Ganesh's Birth
Once Lord Shiva left his usual dwelling on Mt.Kailas
in the Himalayas, to meditate in one of the caves in the same mountain. Two friends of Parvati, his consort, suggested that
she should have a 'gana' - attendant of their own, since they were not too happy with Shivaji's 'ganas'. Parvati agreed. Soon
after, using her divine powers, she created a son, naming him Vinayak. She instructed him to guard their home. When Shivaji
returned Vinayak prevented him from entering. After some bickering, Shivaji beheaded Vinayak with his 'trishul' (trident).
When Parvati heard of this she lamented intensely. Shivaji realised his error. To set things right he sent his men to the
forest to fetch the head of the first living thing they met. They encountered a baby elephant and returned with its head.
With his divine power, Shivaji placed the head over his son's body. Instantly Vinayak sprung to life. Henceforth Vinayak also
earned the name of Gajaanan. 'Gaja' means elephant. Shivaji blessed him with a boon that people would first worship and offer
him dedication in all their auspicious activities. Those who didn't would not attain success. Bhadarva Sud 4th is the
day Parvati was offering the final pujan to the dead Ganeshji, when he resurrected.
Ganapati Vivaha
(Marriage)
When Shiva and Parvati decided to have their sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh married,
they stipulated that he who circumambulated the earth first would be considered the best deity and would be married first.
Kartikeya flew off on his vehicle - a peacock. Poor Ganapati's vehicle was a mouse which was no match for a peacock. Being
the choicest devotee of God, Parvatiji consoling him showed Ganeshji a simpler and quicker way. She advised him to cicumambulate
the cow since she also symbolically represents another earth and he had reap the same benefit as going round the earth. Another
reference cites him circumambulating his parents.Consoling him, Parvati showed a short cut. She divulged that it was ordained
in the scriptures that he who offered pujan to his parents and then circumambulated them received the same merit as he who
went around the earth. Ganapati hence married first showing that one who obeys the wish of the choicest devotee of God or
his parents attains his desired wishes. Hence Ganeshji is invoked first in all auspicious events, rites and rituals such as
marriage, opening ceremonies, ground-breaking ceremonies, yagnas and so on. The Shiva Puran cites another story. Prajapati
had two daughters, Siddhi (wealth) and Buddhi (intellect). He approached Parvati and Shivaji for the girls' marriage to Kartikeya
and Ganeshji. However both girls wished to marry only the latter. Thus they married him. Siddhi gave birth to a son named
'Shubh' (auspiciousness) and Buddhi to 'Labh' (merit). Therefore when businessmen and merchants offer pujan to Ganeshji
and Lakshmiji they write 'Shubh' and 'Labh' inside their account ledgers to invoke the two deities.
Sentiments
The first person to observe the 'vrat' (vow) of Ganesh Chaturthi
was Chandra - the moon. After Ganeshji's fame as leader ('pati') of Shiva's 'ganas', hence Ganapati, he was travelling through
the heavens. As he passed Chandra - who prided on his attractive features, he slighted Ganeshji's peculiar form. In return,
Ganeshji cursed him, "You shall bear the fruit of your karma. Whenever somebody does your darshan he will be cursed too."
Chandra begged for forgiveness. Ganeshji then advised him to observe the Ganesh Chaturthi vrat and was freed from the curse.
By being aware of the detrimental effects of false pride one should cultivate humility. The Skanda Purana mentions this
sentiment of the festival. The Vayu Puran advocates the observance of this festival by listening to the following relevant
episode of Shri Krishna, to be relieved from false accusation: When Shri Krishna was falsely accused of pilfering the
Syamantak Mani (gem) he observed Ganesh Chaturthi and was freed from the false charge. This festival also inspires devotees
to inculcate two virtues; obeying the commands of God and His choicest devotee, and consolidating faith in them, just as Ganeshji
had faith and trust in Parvati regarding circumambulating his parents.
Names of Ganeshji
Ekadant (one-toothed) There are other names related to his body and virtues.
A few commonly known are listed below: Lambodar - from the long - 'lambo', tummy - 'udar'. Gajkarna - from the
large elephant 'Gaja' ears - 'karna.' Kapil - from his ruddy complexion. Vikat - heavy-bodied. Bhalchandra - having
a Chandra (moon) on his forehead - 'bhal.' Dwaimatur - one who has 'dwi' - two, 'mata' - mother; Parvati - who gave birth
to him and Malini - a demoness who nurtured him. Vakratund - one who breaks the ego of he who behaves anti-socially ('Vakra').
Mudgal - In south India, a special 'Mudgal Puran' extols Ganapati's glory. It cites 32 names, while 'Shardatilak' lists
51 names. Vigneshwar - One who removes mayic obstacles - 'vignas'
Symbolism and Import
Since Ganeshji represents auspiciousness, his whole being has symbolic imports
for devotees: Large ears - signify listening to God's katha with great zeal. Small eyes - to do the Lord's darshan
minutely. Large forehead - to develop great intellect to realise God. Large stomach - depicts his great capacity to
empathise with the woes of devotees. Short legs - depicts patience. Long trunk - symbolic of his deep scriptural wisdom.
Mouse as vehicle - a hyperactive creature, symbolic of our indriyas. Therefore Ganesh sitting on such a vehicle represents
a deity of control over the indriyas. Four arms - which hold: 'ankush' - symbol for control over the mind 'ladu' -
for happiness 'pash' - axe to punish the indriyas and antahkaran 'ashirvad mudra' - blessings for the well being of
humanity Depending on the role of Ganapati, the number of arms varies, as do the type of objects.
|