and the asuras, for he
is the Lord of the gods. He gives prosperity, fame and glory to all
the worlds, shining with a lustrous glow.

Yashvasin - The Popular
The pot-bellied, askew-trunked single-tusk Ganesha is popularly the
beloved of all. He is the subject of those who sing his praise, the
jewel from whose face flows nectar.

Yogadhipa - Lover Of Meditation
Lord Ganesha is the fountainhesd of wisdom, the Great God, that
Eternal Truth, that Eternal Reality. His name is chanted at the
beginning and end of meditation at all times.


Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part IV
Source: Eprarthana.com
Shambhavi - Son Of Parvati
Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati. He is
the playfully deft son and is adored by his parents. He enlightens
and causes his mother's face to blossom with love for him.

Shashivarnam - Moon-Complexioned
He who is attired in a white garment abnd who is all-pervading, is
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced Lord with a moon - complexion that
glows brightly, indicating mental enlightenment, the moon being the
symbol of peace.

Vishwamukha - Lord Of The Universe
Lord Ganesha is the Supreme Reality, the Atman of all. He is the
witness of all that is happening in the world. He is the Lord of the
universe, the Supreme Being who has no beginning, who has no end.

Yagnakaya - Accepter of Sacrificial Fires
The clam and majestic Ganesha, with the strength and power of an
elephant, is the Lord of the universe. He evokes great love and
accepts the sacrificial fires offered to him by gods and mortals.

Kripakaram - Who Is Merciful
Lord Ganesha, as Kripakaram, wavy with profound kindness, is the sea
exhibited by his eyes. He is ever merciful and the beacon of divine
light.

Krishapingaksha - Black-Yellowish-Brown-Eyed
Lord Ganesha, whose eyes radiate power, compassion, wisdom and love,
is omnipotent and infinite. His small eyes dazzle with the exuberance
of the light of a million sun.

Kshamakaram - Adobe Of Forgiveness
Constant and regular chanting of Lord Ganesha's name is a sure path
for atomement of sins. He is the adobe of forgiveness, the seat of
compassion, and most forgiving. Repose faith in him and he will
protect you.

Kshipra - Quick-Acting
Handsome of appearance and red in colour like the hibiscus flower, he
holds his broken tusk, noose, goad, and sprig of the wish-fulfilling
tree in his hands and a pot of precious gems in his trunk.

Lambakarna - Large-Eared
The large-eared Ganesha is a mine of information gathered from all
directions. His large ears are used for winnowing information,
retaining only the essentials.
Lambodara - Huge-Bellied
The big-bellied Ganesha is the symbolof the whole universe - all that
is conceivable in the whole cosmos - from which all events of the
world emerge. It is symbolic of his capacity to assimilate the whole
information.

Mahabala - Extremely Strong
Lord Ganesha, with his huge body, is symbolic of the cosmos or the
universe. He is extremely strong and powerful, endowed with
intellectual prowess.

Mahaganapati - The Omnipotent And All-Powerful
Lord Ganesha, the Almighty, the Supreme Infinite, is omnipotent and
all powerful. His infinite form is beyond man's comprehension, and is
limitless.

Maheswaram - Lord Of The Universe
Maheshwaram, from whom the universe is born, is the Eternal Brahman.
All the elements - earth, fire, air, water and ether - are manifest
in him. He is the Supreme Lord of the universe.

Mangalamoorti - The Auspicious
Lord Ganesha is the personification of all that is auspicious. He who
was worshipped by Lord Shiva before his vanquishing Tripurasur, by
Lord Vishnu before his tying of Bali in the rope, by Lord Brahma
before creating the world, by Parvati before her slaying the demon
Manisha, is Mangalamoorti.

Manomay - Conqueror Of One's Heart
Lord Ganesha is the God of all people, big and small, educated and
illiterate. He is compassionate and forgiving, wise and intellectual.
With his huge body, gentle eyes and calm countenance, he fills one's
heart with love.

Mritunjaya - Deathless
The Infinite Lord Ganesha has no beginning or end. He is deathless
and the root cause of the creation. He is the embodiment of 'OM', the
symbol of the Great God who has no end and is invincible.


Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part III
Source: Eprarthana.com
Gadadhara - Wielder Of The Mace
As Gadadhara, Lord Ganesha wields powerful weapons for destroying
demons of evil. The gada or mace is the divine weapon used to wipe
out evil and slay the asuras.

Gajakarna - Elephant-Eyed
The elephane-eyed Ganesha is the embodiment of goodness and virtue,
his size belying his non-violent nature. The small eyes radiate
wisdom and compassion, powerful, yet gentle.

Gajanana - Elephant-Faced
Lord Ganesha in the form of Gajanana, with an elephant face, is
deemed to be a very auspicious symbol, warding off possible mishaps
and troubles. he stands for power and strength.

Gajananeti - Elephant-Faced
The elephant-faced Lord Ganesha is one-tusked, has a large body with
a huge belly, and is capable of destroying all obstacles.

Gajavakra - Elephant Trunk
Ganesha with his twisted trunk is symbolic of his vast knowledge and
powers of discrimination, vital for spiritual progress. The curved
trunk is shaped like 'OM', also symbolic of the life force energy.

Ganadhakshya - Lord Of The Celestial HordesB Lord Ganesha is the
Chief of the group of gods, the celestials. He is the Lord of all he
surveys, the Master of the earth, the universe, the cosmos, all
creation.

Ganadhyakshina - Lord Of The Celestials
Lord Ganesha is the Lord of the gods and is the beloved of all. As
the Chief and Supreme God among gods, he is worshipped by all.

Ganapati - Lord Of The Ganas
Lord Ganesha is also called Ganapati, the Lord of the celestial
hordes. He is the Supreme Deity, Lord Almighty, who rules over the
entire kingdom of the gods.

Gaurisuta - Son Of Gauri
Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati. Gaurisuta is Lord Ganesha,
the deft son of Gauri. He enlightens and causes his mother's face to
blossom with his love and devotion.
Gunina - Lord Of All Virtues
Gunina, the Lord of all virtues, is Grace personified, making
everything auspicious. His immense grace and radiance is supreme and
ethereal, and is adored by one and all.

Haridra - The Golden One
Lord Ganesha, although smoke-coloured, is the Golden One, as he has a
moon crest on his forehead, a sacred thread in the form of a serpent
round his body, cheeks anointed with a vermilion paste, glowing
golden like the rays of the sun.

Heramba - Beloved Of The Mother
Lord Ganesha is Heramba, the fire-headed Protector of the weak. He is
his mother's beloved, and is her protector.

Kapil - Tawny-Coloured
The tawny-coloured elephant-faced Ganesha is the God of wisdom who
teaches that the path of sucess and achievement is through the use of
intellect, and that through wisdom alone can one reach salvation.

Kaveesha - Lord Of Poets
Ganesha is the Lord of wisdom from whom emanates knowledge that is
divine. All poets invoke his grace before picking up their pens, for
he is the Lord of poets from whose divine pen flow divine words.

Kirti - Lover Of Music
Lord Ganesha is Nada Brahman, Lord of music. He is the repository of
knowledge and a mine of virtues

Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part II
Source: Eprarthana.com
Buddhipriya - Bestower of Knowledge
Buddhipriya, the repository of knowledge, bestows guileless
discreation to the worshipper. As ruler of the Mooladhara Chakra or
plexus, he arouses a person's latent energy or life force to take him
to the Divine Light.

Buddhividhata - God Of Wisdom
By chanting Lord Ganesha,s name day in and day out, one gets richer
by imbibing all knowledge and wisdom from him, who is of enlightened
heart and unwavering wisdom.

Chaturbhujeti - Four-Armed
The four-armed Ganesha is an embodiment of truth, discreation, having
control over money power and bondage. These four arms represent the
four castes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishys and Shudra, symbolically
indicating his divinity.

Devadeva - Lord of All Lords
Lord Ganesha is the Master of all. He is always worshipped in the
three worlds by all, and is the first to be reverenced among the
celestials.

Devantakanashakarin - Destroyer of Demons
Lord Ganesha, the destroyer of evils, slew the powerful demons, re-
establishing righteousness and peace in the three worlds.

Devavrata - Accepter of All Penances
The elephant-faced Ganesha is propitiated by all as He is
Auspiciousness personified. he is the granter of boons and responds
to penances of his devotees.

Devendrashika - Protector Of the Gods
Lord Ganesha, Protector of the gods, is their beloved. With a large
form, who has the mouse as his vehicle, he is the embodiment of peace
and tranquillity - the giver of peace to all.

Dharmik - One Who Favours Charity
The Great Lord Ganesha is gentle, forgiving and compassionate. He
likes to prod man with his goad to the path of righteousness and
truth so that he can leara to be charitable.

Dhoomravarna - Smoke-Coloured Body
The smoke-hued Ganesha is the beloved Lord of gods and mortals. His
body is sometimes compared with a red lotus. His hands are ornamented
with gem-studded bangles and his whole smoke-coloured image is
enchanting.
Durja - The Invincible
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced, pot-bellied Lord is Infinite
Strength and Power personified. He is deathless, has no beginning or
end - he is invincible.

Dvaimatura - Son of Two Mothers
Goddess Parvati created a child from the perspiration that came off
her body. Shelowered him into the River Ganga and he grew into a
large being. Both Parvati and Ganga claimed to be his mother.

Ekaakshara - Of The Single Syllable
Lord Ganesha is the symbol of a single syllable 'OM', the symbol of
the great God. He is also known aas Pranava, the sound from which the
world emanated.

Ekadanta - He Of Single Tusk
The rorund, massive Ganesha sports a single tusk, a broken one, which
symbolises him as beyond the rules of cosmic orderliness, as he is
the cosmas itself. The broken tusk represents the shedding of the
ego.

Ekadrishta - Single-Tusked
The single-tusked Ganesha stands for one direction. He gathers
information from various directions, but having decided his course of
direction, he does not waver. The single tusk represents the non-
dualistic nature of reality.

Eshanputra - Son Of Shiva
Lord Ganesha is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Heis the
elephant-faced son, having a simple broken tusk and trunk that is
askew. He is the delight of them.

Know About 108 Ganesh -- Part I
Source: Eprarthana.com
Gajavaktra - Elephant-Mouthed
The elephant-mouthed Ganesha is very fond of sweets. With a huge
belly signifying wealth and the modaka sweet in his hand, symbolic of
the realised Inner Self, he persoifies love.

Akhuratha - One With Mouse As His Charioteer
Lord Ganesha, with a huge body, has a small mouse as his charioteer.
The hugeness matters little when the study of life principles is
considered. The soul may be the greatest or the smallest. This
represents life in its totality and Lord Ganesha is suggestive of
these cosmic aspects.

Alampata - The Eternal
By whose puissance this world of illusion is manifest, whose creation
is this universe, who is the Lord of all gods and creation, he is the
Eternal, Lord Ganesha.

Amit - One Who Has No Comparison
Ganesha is the embodiment of 'OM', the symbol of the Great God. He is
the Eternal Sprit, the Beginning of all beginnings, beyond
comparison.

Anantachidrupamayam - Infinite and Consciousness Personified
He who is the root cause of the worlds, who is uniquely manifest in
the hearts of all, can be realised only by concentrated meditation.
Lord Ganesha, the Infinite, is beyond distinctions and beginning.

Avaneesh - Master of the Whole Earth
As a rotund, elephant-faced figure, Lord Ganesha is the Lord and
Master of the whole Earth. Heis the protector of the visible world
and leader of the helpless, destroying all evil and obstacles.

Avighna - Without Obstacles
The mighty, massive Ganesha, mounted on his vehicle, bestows
everything desired if his devotees chant his name with fervour and
devotion. He is also responsible in keeping away all obstacles from
their path.
Balaganapati - The Beloved Child
Lord Ganesha is adored by all the gods, even by the four-faced
Brahma, and Lord Indra. As the elephant- faced child, he is the
colour or the rays of the rising sun.

Bhalchandra - Sporting The Moon Crest
A moon crest adorns the forchead of Lord Ganesha. It denotes a pot of
nectar, providing divine coolnes to the wearer. It is also denotes
intelligence and mental enlightenment, the moon being the symbol of
mind and peace.

Bheema - Gigantic
The massive Lord Ganesha reposes on the jewelled throne with the
snare, the hamulus and the lotus flower in his hands. On his forehead
reposes the moon. He is four armed, has a single tusk, a trunk askew,
a pot belly and he is gigantic.

Bhoopati - Lord of the Lords
Bhoopati, also called Ganapati, is the Lordof the lords, the Master
of the ganas or celestial hordes. He is worshipped by Brahma himself
and is worshipped in all the three worlds.

Bhoovanpati - Lord of the Lords
Bhoovanpati is the Great God Himself to whom even the Trinity -
Vishnu the Protector, Shiva the Destroyer and Brahma the Creater -
pay obeisance and propitiate Him to save the world from evil.

Buddhinath - Lord of Wisdom
Lord Ganesha, the Lord of wisdom, is the repository of all knowledge.
His illimitable erudition makes even Goddess Saraswati and Sage
Narada bow their heads in awe.

...................................

Attributes of Lord Ganesha
Source: Eprarthana.com
There are thirty-nine attributes of Lord Ganesha. They are as
follows:

Paasha (noose)
Ankusha (elephant goad)
Broken Tusk
Goblin
Shakti weapon
Arrow
Bow
Chakra (discus)
Knife
Shield
Large hammer
Gada (mace)
Serpent
Trident
Pickaxe
Battleaxe
Banner
Stick
Kamandalu (vessel used during worship)

Axe
Bow of sugarcane
Shankha (conch)
Flower arrow
Large axe
Prayer heads
Fly-whisk fan
Sword
Fire
Veena
Lotus flower
Bowl of modak (Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet)
Sprig of paddy
Book
Coconut
Flower garland
Sprig of Kalpataru tree
Bowl of payasam (kheer /milk pudding)
Moolaka (radish)
Fruits favoured by Ganesh (banana, pineapple, apple, rose apple, wood
apple, pomegranate and mango)

.......................................

Know About 32 Ganapatis -- Part II
Source: Eprarthana.com
Nritya Ganapati - The happy dancer
Of golden colour, Ganapati in this form dances under the kalpavriksha
Tree. He wears rings on his fingers and holds a noose, goad, axe,
tusk and sometimes a sweet cake in one of his hands.

Urdhva Ganapati - Tantric god
Holding a green-complexioned goddess, he holds in his hands a blue
flower, sprig of paddy, lotus, sugarcane bow, arrow and tusk. He
himself is of golden colour.

Ekaakshara Ganapati - Of the single letter (Gam)
Red in colour, clad in red silk, wearing a garland of red flowers and
with the crescent moon on his crown, he is three-eyed with short arms
and legs. He carries a pomegranate, noose and goad in his hands. His
fourth hand is in the varada (wish-giving) pose. He sits in
padmaasana (yogic lotus pose) and rides the mouse.

Vara Ganapati - The giver of boons
Of red complexion, he has three eyes and wears the crescent moon on
his head. He holds the noose, goad, a dish of honey in his hands, and
a pot of jewels in his trunk. In the Tantric representations of the
deity, he is shown with a goddess on his lap.

Tryakshara Ganapati - Of the three letters AUM (OM)
Of golden colour, he has fly whisks in his flapping ears. He holds a
noose, goad, tusk, and mango fruit in his hands and a modaka sweet in
his trunk.

Kshipra-Prasada Ganapati - Who rewards promptly
Adorned with ornaments and seated on a throne of kusha grass, in his
form his huge abdomen stands out. He holds a noose, goad, lotus,
pomegranate, tusk and a sprig of the kalpavriksha tree.

Haridra Ganapati - The golden one
Yellow in colour with bright yellow raiments, he holds a noose, goad,
tusk and modaka sweet in his hands.

Ekadanta Ganapati - Of the single tusk
Blue in colour and with a huge abdomen, he holds in his hands an axe,
rosary beads, laddu (a sweet) and his broken tusk.

Shrishti Ganapati - The creator
Riding a large rodent and of red complexion, he holds in his hands a
noose, goad, tusk and mango.

Uddanda Ganapati - Punisher of evil
This Tantric deity carries on his lap his shakti (power) a green-
coloured female form holding a lotus in her hand. In his ten hands he
holds a pot of gems, lotus, blue water lily, gada (mace), sugarcane,
sprig of paddy, noose, garland, pomegranate and tusk.

Runamochana Ganapati - Who releases humanity from bondage
Of white crystal-like mien, he is clad in red silk garments. He holds
a goad, noose, rose apple and his tusk in his hands.
Dhundhi Ganapati - Of Kashi
Often of sindura or red colour, he has prayer beads, his tusk, a
ratnakumbha (pot of gems) and an axe in his hands.

Dwimukha Ganapati - The god of two faces
Bluish-green in colour, wearing red silk garments and a gem-studded
crown, he holds in his four hands, a noose, goad, tusk and a pot of
gems.

Trimukha Ganapati - The three-faced deity
Seated in the middle of golden lotus seat with a complexion as red as
the palasa flower, this form of Ganapati is shown with the left hand
in an abhaya (protective) pose and the right in the varada (reward-
giving) pose. He also holds a sharp goad, prayer beads, noose and pot
of nectar.

Simha Ganapati - Riding a lion
With the lion as his vehicle, in this form Ganapati is white in
colour and also holds a lion in one hand. In his other hands are a
sprig of the wish-fulfilling tree, the veena (musical instrument), a
lotus, a bunch of flowers and a pot of gems.

Yoga Ganapati - The great yogi
Holding himself in a yogic stance, and bound in a yogic girdle, he is
the colour of the easily morning sun and wears garments of the blue
of Indra. In his hands he holds prayer beads, staff of the yogi,
noose and sugarcane.

Durga Ganapati - The saviour
Of a huge body and burnt-gold complexion, he holds prayer beads, an
arrow, goad and tusk in his right hands and a noose, bow, flag, and
rose apple fruit in his left. His garments are of red colour.

Sankatashara Ganapati - Remover of sorrow
Seated on a red lotus seat and clad in blue, his complexion is that
of the rising sun. On his lap he holds his shakti, (power) who is of
female form, green in colour, holdinga blue flower in her hand. In
his hands he holds a goad, noose, and a vessel of payasam (milk-
sweet). His right hand is in the varada or boon-giving pose. When not
in the Tantric form, Sankatahara Ganapati is represented in celibate
form.


Know About 32 Ganapatis -- Part I
Source: Eprarthana.com
Bala Ganapati - The beloved child
The elephant-faced child is depicted with four arms and is the color
of the rays of the rising sun. He holds a banana, mango, jackfruit
and sugarcane in his hands and his favourite sweet, the modaka, in
his trunk.

Taruna Ganapati - The youthful Ganesha
The young Ganapati is shown as being red in colour like the noon-day
sun. In his hands he holds a noose, an elephant goad, modaka sweet,
wood-apple, rose-apple, his broken tusk, a sprig of paddy, and a
sugarcane branch.

Bhakti Ganapati - God of devotees
Depicted as being of the colour of the full moon of autumn, in his
hands a coconut, mango, banana, and a cup of payasam (kheer / milk
pudding).

Veera Ganapati - The valiant warrior
In this form Ganapati is shown with a red complexion, eight pairs of
arms and a stern look. In his hands he holds a goblin, spear, bow,
arrow, chakra (discus), sword, shield, large hammer, gada(mace),
goad, noose, pick-axe, battle-axe, trident, serpent and banner.

Shaki Ganapati - The powerful one
Holding in one arm the green-coloured Shakti (power personified in
female form), Shakti Ganapati is depicted as being the colour of the
sky at sunset. He holds a noose, a garland of flowers and one hand in
the abhaya mudra, offering blessing to his devotees. This form of
Ganapati is part of Tantric worship.

Dwija Ganapati - The twice-born
Four-headed, like Brahma, he holds a book, rosary beads, kamandalu
(vessel used during worship), and a danda (staff). He is the colour
of the moon and wears lightning-like bangles on his arms.

Siddhi Ganapati - God of achievement
Of the colour of golden yellow, he holds a mango fruit, stick of
sugarcane, a bunch of flowers and an axe. In his trunk, the fifth
hand, he holds a sweetened ball of sesame seeds.

Uchhishta Ganapati - A Tantric deity
Holding Shakti (his female power) in one arm, in his remaining hands
he holds a blue lotus, pomegranate, a sprig of paddy, veena (musical
instrument), and prayer beads. He is depicted as being blue in
colour.
Vighna Ganapati - Creator of obstacles for the evil
Of golden hue, he is eight-armed and holds, like Vishnu, a shankha
(conch) and chakra (discus). He also holds a sprig of flowers,
sugarcane bow, flower arrow, axe, noose and garland.

Kshipra Ganapati - Quick-acting god
Handsome of appearance and red in colour like the hibiscus flower, he
holds his broken tusk, noose, goad and a sprig of the kalpavriksha
(wish-fulfilling) tree in his hands and ratnakumbha (pot of precious
gems) in his trunk.

Heramba Ganapati - Protector of the weak
With five faces and the dark green colour, he rides a lion. Two of
his hands are in the abhaya (protective) and varada (giving)
postures. In his other hands he holds a noose, tusk, prayer beads,
garland, axe, big hammer, modaka sweet and fruit.

Lakshmi Ganapati - Giver of success
The goddesses, Siddhi (achievement) and Buddhi (wisdom) in either lap
hold blue lotuses in their hands. His one hand is in the varada
(giving) posture, and in his other hands he has a noose, goad,
parrot, a sprig of the kalpavriksha tree, kamandalu (prayer vessel),
sword and pomegranate. In this form he is of pure white colour.

Maha Ganapati - The great one
With a complexion like ripe paddy, he holds his shakti, who has a
lotus in her hand, on his lap. He has three eyes and the crescent
moon on his crown. He holds a pomegranate, gada (mace), sugarcane
bow, chakra (discus), lotus, noose, blue lily, sprig of paddy, tusk,
and pot of gems. This again is a Tantric form.

Vijaya Ganapati - The giver of success
Of red complexion and riding a rodent, he holds a goad, noose, tusk
and mango in his hands.


...................................................

Ganesha -- God of Wisdom
Source: Eprarthana.com
"OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAH" , it is this mantra of Lord Ganesha which
is repeated at the commencement of every undertaking or spiritual
Sadhna, for the removal of obstacles and attainment of success.

Ganesha is the god of wisdom and prosperity and is invoked before the
beginning of any auspicious work by the Hindus. According to
mythology he is the son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of Kartikeya -
the general of the gods, Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth and
Saraswati-the goddess of learning. This elephant-headed god, whose
vehicle is the Mooshak or rat and who loves Modaks (round sweets) is
associated with several humourous tales and lores. Tales of how he
beat his brother Kartikeya, in a race which involved going around the
world thrice, without even moving out of his house, of how he lost
one of his tusks are known to children all over India.

Legend has it that Parvati created Ganesha out of the sandalwood
dough that she used for her bath and breathed life into him. Letting
him stand guard at the door she went to have her bath. When her
husband, Shiva returned, the child who had never seen him stopped
him. Shiva severed the head of the child and entered his house.
Parvati, learning that her son was dead, was distraught and asked
Shiva to revive him. Shiva cut off the head of an elephant and fixed
it on the body of Ganesha.

Another story says that the Gods decided to choose their leader and a
race was to be held between the brothers' Kartikeya and Ganesh.
Whoever took three rounds of the earth first would be made the
Ganaadhipati or the leader. Kartikeya seated on a peacock, his
vahanam (vehicle), started off for the test. Vinayak or Ganesh was
given a rat, which moves swiftly. Vinayak realised that the test was
not easy, but he could not disobey his father. He reverently paid
obeisance to his parents and went around them three times and
completed the test before Kartikeya. According to him, " my parents
pervade the whole universe and going around them, is more than going
round the earth." Everybody was pleasantly surprised to hear
Vinayak's logic and intelligence.


.........................................

Ganesha -- God of Auspiciousness
Ganesha is, in one way, the most complex of concepts. Except as an
incarnation on earth, neither God nor His forms as the Trinity or
their consorts are ever 'born'. God only exists. Ganesha, alone of
the deities, was mind-born or created and acquired as a son by Shiva
and Parvati.
Yet, amazingly, he is also the simplest, as he is the God of all
people, big and small, educated and illiterate. For him, no
formalized form of worship is necessary. Meditating on him results in
filling one's heart with love of one's fellow-beings, human and
animal, which is after all the aim of true religion.

This god of wisdom teaches that the path to success and achievement
is through the use of the intellect, and that through wisdom alone
can one reach salvation. (this great truth is called the Vinayaka
Tattvam).

The calm and majestic Ganesha with the strength and power of an
elephant is the Lord of all obstacles which keep Man under control,
and yet is also the remover of the obstacles which befuddle Man in
his endeavours. Like the elephant he has a prodigious memory, and
never forgets the qualities of loyalty and devotion of those around
him.

He spreads the message of peace and tranquillity and his large size
therefore evokes great love, never fear. In fact his unusual form
gets embedded in the mind of the worshipper.

Ganesha is the embodiment of OM, the symbol, of the Great God, and
is the delight of the gods and the beloved of humanity. He is the
playful god of the young and the great guru of the old. He is the god
of auspiciousness, the beginning of all beginnings, the saviour of
all that is good.
With the rishis of yore his devotees therefore join and sing - Sadaa
brahma bhootam vikaaraadi heenam
Vikaaraadi bhootam maheshaadivandyam
Apaaraswaroopam svasamvedyamekam
Namaamah sadaa vakratundam bhajaamah
(He who is a form of the eternal spirit, the Brahman Is changeless
yet causes change all around Him whom Mahesha and the other gods
worship Who has a unique form and deep knowledge of the self This
Vakratunda do we worship always).

OM shantih, Shantih, shantihi (OM peace, peace, peace unto all).

Lord Ganesh's images and pictures not only are seen presiding over
the lintels of the doorways of many Hindu homes as hartingess of good
luck out in hospitals private Nursing homes and clinics.

Ganesh is looked upon as the god of good harvest and hence after his
immersion clay is brought from the waterside and sprinkled into the
farms and store-rooms for luck & plenty.


.......................................

Festival of Ganesh - Ganesh Chaturthi
Religion in India is still a living force and Indians appreciate and
cultivate the festival spirit even in this age of industrialisation
and political upheavals. May be Ganesh festivals bring people
together and make the nation move forward and grow. Ganesh Festival
is very popular in our country.
The birth of Lord Ganesh is on the 4th day of the bright half of
Bhadrapad (August/September). This festival is celebrated for 10 days
from Ganeshchaturthi - birth -date-to Anantchaturdashi - the final
10th day of his immersion. Everyone loves this deity with his curving
trunk, pot-belly and big glappy ears. He is the benevolent protector
of the innocent, yet the ruthless destroyer of evil. His mount is a
rat.

In several states of India, but specially in Maharashtra clay idols
of Ganesh in varying sizes are made and sold. The idols are purchased
and brought home the day previous to Ganesh Chaturthi which is the
day of Hartalik when women keep fast and invoke the blessings of
goddess Parvati, who is Ganesh's mother.

In streets and commercial establishments community worship is offered
to a life-size or even a bigger image, installed on an erected
platform. This Lord Ganesh is very fond of sweets and hence khir,
panchamrit, fruits and sweets and specially modaks are placed before
him as "Naivedya" or "Bhog". After the ritual worship this "Bhog" is
distributed as "Prasad".

On the day of immersion which is either 3rd, 5th, 7th or 10th day
after performing "Puja" the idol is taken out in a procession by
people who dance and sing. On the 10th day - the Anantchaturdashi day
the sea

fronts are packed with surging mass of humanity as the idols of
Ganesh are carried towards their watery rest among shouts
of "Ganapati Bappa Moriya", Pudhachya varshi lavkar ya" (Return early
next year, oh Victorious Lord Ganesh).
Since the days of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the founder of the
Maratha empire this Ganesh Festival was celebrated on a grand scale
in Pune and later on the Peshwas themselves participated in this
festival as Ganesh was their family deity. Today this festival is the
most colourful and happy event in the religious, social and cultural
life of India specially that of Pune. With the end of the Peshwa
regime this festival lost its glamour and came to be observed
privately in households only. Thus many years passed.

At the crucial juncture of India's history when the nation indeed
under the yoke of slavery of the British, Lokmanya Tilak, who
proclaimed "Swarajya is my birth-right and I'll have it" realising
the importance of the massive popularity of this festival initiated
its nationwide celebrations in 1893. Then it became a platform for
political awakening and uprising among people to gain freedom from
British imperialism. Ganesh Festival thus played a very important
role in our Freedom Struggle.

During the last 5000 years of history in the pre-Vedic era, the
concept of Ganesh had reached all over the world and idols of Ganesh
in various forms have been found in Java, Indo-China, Nepal,
Combodia, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam and Srilanka where He is regarded
as the protector and saviour of mankind from the menace of ghosts and
demons.
By Malini Bisen

...................................

Various Names of Ganesha
According to HINDU purana 'Ganapatyas,' lord Ganesha has been
conferred with twelve unique names depending upon his form and
nature. It is believed that invoking these names before any ritual
brings in prosperity and goodwill.
Ganesha is addressed in hymns and prayers by many names, sometimes
eight, sometimes twelve, sometimes sixteen, sometimes thirty-two.
Most popularly he is addressed as Ganapati or Ganesha, lord of the
ganas or celestial hordes, and as Gajaanana, the one with the face of
an elephant.

He is also called Vakratunda of the twisted trunk, and Ekadanta,
having but one tusk. He is known as Krisha Pingaaksha, one with dark,
reddish brown eyes and Gajavaktra, having an elephant's mouth.

He is Lambodara, one with a fat belly, and Vikata, of the monstrous
figure. He is addressed as Vighnaraja and Vighneshwara, the king and
lord of obstacles as also Vignaharta or Vighnanaashin, the destroyer
of obstacles.

His smoke-coloured body has given him the name, Dhoomravarna, and
his tawny colour, the name Kapila. He is Phaalachandra, sporting the
moon crest, and Vinayaka, remover of hindrances.
He is also Sumukha, of the auspicious and pleasant visage, Heramba,
the five headed protector of the weak, and Ganaadhyaksha, the leader
of the celestial hordes.

His large ears resemble the winnow and have given him the name,
hSoorpakarna. He is Skandapoorvaja, older than Skanda, the other son
of Shiva and Parvati. He is Akhuratha, with the rat as his chariot,
and Siddhidaata, the bestower of success. The Tamils however have
their own special name for him - Pillaiyar, the revered and noble
son.
....................................

The Eight Holy Shrines of Lord Ganesha
The most important to Ganesha devotees are the eight Ganesha shrines,
the Ashta Vinayak. These eight forms of Ganesha are swayambhu, self-
made, and not made by man. This gives added religious significance
for Ganesha worshippers, and to the faithful, the powers of these
icons are limitless.
These eight shrines are located in Maharashtra.


The most popular is the one at Morgaon, south-east of Pune, where
Ganesha, riding a peacock and taking the form of Mayureshwar or
Moreshwar, is believed to have destroyed the demon, Sindhu.

Close to Pune, at Theur, is the image of Ganesha as Chintamani.
Ganesha is believed to have got back the precious Chintamani jewel
form the greedy Guna for Sage Kapila at this spot.

At Ranjangaon is the shrine of Ganapati as Mahaganapati. The legend
here refers to Shiva worshipping Ganesha before fighting the demon,
Tripuraasura.

At Siddhatek stands Ganesha as Siddivinayak. It was here that
Vishnu was reminded to pray to Ganesha before his fight with the
demons, Madhu and Kaitab. By doing so, he achieved success, or
Siddhi. This icon has a right-turned trunk.

At Ojhar is the shrine of Vighnahara or Vighneshwara, a form taken by
Ganesha to destroy a demon named Vighnaasura created by Indira.

At Lenyadri nearby is Ganesha in the form of Girijatmak or
Girijatmaja, son of Girija (Parvati). It is believed that Parvati
performed penance here to beget Ganapati as her son.

At Pali near the Bombay-Goa road is the shrine of Ballaleshwar, where
Ganesha saved his devotee, a boy, Ballal, who was beaten up by
villagers for his single-minded worship of Vinayaka.

At Mahad, near Khopoli, is the form of Ganesha as Varad Vinayak, the
giver of bounty and success. A lamp, Nandadeep, is kept permanently
lighted here and has been shining since 1892.


........................................
Ganesha's Birth Legend: The Mind-Born Son of Shiva
According to one puranic story, the Devas (minor gods or celestial
beings) approached the almighty Shiva and asked for help, as they
were being harassed by the demons. Shiva consented to aid them and
out of his mind appeared a glorious, glowing figure of a child with
the head of a powerful elephant and a trident in one hand. The gods
were overjoyed to see the mind-born son of Shiva who would henceforth
protect them.
Seeing this beautiful child, Parvati placed him on her lap and vowed
that no endeavour, human or divine, would be successful without a
prayer to the young one. Shiva then made him the leader of the ganas
or celestial hordes, calling him Ganpati.

In another purana the same story is modified. According to it,
Shiva's maanasika putra was a dazzling human boy. Parvati, annoyed
that the child was born without her intervention, willed that the
head should be turned to that of an elephant.
However, when she saw the elephant-headed child she felt great love
for him, and stated that no endeavour, human or divine, would succeed
without a prayer to Ganpati, whom Shiva had made the head of the
ganas.


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Ganesha's Birth Legend: How Ganesha got The elephant head
A more popular legend deals with the birth of Ganesha to Parvati.
Once while Parvati was going for her bath, she rubbed off the dust
and oil from her body and out of it created the figure of a young
boy. She infused life into the figure and told him he was her son and
should guard the entrance when she went down to bathe.
Soon after, Shiva came to see Parvati but the young boy blocked his
way and would not let him in. Shiva, unaware that this lad was his
son, became furious and in great anger fought with the boy whose head
got severed from his body in the ensuing battle.

Parvati, returning from her bath, saw her headless son and
threatened, as Shakti, to destroy the heavens and the earth, so great
was her sorrow.

The gods and Shiva pacified her and the latter sent out his ganas,
or hordes, to bring the head of the first living being with his head
towards the north (the auspicious direction associated with wisdom).
They did so and the first living creature they found sleeping with
its head to the north was an elephant.
They brought the head of this animal and Shiva placed it on the trunk
of Parvati's son and breathed life into him.

Parvati was overjoyed and embraced her son, the elephant-headed boy
whom Shiva named Ganesha, the lord of his ganas.


....................................................

Ganesha's Birth Legend: The result out of Parvati's penance
Another puranic legend has it that Parvati longed for a child and
conveyed her desire to Shiva. He asked her to undertake the Punyaka
penance for one year, which she did.
The sage, Sanatkumara, presided over the austerities and made Parvati
undergo several trials and tribulations to test the strength of her
vow.

Finally, after she had passed all the tests and completed the vow
undertaken by her, she heard a voice from the heavens telling her to
look for newborn son in her chamber. When she ran in and saw the
beautiful child, she could not believe her eyes. He was more
beautiful than all the gods put together, and his face shone like the
morning sun. Her joy knew no bounds.

All the gods and goddesses rushed to Mount Kailas, the abode of the
divine parents, to see this child of glory, paid obeisance, and
marvelled at the beauty of the child.

The nine grahas or planets also came to greet the divine couple and
their beloved son. One of them, Shani (Saturn), would not however
look up at the child and had his head bent. When Parvati asked him
why he was reluctant to look at her son, he told her that there was a
curse laid on him by his jealous wife, by which anyone he looked at
with admiration would be destroyed.

Parvati, anxious like a fond mother for her son to be admired,
insisted that he look at her son. Shani then looked up at the child
whose head immediately got separated from the body and flew off into
space. Parvati wailed and lamented so loudly and created such
commotion that the gods rushed to Kailas.
Vishnu, seeing what had happened to create such grief in Parvati, got
on to his vehicle, Garuda and flew in search of a head to replace the
lost one.

On the banks of the River Pushpabhadra, he found a herd of elephants
sleeping. Choosing an animal lying with its head to the north, he
brought the head of that elephant (who was actually a Gandharva, a
celestial being, waiting to be released from earthly life), and
placed it on the headless child's neck. Breathing life into the
child, he presented it to Parvati who was overjoyed at having a son
with the wisdom and power of an elephant.

Vishnu adorned the child with exquisite ornaments to match his beauty
as did Himavaan, the father of Parvati. Vishnu collected all heavenly
beings together and led the worship of the child, giving him the
eight names by which he came to be commonly known - Vighneshwara,
Ganesha, Heramba, Gajaanana, Lambodara, Ekadanta, Soorpakarna and
Vinayaka.


........................................

Ganesha's Birth Legend: As created by Parvati
Another puranic legend has it that one day Parvati rubbed oil and
sweet smelling powder on her body. Out of the perspiration that came
off her body, she created a child.
She then lowered the child into the River Ganga. As soon as the water
washed over the child, he grew into a large effulgent being who was
now deemed Dvaimatura, the son of two mothers, as Parvati and Ganga
each felt he was her son.

Ganpati the child was now given the leadership of the ganas, the
celestial hordes, by Brahma himself and worshipped in all the three
worlds.
All these are stories from the various puranas where, firstly,
Ganesha appears as the son of Shiva or Parvati or both and is given
powers as the lord of the ganas by Shiva, and secondly, acquires an
elephant head which replaces his original human head.


...............................

Ganesha and the Fruit of Wisdom
Shiva and Parvati were playing with their two sons, Ganesha and
Kartikeya (or Murugan, as he is known to the Tamils). They had been
given a fruit by the gods and both the sons wanted it. The divine
couple explained to the sons that this fruit had in it the nectar of
Supreme Knowledge and Immortality, and since both wanted it, the one
who circled the world three times and came back first would get it as
a prize.
Kartikeya got on to his vehicle, the peacock, and flew into space,
stopping at all sacred spots on the way and offering his prayers.

Ganesha knew that, with his corpulent form weighing him down, his
vehicle, the mouse, would go even slower than usual and he could
never beat Kartikeya.

But his wisdom taught him a solution. He walked around his parents,
Shiva and Parvati, three times, with great devotion. When his parents
asked him why he was not circling the globe, he answered - My
parents, Shiva and Parvati are the whole world. Within them is the
entire universe. I need go no further.

Naturally he won the fruit. This incident highlights the importance
of intelligence, of which Ganesha is a repository, as against
strength or speed or physical achievements.
The same story is altered in another purana according to which Shiva
and Parvati asked both their sons to race round the world thrice. The
one to win would be married first.

Ganesha won by circumambulating his parents three times, who then
married him to the daughters of Vishwaroopa, Siddhi (Achievement or
Success) and Buddhi (Wisdom).

In most parts of India Vinayaka is considered a celibate but in some
parts of the country he is considered married to these beautiful
girls, a symbolic marriage to emphasise the importance of wisdom and
success in removing obstacles.


.........................................

Why Ganesha has a broken tusk?
There are several legends as to how Ganesha broke one of his tusks,
giving him the name, Ekadanta, the one with a single tusk.
The first pertains to his battle with Parashurama. Parashurama was
one of the incarnations of Vishnu, born on earth to teach a lesson to
the ruling classes, the Kshatriyas, who had become very arrogant and
were riding rough-shod over the ordinary people. As a human on earth,
he meditated on Shiva and obtained the divine axe, parashu, with
whose help he waged wars against all the erring princes and cleared
the world of their evil.

Deeply indebted to Shiva, he then came to Mount Kailas to pay
obeisance to his mentor. Ganesha who was guarding the entrance to his
father's chambers would not let him in, saying he had to wait till he
obtained Shiva's permission. Parashurama felt that he, a devotee,
needed no permission.
When Ganesha refused to give in, Parashurama, hot-tempered at all
times, struck Ganesha's tusk with his axe and broke it. Shiva and
Parvati appeared before him and chastised Parashurama, who then
worshipped Ganesha and obtained his forgiveness and blessings.


.................................................

Ganesha's vehicle, the mouse
Gajamukha, a demon, did severe penance on the advice of
Shukraachaarya, the guru of the asuras or demons, and obtained
invincible powers from Shiva. He used these powers to harass the gods
who then rushed to Ganesha for help. Ganesha battled with the demon
but realized that, thanks to the powers given by Shiva, the evil one
could not be killed.
Ganesha then broke his right tusk and threw it at Gajamukha cursing
him to change into a mouse. He then got on to the back of the mouse,
and made it his vehicle, thereby keeping it under his control.

According to another puranic story, Ganesha's rat was really the
Gandharva, Krauncha. Once, in the court of Indira, the king of

the Devas, Krauncha insulted the sage, Vaamedeva. He was then
cursed by the latter and turned into a large rat.
The rat, true to its nature, entered the ashram of sage, Paraashara
and caused great havoc to his dwelling as only a rat can. The Rishi
then prayed to Vinayaka to save his simple dwelling. Ganesha
appeared, made the rat his vehicle, and brought him under control.

As will be noticed, whatever the puranic story, the purpose of making
the rat his vehicle was to keep the rodent, whose nuisance value is
high, under the control of Ganpati.


..............................................

Ganesha, the scribe for Mahabharata
The most interesting story concerning Ganesha is the belief that he
was the scribe who wrote the Mahabharata. Sage Vyasa, the author of
this epic, was advised by Brahma, on whom he meditated, to ask
Ganesha to be the scribe to whom he could dictate the epic in verse
form.
Ganapati appeared before Brahma and agreed to write, but on one
condition, and that was that Vyasa would dictate continuously without
pause. Vyasa agreed but he had his own condition, and that was that
Ganesha should understand every word and thought and its implications
before writing it down.

Whenever Vyasa found Ganesha had completed writing a verse, he would
dictate a verse with very complex meanings so that Ganesha had to
stop and think it over.

This gave Vyasa time to compose a few stanza mentally and dictate
them when Ganesha was ready.
Ganesha used his broken tusk to write the Mahabharata, the longest
epic the world has ever known. Is it surprising then that with Vyasa
as the poet, Ganesha as the scribe and Krishna as the main hero, this
epic has few equals in the world.

This story also has a lesson for mankind, that the Mahabharata should
not be hurriedly read. It should be understood and digested, heard
patiently and ruminated upon. In fact there is a superstition that
the Mahabharata should never be read, only listened to, one small
part at a time. Only then can one understand the depth of the
meanings underlying the events in the epic.


..................................................

Ganesha and the Moon
One Ganesha partook of a huge meal of modaka (a sweet greatly
favoured by him) and was riding home on his vehicle, the mouse.
Suddenly the mouse was tripped by a snake. Ganesha fell off his back
and hive over-full stomach burst open and out tumbled the modaks.
Seeing this comic sight, Chandra, the Moon, burst into laughter.
Ganesha got up, picked up the snake and tied it around his broken
waist-line. (This snake belt can be seen in many sculptures of
Ganesh).

He then threw his broken tusk at the Moon and cursed him so that he
would never again shine at night nor appear in the heavens.(In those
times the full moon shone every day in the year).

Without the Moon, there was no night, no moonlight and no twilight.
People found they could not sleep in the bright sunlight which now
shone veen at night. The gods found life in the heavens as
intolerable as human beings found the earth without the Moon.

The gods rushed to Ganesha and pleaded him. The kind-hearted
Ganesha relented but said that the moon would no longer shine in full
glory every night. He would was and wane from a bright fortnight to a
dark fortnight ending with Full Moon and the New Moon alternatively.
Also, it would not be lucky to see the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi day
(thhe fourth day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Bhaadrapad,
as one who does will be the victim of scandal.

The superstition exists to this day, and people carefully avoid
looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. The over-superstitious
however look downwards on Chaturthi day or the 4th day of the bright
fortnight not only once a year but every month to be on the safe side.


.............................

Ganesha and the River Kaveri
While Ganga is the biggest river of north India, Kaveri is the most
important river of south India. Kaveri is also called Dakshina Ganga
or 'Ganga of the south'. Many Indians lovingly address the Kaveri
as 'Kaveri-amma' or 'Kaveri-taai' (mother Kaveri). Some people call
the river Ponni. In Tamil, 'ponni' means 'gold'.
To bring water to the arid areas of South, Sage Agastya with the
blessings of Brahma obtained water in his Kamndalu (the vessel used
to hold water for rituals of worship) from Shiva. He then came down
south wanting to find the ideal spot from which the river could flow,
and reached the Kodagu (Coorg) hills. He called out to a little boy
(Ganesha in disguise), and asked him to hold the vessel carefully
while he searched around for a good spot.

Ganesha, in his wisdom, selected the right place for the origin of
the river, and left the Kamandalu on the ground at that spot. A crow
came and sat on the vessel and when Agastya returned and saw it, he
shooed it away. When it flew of, it upset the Kamandalu and the water
gushing forth was the sacred River Kaveri flowing from the spot now
known as Talakaveri.
There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it
where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a
Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another
temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha
tree where, according to legend, the Trimurti's - Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh gave Darshan to sage Agastya.

According to a different version of the above legend, Vishnu Maya
became a dwarf and Agastya carried her in a small mud pot to south
India. In south India, God Ganesha turned the pot upside down.
Immediately, Vishnu Maya emerged out of the pot and assumed the form
of the river Kaveri!


Original of all this is here
http://www.samachar.com/religion/ganesh.html

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Thank you for a great Ganesh Collection.

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