Ganeshji and His Greatness

Aum Sri Ganapathaye Namaha

Agajnana padmrkam gajnanam aharniam anka dam tam bhaktnm kadantam upsmah

Meaning: Seeing the elephant-faced Ganesha all the time, Goddess Parvati's face lighted up, just like
how a lotus opens up seeing the sun and I meditate upon the Lord with single tusk, the giver of many boons to the devotees. This sloka shows the beautiful relation between mother and a child or between Maya and its creation. He is the essence of Tapas Shakthi of Maa Parvathi the daughter of the Parvatha Raja. Lord Ganesh the remover of Vighnas (Obstacles) is also called Vighneswara. He is the deity which everyone should pray before starting any activity.

Mythology:
We all know that Ganeshji was created by Parvathi as a small boy and later he was beheaded by Shivji. The head of an Asura named Gajasur was attached to the trunk of the dead boy and restored his life again. Thats why he was called as Gajaanana. With progressing age Ganeshji became huge bodied and pot bellied and got a comic appearance. But in fact he was adored by many Devtas for his supreme intelligence and wit. Later he was offered the position of Vighnadhipathi that means owner for obstacles. Through worship ping him one can have no obstacles in his/her activities or attempts. Since then he was offered the first prayer in all solemn activities or Pujas or any Vedic krathus. He was offered this position on Bhadrapada Sukla Chathurthi i.e. the 4th lunar day of the month of Bhadrapada. This day is called as Ganesh Chathurthi in North India and as Vinayak Chathurthi in South India. On this day we all have to listen to the origin and story of Ganeshji to avoid the curse of Maa Parvathi. People all over India will pray to Ganeshji for success in all aspects of life.

Tantra:
Unlike other Gods or Godesses Ganeshji has a very attractive appearance and he is like a good friend than a God. He will be happy with petty offerings (alpa santhoshi) only and will give great boons to us. (This is my personal experience too)

As per this subject there are 32 forms of Ganeshji among them only two are popular with us. They are Varada Ganapathy and Lakshmi Ganapathy. There are specific purposes for the worship of a particular Ganapathy form. These tantras are vigorously developed and practiced by Boudhas. But for Grihasthas or people leading family life the above two forms are enough and always simple worship is preferable. Guruji Sri K.S.Krishnamurthi is ardent devotee to Sri Ucchishta Ganapathy. He was initiated by Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra saraswathi swamy. With His blessings he became the renowned astrologer and invented K.P. which is beyond doubt a marvel in predictive astrology. If we worship Ganeshji on this auspicious day with leaves, grass, laddus and other sweets then we can have noble thoughts and success in our enterprises.

Astronomy:
This day is in the 4th day in the bright half of the month Bhadrapada. In India the months are named purely on Astronomy not like the westerners who name them after the mythological stories. For instance the month Chithra is named during the month when the full moon was farmed in the star of Chithra star i.e. when Moon is in Chithra and it is a full moon day. Similarly all months are named basing on the constellation in which the moon during the full moon day. Bhadrapada masa is the month when moon is in Purvabhadra star during the full moon day. The fourth tithi or lunar day called Sukla chathurthi is when Moon will be in Hastha star. On this day after sunrise within two hours we can have Hastha star in the eastern horizon. In ancient days all parva dinas are taken when auspicious stars rise just before or after sun rise. Hastha means the hand as time progressed this became Hasthi which means elephant in Sanskrit thats why Ganeshji is with Elephant head, this is one school of thought. Sometimes festivals are also celebrated when these auspicious stars are setting just before or after sun setting. For instance in Assam there was a tradition to celebrate Ganesh puja on the 4 th day of Chaithra masa when the same Hastha star set in the evening. Krithika is a deadly fiery star as the Adhi Devtha is Agni Deva the fire god. When Sun is in this star we have heavy temperature on earth and life becomes very tough. Hence when this fiery star rise in the east that time is called as Karthari and all works which have be performed outside the house are void as the venomous heat can take the life. This is the secret behind Karthari in Muhurtha sastra.

Astrology:
As per Jamini Maharshi worship of Ganeshji will give relief from maladies related to Kethu. The problems indicated by Mars (Kuja), Saturn (sani), Kethu (Dragon tail) and Mercury (Budha) are all cleared by worshipping Ganeshji.

1) For people having average intelligence daily prayer to Ganeshji will do well. 2) If child birth is delayed because of Saturn, Kethu, Mars afflictions to the 5th house. Homa peformed to Laxmi Ganapathi will give good results. 3) For success in competition also His prayer is good. 4) One should wear his dollar or ring made of gold or silver on a Wednesday. Offering laddus to Him on every Wednesday can reap very good results. 5) Hanging a picture or keeping a small Ganesh idol on reading desk will give good education. 6) For success in all enterprises one should do Abhishek to Ganeshji with honey and sugarcane juice on Wednesdays.

Prayer on Ganesh Chaturthi:

On this holy day one should wake up early in the morning and collect various leaves, grass, fruits, sugarcane etc. and offer them by performing puja to and Ganeshji idol made of clay. After puja varieties of sweets should be offered as Nivedan. Repeat the same in the evening. The story of Ganeshji should be read or listened after evening puja and have the Akshath (Rice mixed in turmeric or kumkum) on the head. Then only one can see the moon otherwise one can face an ill repute for no reason. [Note: one can follow their customs or tradition depending upon their location but puja is a must for all] Ganeshji bless us all with peace and prosperity.