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Indian Spirituality => Stories from Ancient India => Topic started by: pramanisa on July 11, 2007, 02:56:57 AM

Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: pramanisa on July 11, 2007, 02:56:57 AM

(http://www.totalbhakti.com/wallpaper/image/thum_1024x768/Lord-Ganesha-2300.jpg)

From :  http://www.acharyaonline.com/ganesha.htm

Lord Ganesha  

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"Om Sri Gam Ganapathaye Namaha"

This is the Lord Ganesha's mantra.

According to the Vaidic literature, Ganesha is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and he is the head of Pramadhaganas, hence Ganapathi. His brother is Kumaraswamy.

Hindus worship Lord Ganesha with several other names like Vinayaka, Vighneswara, Gajanana and Ganapathi.

Lord Ganapathi is said to be the form of Omkara. Om, which is written in Devanagari (script) is also considered as the pranava. In Om, the upper arc is said to be the head or the face of Gajanana. The Lower arc is his belly. The twisted arc, which is on the right side of Om is the trunk. Thus Omkara represents the complete physical form of Lord Ganesha.

Similarly, yet another divine symbol, the Swastika is also worshipped as another form of Lord Ganesha. According to the Indian culture, both these symbols have divine values.

Every year, the fourth day after the no-moon day (Amaavasya) in the month of Bhadrapada (September according to the English calendar) is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This day is known as Vinayaka Chaturdhi or Vinayaka Chavithi.

On this day, Lord Ganesha was born in Hasthami Nakshatra and Kanya Raasi. The Lord of Kanaya Raasi is Budha (Mercury). Green coloured jewel or Emerald represents Mercury. Owing to this, we worship Lord Ganesha with grass, which is of green in colour.

As Ganesha was born in the zodiac Mercury, he is intelligent like Budha. Similarly, who ever prays him will also attain the intelligence. The Raasi in which Ganesha was born (Hasthami) has the shape of an elephant trunk and rises before dawn on the day of Vinayaka Chavithi.

In the zodiac, Kanya Raasi is in the sixth position. This place indicates the debts and diseases. Owing to this, by worshiping the Lord, the devotees will get rid of the problems related to debt and ill health.

Ganesha is also considered to be the Lord of agriculture. Bhadrapada, the month in which Ganesha was born, falls in rainy season. Being the Lord of agriculture, even the body parts of Ganesha have relevance to various agricultural implements. His trunk resembles the plough. Ears are compared to dust pans. His belly is compared to granary. His vehicle, the rat, indicates the abundant availability of grain. The goad he holds is used for driving the bullock carts, which carry the grain to the granary.A fruit in the other hand is indication of bountiful yield. All these indicate that Lord Ganesha symbolises prosperity.

Aakaashasyaadhipo Vishnuhu Agneshchaiva maheshvari
Vaayoh Sooryaha Kshiterishaha Jeevanasya Ganaadhipaha

This indicates Lord Ganesha to be the Lord of water as well. Basing on this, his idols are immersed in water after worshiping them for nine days during the Vinayaka navaratri.

Lord Ganesha inspires all Lords related to the Karmendriyas (mouth, hands, legs, rectum and genitals), five Gnanendriyas (eyes, nose, ears, tongue and skin), four antahkaranas (Manas,Buddhi,Ahankara and Chittam).

As every recital starts with an Omkara, all the rituals too start only after praying Lord Ganesha. Otherwise, it is believed, the rituals will not reach their logical end.

Sumukhaschaikadanthascha kapilo gajakarnikaha
Lambodarascha vikato vighnaraajo ganaadhipaha
Dhoomaketurganaadhyakshaha phalachandro gajaananaha
Vakratundaha shoorpakarno herambaha skandhapoorvajaha

Who ever recites all these 16 names of Lord Ganesha will avoid various starting troubles during any activity.

There is a mention about Lord Ganesha and his importance in Padma Purana, Linga Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Skaanda Purana, Siva Purana, Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana, Ganapatyadharva Sheersham and Ganapatyupanishad.

Lord Ganesha is described to be having an elephant face, large ears, one tusk, four arms, large belly and the rat as his vehicle. Noose, goad, tusk and an open palm assuring protection…is the description about his four arms. His colour is mentioned to be blood red and sports the same coloured clothes.

Devotees worship him with 21 blades of grass (Darbha) and 21 varieties of flowers. He is known as Modakapriya. Hence is offered 21 Modakas (round cakes or balls made of rice flour). Lord Vinayaka also likes Wood apple, coconut, black plum, plum and other varieties of fruits. Green gram and Bengal gram are soaked in water and offered.

While reciting Ganapathi Stotra or Shata or Sahasra Naama, every name starts with four beejaaksharas—Om, Shreem Glaum Gam and ends with Namaha.

Wednesday is the prominent day for Lord Ganesha. Gam is the beejaakshara for Ganapathi. According to Shiva Purana, 21 forms of ganesha are worshipped. However, this number is put at 32 according to another theory. Ganesha likes music and dance.

Shuklaambaradharam vishnum shashi varnam chaturbhujam
Prasanna vadanam dhyaayet sarva vighnopa shaantaye
Agajaanana padmaarkam gajaananamaharnisham
Aneka damtam bhakataanaam ekadanta mupaasmahe
Both these slokas are recited during every ritual.

Ganapathi pancharatnas and Ganaasthakam are also recited by devotees.

Every fourth day after the full moon day is known as Sankastha Chaturthi. Devotees observe fast on the day till dawn and worship Lord Ganesha before having their meal. This practice is known as Sankashta chaturthi vratham. The ritual performed on Bhaadrapada Shudha Chaviti is known as Varasidhi Vinayaka vratham.

Vaishnavites, instead of worshipping Ganesha, worship Vishwaksena. However, it is believed Vishwaksena is the other form of Ganesha. A round areca/betel nut and raw turmeric are worshipped as the forms of Lord Ganesha.

Material required for worshipping Lord Ganesha

Turmeric powder, Saffron , Gulvaalu , Bukka , Camphor , Coconut , Incense sticks , Oil or ghee lamp , 21 grass blades (Darbha) , 21 varieties of flowers , Wood apple,Plum , Black plum , Guava , Pomegranate , Bananas, Panchaamrutam (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar), Holy water collected from near by river, Turmeric , Round betel nuts (2 numbers) , Unbroken rice, Sandal powder, New piece of cloth , Yagnopaveetham (Sacred thread) , Betel leaves Dates, 21 varieties of leaves, Dakshina (offering in the form of currency or coins), Lord Ganesha's idol or a photograph, A book or a cassette which details the mantras and process of worshipping.

 

Om ganaanaam tva ganapathigm havaamahe
Kavim kaveena mupamashravasthamam
Jyeshtha raajam brahmanaam brahmanaspatha
Aanashrunvannuutibhi sseedasaadanam

This vaidic hymn is chanted before starting Ganapathi pooja.

Omkara/ Pranava:
Omkara is a combination of the basic syllables A (as pronounced in Other),
U (as pronounced in USHA) and Ma (as pronounced in MOTHER).

Devanagari: This is a form of script, which is used for writing Devabhasha or Sanskrit

From :  http://www.acharyaonline.com/ganesha.htm


Title: SHRI GANESH CHATURTHI - Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: Pearl India on September 12, 2007, 09:20:59 AM
Om shri sai ganeshay namah

From:- http://www.dlshq.org/religions/ganesh.htm

GANESH CHATURTHI
By

SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
SALUTATIONS to Lord Ganesha who is Brahman Himself, who is the Supreme Lord, who is the energy of Lord Shiva, who is the source of all bliss, and who is the bestower of all virtuous qualities and success in all undertakings.

Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,
Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,
Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,
Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe

MEANING: "O Lord Vinayaka! the remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!"

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.

Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are thrown into water.

Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun.

He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. He is the energy of Lord Shiva and so He is called the son of Shankar and Umadevi. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues of Ganesha.

The following story is narrated about His birth and how He came to have the head of an elephant:

Once upon a time, the Goddess Gauri (consort of Lord Shiva), while bathing, created Ganesha as a pure white being out of the mud of Her Body and placed Him at the entrance of the house. She told Him not to allow anyone to enter while she went inside for a bath. Lord Shiva Himself was returning home quite thirsty and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha's head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider.

When Gauri came to know of this she was sorely grieved. To console her grief, Shiva ordered His servants to cut off and bring to Him the head of any creature that might be sleeping with its head facing north. The servants went on their mission and found only an elephant in that position. The sacrifice was thus made and the elephant's head was brought before Shiva. The Lord then joined the elephant's head onto the body of Ganesha.

Lord Shiva made His son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He ordained that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada.

Without the Grace of Sri Ganesha and His help nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His support, Grace or blessing.

In his first lesson in the alphabet a Maharashtrian child is initiated into the Mantra of Lord Ganesha, Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah. Only then is the alphabet taught.

The following are some of the common Names of Lord Ganesha: Dhoomraketu, Sumukha, Ekadantha, Gajakarnaka, Lambodara, Vignaraja, Ganadhyaksha, Phalachandra, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vakratunda, Siddhivinayaka, Surpakarna, Heramba, Skandapurvaja, Kapila and Vigneshwara. He is also known by many as Maha-Ganapathi.

His Mantra is Om Gung Ganapathaye Namah. Spiritual aspirants who worship Ganesha as their tutelary Deity repeat this Mantra or Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah.

The devotees of Ganesha also do Japa of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra. This is as follows.

Tat purushaaya vidmahe
Vakratundaaya dheemahi
Tanno dhanti prachodayaat.

Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. He is the Lord of Brahmacharins. He is foremost amongst the celibates.

He has as his vehicle a small mouse. He is the presiding Deity of the Muladhara Chakra, the psychic centre in the body in which the Kundalini Shakti resides.

He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success. Hence He is called Vigna Vinayaka. His Bija Akshara (root syllable) is Gung, pronounced to rhyme with the English word "sung". He is the Lord of harmony and peace.

Lord Ganesha represents Om or the Pranava, which is the chief Mantra among the Hindus. Nothing can be done without uttering it. This explains the practice of invoking Ganesha before beginning any rite or undertaking any project. His two feet represent the power of knowledge and the power of action. The elephant head is significant in that it is the only figure in nature that has the form of the symbol for Om.

The significance of riding on a mouse is the complete conquest over egoism. The holding of the ankusha represents His rulership of the world. It is the emblem of divine Royalty.

Ganesha is the first God. Riding on a mouse, one of nature's smallest creatures and having the head of an elephant, the biggest of all animals, denotes that Ganesha is the creator of all creatures. Elephants are very wise animals; this indicates that Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom. It also denotes the process of evolution--the mouse gradually evolves into an elephant and finally becomes a man. This is why Ganesha has a human body, an elephant's head and a mouse as His vehicle. This is the symbolic philosophy of His form.

He is the Lord of Ganas or groups, for instance groups of elements, groups of senses, etc. He is the head of the followers of Shiva or the celestial servants of Lord Shiva.

The Vaishnavas also worship Lord Ganesha. They have given Him the name of Tumbikkai Alwar which means the divinity with the proboscis (the elephant's trunk).

Lord Ganesha's two powers are the Kundalini and the Vallabha or power of love.

He is very fond of sweet pudding or balls of rice flour with a sweet core. On one of His birthdays He was going around house to house accepting the offerings of sweet puddings. Having eaten a good number of these, He set out moving on His mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled--it had seen a snake and became frightened--with the result that Ganesha fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Ganesha stuffed them back into His stomach and, catching hold of the snake, tied it around His belly.

Seeing all this, the moon in the sky had a hearty laugh. This unseemly behaviour of the moon annoyed Him immensely and so he pulled out one of His tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name, censure or ill-repute. However, if by mistake someone does happen to look at the moon on this day, then the only way he can be freed from the curse is by repeating or listening to the story of how Lord Krishna cleared His character regarding the Syamantaka jewel. This story is quoted in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Lord Ganesha was pleased to ordain thus. Glory to Lord Ganesha! How kind and merciful He is unto His devotees!

Ganesha and His brother Lord Subramanya once had a dispute as to who was the elder of the two. The matter was referred to Lord Shiva for final decision. Shiva decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole world and come back first to the starting point had the right to be the elder. Subramanya flew off at once on his vehicle, the peacock, to make a circuit of the world. But the wise Ganesha went, in loving worshipfulness, around His divine parents and asked for the prize of His victory.

Lord Shiva said, "Beloved and wise Ganesha! But how can I give you the prize; you did not go around the world?"

Ganesha replied, "No, but I have gone around my parents. My parents represent the entire manifested universe!"

Thus the dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha, who was thereafter acknowledged as the elder of the two brothers. Mother Parvati also gave Him a fruit as a prize for this victory.

In the Ganapathi Upanishad, Ganesha is identified with the Supreme Self. The legends that are connected with Lord Ganesha are recorded in the Ganesha Khanda of the Brahma Vivartha Purana.

On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period. Then, after taking a bath, go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship Him at home, too. You can get the assistance of a pundit. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your house. Feel His Presence in it.

Don't forget not to look at the moon on that day; remember that it behaved unbecomingly towards the Lord. This really means avoid the company of all those who have no faith in God, and who deride God, your Guru and religion, from this very day.

Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all your undertakings.

May the blessings of Sri Sai Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!

om shri sai ganeshay namah
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha - the remover of Obstacles
Post by: Pearl India on September 12, 2007, 09:25:45 AM
OM SHRI SAI GANESHAY NAMAH

From:-http://www.swaminarayan.org/festivals/ganeshchaturthi/index.htm

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)


To scribe the Mahabharat Katha Ganeshji removed one of his tusks to carve a quill from it. He then scribed the epic on palm leaves as the sage Ved Vyas recited it. The scribing took three years!

In south India there is a belief that when ploughing first began on earth, it was Lord Ganeshji who first ploughed using one of his tusks.

In the Uttar Ramayan, Brahmand Puran and Padma Puran there is a reference of a battle between Ganeshji and Parshuram. During the duel, the latter's axe fractured one of Ganeshji's tusks According to the Brahmand Puran, it was his left tusk.

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.

Festival & Ritual
On this day every household in Maharashtra installs a small clay murti of Ganeshji in their homes. He is offered pujan and prasad until Sud 14 - Anant Chaturthi. This is celebrated with great festivity and fervor and the murti is taken to a river or lake and submerged. A well known chant is chanted during the procession for submersion :

Ganpati Bapa Moriya - Farewell O Lord Ganpati!
Gheema ladu choriya - Who avails 'ladus' soaked in ghee
Pudcha varsi laukariya - Return in haste next year.
Bapa Moriya re, Bapa Moriya re - O Lord farewell, O Lord farewell…

In Gujarat and in the Swaminarayan mandirs a clay or plaster of paris murti of Ganesh is installed on Ganesh Chaturthi and worshiped for ten days. The murti is submerged on 'Parivartini' i.e. 'Jal Zilani' Ekadashi. Devotees observe a waterless fast. The traditional prasad offered to Lord Ganeshji are chopped cucumbers and 'ladus' - sweet balls of wheat flour, ghee and sugar.
Five pujas and arti are offered, together with a boat ride after each arti before Ganeshji's 'Visarjan' - submergence.
In this manner Ganesh is a deity of auspiciousness, wisdom and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival inspiring devotees to inculcate redemptive virtues in their lives.

 om shri sai ganeshay namah  
Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 08, 2012, 09:08:19 AM
"Tulsi Cursed By Ganesha"    
                           

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/tulsi_ganesha.jpg)


Tulsi (an herb from the basil family) was a beautiful maiden who, when she saw the resplendent Ganesha, fell in love with him and wished to marry him.

Ganesha though, was a confirmed bachelor (at least according to some legends) and refused to oblige her. The enraged Tulsi cursed him that one day, he would indeed break his vow of celibacy.

Ganesha cursed her in return, that she would marry a demon and later, turn into a plant.

Tulsi realized her folly and pleaded for mercy until Ganesha relented.

“You will be the most fragrant plant of all”, Ganesha said, “one that will please all the gods. Your leaves will be used especially in the worship of Vishnu.

But you will never be present where I am worshiped.”
Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 08, 2012, 12:23:58 PM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6BooSoo2K44/S7JIvmx-fjI/AAAAAAAAAGs/CEIydYPnigA/s500/GANESH6-720045.jpg)

"Ganesha defeats Gana"


(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/Ganesha_Gana.jpg)


Vinakaya or Gananayaka is another name for Ganesha.

Gananayaka is the lord of Ganas or one who defeats Gana. A beautiful son named Gana was born to the King Abhijit and queen Gunavati. He was very bright and strong. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion granted him some boons.

However, this increased Gana's ego. He soon fell into bad company. One day he visited sage Kapila's ashram. Kapila had a gem called Chintamani that was wish fulfilling and could provide food for thousands.

When Gana saw this, he wanted to possess the gem. Kapila did not want to give it to him. But Gana forcibly took it away from him. Kapila prayed to Lord Ganesha. Ganesha appeared in Gana's dream and cut off his head. Gana, on waking up, did not repent but became angry and took his army to kill Kapila. Gana's father, Abhijit, pleaded with Gana to give Kapila back his gem but Gana did not heed the advice. However, on reaching Kapila's ashram he found that Ganesha had assembled an army.

In a fierce fight, Gana was killed by Ganesha and Ganesha restored the " Chintamani " to Kapila. Kapila, however, gave it back to Ganesha saying that even a small gem like this could cause trouble, as wealth is the root of many problems in this world. Kapila requested Ganesha to stay back.

From then on, this place (Theur near Pune) was called 'Chintamani Vinayaka'.
Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 09, 2012, 06:00:01 AM
"Intelligent Ganesha"

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rXGcKMqy4_Y/SwdEjLU7AsI/AAAAAAAAAD8/iNdQ46js3Y4/s500/lord-ganesha-wallpapers.jpg)

(http://www.freebsd.nfo.sk/gana-kumara.jpg)


Ganesha had a brother whose name was Kartikeya. Ganesha was very clever and sweet natured,where as Kartikeya was very short tempered Both of them used to play on the mountains and sometimes they used to quarrel.

So once they had a very big quarrel and each of them thought that the other one was guilty. The matter could not be settled. Finally they soon approached their parents to get justice.

Lord Shiva and Parvati heard both the sides and then lord Shiva had an idea "children," he said to them,"let us settle it this way you have to go around the world and one who comes back first will be considered to be the right one the other one wrong ! Do you agree?" "yes ! Yes !! Agreed both of them Kartikeya always rode a peacock and was very fast at it while Ganesha used a little rat for riding. Kartikeya was sure that he would win the race because his peacock was much faster than the rat.

Kartikeya immidiately jumped on his peacock and rode very fast as he could. Ganesha first had a look at his big stomach and then at his little rat. He was sure that he can never win the race.Then Kartikeya was already away with his peacock.

And Ganesha just sat down there thinking and suddenly he had a bright idea. He made lord Shiva and mata Parvati sit together and quickly went arround them three times. Soon. Kartikeya came on his peacock after travelling arround the world successfully and told Shiva-Parvati proudly," here I come ! I won and looked at Ganesha "No,"said Ganesha,firmly,"our parents are the mother and father of the world,so going arround them is just like going arround the world! I have done it three times but you have done it only once and that makes me the winner! And Ganesha looked at lord Shiva and Parvati,"am I right or wrong?"he asked them.

"Ganesha is right",said Parvati to Kartikeya," he has won the race ! " Hearing that Kartikeya lost his temper and thought that mother was partial to Ganesha. In a feat of anger he took an oath,"I shall neither look at my mother's, nor any woman's face in the world ! "and Kartikeya kept his word,he never looked at the face of any women in the world.So,in many temples of kartikeya,women do not enter.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rXGcKMqy4_Y/SwdEjbz7DOI/AAAAAAAAAEE/bWmqoaZZ-Ek/s400/ganesha.jpg)

Ganesha is Vighneshvara or Vighnaraja, the Lord of Obstacles, both of a material and spiritual order. He is popularly worshipped as a remover of obstacles, though traditionally he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked. Paul Courtright says that "his task in the divine scheme of things, his dharma, is to place and remove obstacles. It is his particular territory, the reason for his creation."

Krishan notes that some of Ganesha's names reflect shadings of multiple roles that have evolved over time. Dhavalikar ascribes the quick ascension of Ganesha in the Hindu pantheon, and the emergence of the Ganapatyas, to this shift in emphasis from vighnakartā (obstacle-creator) to vighnahartā (obstacle-averter). However, both functions continue to be vital to his character, as Robert Brown explains, "even after the Purāṇic Gaṇeśa is well-defined, in art Gaṇeśa remained predominantly important for his dual role as creator and remover of obstacles, thus having both a negative and a positive aspect

Ganesha is considered to be the Lord of letters and learning. In Sanskrit, the word buddhi is a feminine noun that is variously translated as intelligence, wisdom, or intellect. The concept of buddhi is closely associated with the personality of Ganesha, especially in the Puranic period, when many stories stress his cleverness and love of intelligence. One of Ganesha's names in the Ganesha Purana and the Ganesha Sahasranama is Buddhipriya. This name also appears in a list of 21 names at the end of the Ganesha Sahasranama that Ganesha says are especially important. The word priya can mean "fond of", and in a marital context it can mean "lover" or "husband", so the name may mean either "Fond of Intelligence" or "Buddhi's Husband".

(http://www.theyogasanctuary.net/images/om.gif)

Ganesha is identified with the Hindu mantra Aum (ॐ, also called Om). The term oṃkārasvarūpa (Aum is his form), when identified with Ganesha, refers to the notion that he personifies the primal sound. The Ganapati Atharvashirsa attests to this association. Chinmayananda translates the relevant passage as follows:

(O Lord Ganapati!) You are (the Trinity) Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa. You are Indra. You are fire [Agni] and air [Vāyu]. You are the sun [Sūrya] and the moon [Chandrama]. You are Brahman. You are (the three worlds) Bhuloka [earth], Antariksha-loka [space], and Swargaloka [heaven]. You are Om. (That is to say, You are all this)

Some devotees see similarities between the shape of Ganesha's body in iconography and the shape of Aum in the Devanāgarī and Tamil scripts.


(http://masalacook.typepad.com/.a/6a01053695fa9d970b0120a755e485970b-800wi)



Title: Re: Lord Ganesha
Post by: SS91 on May 09, 2012, 12:03:26 PM
"Why Ganesha has Elephant face !"

(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/thefinalmiracle/thefinalmiracle1105/thefinalmiracle110500016/9513331-a-hindu-religion-background-with-the-face-of-the-elephant-god--ganesha.jpg)


Lord Shiva and Parvati lived on the mountain Kailasa. Many times Shiva used to go to the forest and stayed there doing penance for months.Meanwhile Parvati had to stay alone at home.one day,as usual lord shiva went to the forest,leaving Parvati alone at home. Parvati then wanted to take bath.However there was no one else to look after the house.

So, Parvati was worried. But soon she had an idea.Parvati removed the sandal paste from her body and created a boy from the paste. Parvati then made the boy stand at the door and instructed him not to let anyone enter the house.till she finishes her bath. The boy stood at the door and stopped everyone who visited the house.

Soon lord Shiva returned home and was surprised to see a boy who stopped him from entering in."you can not enter the house ,mother is taking bath", said the boy He got annoyed and asked the boy to move aside.but the boy did not move,but stopped lord Shiva from entering the house. Shiva lost his temper and he chopped off the head of the boy with his trishula.Later,Parvati finished her bath and to her surprise, she saw the headless body of the boy.So Parvati started weeping.Oh my lord ! what have you done ! you have killed my son !

Lord Shiva felt very sorry for his short tempered act.Lord Shiva wished to bring back the boy to his life and he started searching for the chopped head of the boy.But surprisingly the head got vanished and the search was in vain.So he called servants,called "Ganas" and told them,to go to the forest and get the head of first living being you come across. The ganas immidiately rushed to jungle and came across an elephant.they immediately cut off his head and brought it to lord shiva.Lord Shiva put the head on the body of the boy and brought him to life. Parvati was overjoyed to get back her son.The Ganas had helped to bring back the life of the boy,so he was named as "Ganapati".
Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 10, 2012, 06:03:43 AM
(http://www.shreedarshan.com/bappa-vallinayika.jpg)

Ganesha, Murugan & Vallinayaki !

Story is such,that the ghat region of Tamilnadu was ruled by Nambirajan,the king of the Kuravas of the hill tribes.Nambirajan worshipped Shiva,praying for a daughter. His prayers were answered and it was  revealed to him that he would discover a baby in the nearby woods and that she would be his daughter.

Accordingly the Kurava king discovered ‘Vallinayaki’ in the woods and brought her up as his own.Valli grew up to be a  beautiful woman.The Subramanya son of Shiva and Parvati sought her hand in marriage.Their courtship is full of many interesting tales that form the basis of many a folk tale and classical performing arts in Tamil Nadu.

Murugan assumed the form of an old bangle seller,and sold bangles to Vallinayaki,in return for a local delicacy of honey soaked corn flour.A conversation ensued between the two which was interrupted by the arrival of Valli's  brothers, a valiant lot who were highly  possesive and   protective of  their sister.

Flustered by their sudden appearance, and unwilling to indulge battle,Murugan(Skanda) changed himself into a Vengai maram (It's stump is still seen in the Temple at Velimalai in Tamil Nadu). Skanda appeared again,in the guise of old tribal king and sought her hand in marriage.

The brothers materialized again, and Skanda transformed himself into an old ascetic from Himalaya and they left the spot.Upset by the ongoing hindrance,Skanda sought the aid of his brother Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles,who appeared on  the spot as a wild elephant.

A scared Vallinayika then embraced Skanda and promised to offer him anything in return for the protection from the wild beast Later,Skanda sought her hand in marriage and Valli consented gladly, realizing  that her suitor was none other than Murugan,whom she and her tribe held in great regard.

Valli married Murugan  and the marriage was celebrated with great pomp  and splendor by Nambirajan,the king of kuravas.
         



JaiSaiRam


Title: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 10, 2012, 07:45:38 AM

" Moon Deity Cursed By Ganesha "


(http://images.ucomics.com/comics/ts/2009/ts090607.jpg)

It was on Ganesha Chaturthi.Ganesha was riding on his little rat and suddenly a snake crossed his path.The rat was terrified and ran off in fright due to which Ganesha fell down in a thorny bush.

The Moon was looking at this from the sky.The Moon laughed loudly at the funny sight of Ganesha's falling down,It annoyed Ganesha so much so that he decided to punish the Moon. Angrily he broke one of his tusks and threw it at the Moon.

As it struck the Moon,Moon lost the brightness.Then the moon went off. The world became dark.People were scared and they screamed and wept.

All the Gods in heaven were worried by this confusion.They prayed to Ganesha," please give back the Moon the brightness, "The Moon also repented. The Moon fell at Ganesh's feet and prayed to be forgiven.

Ganesha relented but he wanted to teach Moon a lesson.So he said, "the first fifteen days of every month,you will get bigger and then the next fifteen days,you will become smaller and smaller. At the end of the month you will look like my tusk.And on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi the person who looks at the Moon will have an allegation of theft on him.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 10, 2012, 11:10:52 AM


"Lord Ganesha’s Marriage"

(http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/ganesha_marriage.jpg)

 According to one tradition, Ganesha was a brahmacarin, that is, unmarried. This pattern is primarily popular in southern India . This tradition was linked to Hindu concepts of the relationship between celibacy and the development of spiritual power.

In the north of India , on the other hand, Ganesha is often portrayed as married to the two daughters of Brahma: Buddhi ((also called Riddhi) intellect) and Siddhi (spiritual power).

As a child Lord Ganesh was once playing with a cat. He pulled its tail and rolled it on the ground. Later, tired of this game, He decided to spend time with His mother, Parvati. He found her covered in dirt and with bruises. Surprised, He asked, “What happened, Mother?” “Remember the cat you were playing with… that was me. I am the Divine power that is exists in all beings.” Lord Ganesh realised that all women are extensions of His mother and decided never to marry.

Another interpretation is that His devotion towards His mother is the reason why He is considered as a celibate bachelor. To Him, she was the most beautiful and a perfect woman. He vowed that He could marry the girl who would match up to His mother’s beauty and divine qualities.It is said that Lord Ganesh was unable to find a suitable mate because of His unique appearance. This bothered Him and He summoned the rats to burrow deep holes in the path of any God who were on their way to get married. The potholes made the journey of the grooms and their marriage processions extremely difficult. Frustrated, they went to Lord Brahma to complain.

Lord Brahma created two beautiful girls Riddhi (Abundance. Opulence, Wealth) and Siddhi / Buddhi (Intellectual and Spiritual Prowess) and they were married to Him. With His two consorts, He had sons Shubha (Auspiciousness) and Labha (Profit) and a daughter named Santoshi (Goddess of Satisfaction / Contentment).The Shiva Purana states that King Prajapati had two daughters - Riddhi and Siddhi. He approached Shiva and Parvati for the marriage of his girls to Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikeyan / Karthikeyan (Lord Ganesh’s younger brother). But both these girls wished that Lord Ganesh should be their husband and so they were married. It is said that if one has Riddhi but doesn’t have Siddhi / Buddhi then it is worthless.

Possessing only Siddhi without Riddhi is also futile. Lord Ganesh bestows both these blessings to His ardent devotees. If we delve into ourselves we will realize that we are all Ganapatis (Gana is our body made of the Pancha-Mahabhuta (Five elements), Pati stands for master or owner). Thus He shows us the way to achieve both intellect and wealth to enjoy a rewarding life.


Courtesy - http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/Ganesha_Marriage.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 11, 2012, 06:03:45 AM

OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAH !!!!
(http://lmauditoria.sites.uol.com.br/ganesha.jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 11, 2012, 08:20:27 AM
"Gokarna Mahabaleshwar"


(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/gorakh_maha.jpg)

Ravana,the king of lanka, was a great devotee of Shiva. He often went to Kailasa.There he worshipped Shiva with great devotion.Once,as usual, he had gone to Kailas. Lord Shiva was very pleased with his devotion."I am pleased with you" he told Ravana."ask for any boon.

I shall grant it,"when all the world will end in the great floods,"said Ravana, "Lanka should be spared. That's the only boon I want! Shiva was little puzzled. Ravana had already proved troublesome to the gods. Having the boon granted he would trouble the gods still more.

So what should be done? Shiva thought of a clever idea He gave Ravana a Shivalinga." take this Shivalinga,"Shiva told him, "wherever you put it down, it would stick fast there That place will be protected from the floods.

If you wish to protect Lanka,make sure you put it down on reaching Lanka! Ravana was overjoyed. But shiva warned him, "hold it in both hands.If you leave it anywhere else it will stick to that spot,Then it will not be possible to remove it. So be careful with it!"Ravana eagerly started for Lanka. Meanwhile,the gods learnt of Shiva's boon to Ravana. They were horrified They went to Ganesha for help.

They told him what had happened."please do something,God," they pleaded to Ganesha,"so that the Shivalinga does not reach Lanka. If it reaches there;Ravana would become more powerful." Ganesha thought for a moment. He had a bright idea,"all right,"he assured them a solution" I shall see that the Shivalinga does not reach Lanka."then Ganesha, in the disguise of a cowherd, stood in Ravana's path.Ravana had walked a long way, was tired and sweating.He wanted to wipe his sweat. But he could not do so;cause he had the heavy Shivalingain his hands.

Just then Ravana saw the cowherd boystanding in his path.Behind him there was a river."hey boy! Come here." Ravana called out to the boy."What do you want?" the boy asked;without moving from where he stood."I am very thirsty,"replied Ravana. "Please hold this Linga for just a minute. Do not put it down. I wish to go to the river for a drink of water.I shall not take long.""All right!" said, Ganesha "but the Linga seems very heavy; if my hands get tired I shall call you three times If you don't come immediately back, then I shall put it down!" he warned."Don't worry! "Ravana said."I shall be quick."With a great relief he handed over the linga to the boy. Then he hurried to the river.

And as soon as Ravana reached the river; the boy called out;"Ravana, Ravana, Ravana!" and quickly put the linga down.Immediately it stuck there.When Ravana came back from the river;there was no sign of the boy. And the linga had stuck to the ground. Ravana tried to pull it.But it did not move a bit.Yet,because of Ravana's great strength it lost the shape.It now resembles the ear of a cow. That is why it is known as Gokarna.The place became a famous place of pilgrimage. Even to-day we know it as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar.


Source: jaishreeganesha.com/story/story_home.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 12, 2012, 08:17:17 AM



"Why Is Durva Dear To Ganesha"  

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gy85hpaK7NY/SMEEOzv4a9I/AAAAAAAABJo/VRv97HpF0w0/s400/ganesha1.JPG)


Once there was an Asura (demon) named Analasura. He was so terrible that the earth would tremble by his voice and his eyes used to emit fire. So everybody was very scared of him.

Even the Gods were terrified. So all the gods prayed to Ganesha so he would rescue them from the clutches of Analasura. Ganesha became into a child and assured all the Gods that they would be saved from Analasura.

Ganesha started “Sarvkasha” war. Analasura’s powerful eyes oozess out fireballs and destroyed surroundings of Ganesha. At the end Analasura tried to gulp Ganesha but Ganesha himself showed his “virat “ roop and gulp Analasura to destroy but due to increased heat in body Ganesha could not even lie down. He was restless.

He applied sandal paste all over the body even though the body’s heat was unbearable. At this moment all Gods decided to make a foundation of the moon on his head and Ganesha is also known as “Bhalachandra. Lord Vishnu gave his lotus therefore Ganesha is also known as “Padmapani”. Lord Shankara removed a cobra from his neck and tied it to Ganesha’s hip. Lord Varuna, Rain God showered plenty of water, heat was not subsided. Some of sages who came there with bunch of 21 Durvas and put on his head and a miracle happened. Ganesha became all right.

Ganesha uttered that most of the Gods tried to help but only ‘Durva’ a simple grass made my agony into normal. With this he announced that whoever with devotion offer me Durva would be pious and get Punya.

Secondly it is said that there was a most beautiful Apsara who devotionally loved and prayed to get married with Ganesha. Ganesha also used to like her. But Parvati, Ghanesha’s mother cursed Apsara to become a simple grass form on the earth where nobody would look at her. But Durva begged for pardon and asked for ushaap.

Parvati forgave her and told her that even though she is in the grass form she would be adored by Ganesha.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 13, 2012, 07:15:31 AM
"Agasthyar - Cauvery"

(http://www.indian-heritage.org/gods/gantales/kaveri1.jpg)

During the wedding of Siva with Parvathi in the Mount Kailas, the entire population, Devas and Rishis had gathered & hence the Northern land dipped down, unable to bear the weight. Lord Siva asked Sage Agasthiar to go to the Podhigai ranges in the Southern land in order to balance the weight. (Agasthiar was very short in stature but his might was so great). Agasthiar was sad that he could not stay & witness the Lord's wedding.

Siva granted that he would still be able to see the wedding from the South. From within his matted locks, he took river Cauvery & filled it in Agasthiar's kamandalam (spouted pot), bidding Cauvery to flow wherever Agasthiar pointed. Agasthiar reached the south & travelled to various Siva Sthalams. Surapaduman was an asura, who had immense power. Indra had run away in fear from his Indralogam, reached Sirgazhi in the southern regios of India & prayed to Lord Siva. He created a beautiful garden & worshipped Lord Siva with the flowers from his garden. But soon, Lord Varuna in fear of Surapaduman did not shower rains & Indran's garden & in fact the whole land suffered from lack of water.

Sage Narada, told Indran of the river Cauvery that Lord Siva had once filled in Agasthiar's kamandalam. Indran prayed to Lord Ganesha for his help. Ganesha took the form of a crow & sat on Agasthiar's kamandalam & toppled it. Agasthiar lifted his hands to shoo off the crow. River Cauvery, took it as a signal for her & began to flow. The crow took the form of a small boy. Agasthiar started chasing the boy trying to strike him on his head with his knuckles.

Ganesha took his original form. Agasthiar was saddened that he had tried to strike Lord Ganesha. He started striking his forehead with his knuckles. Ganesha stopped him & granted that everybody who worshipped him in this manner would be blessed with wisdom. Another version of the same story - Ponni, as Cauvery was originally called, was disrespectful to Agasthiar when he came down south. To teach her a lesson, Agasthiar imprisoned the entire river in his kamandalam. Ganesha on sage Narada's request came in the form of a crow and toppled the kamandalam & set the river free. Ponni was then given a new name, Cauvery (Kaveri).


Ganesha Restores Chintamani !

(http://www.shreedarshan.com/bappa-sena.jpg)


Gananayaka is the lord of Ganas or one who defeats Ganas.A nice son named Gana was born to the King Abhijit and queen Gunavati.He was very bright and strong.He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion granted him some boons.

However,this increased Gana's ego.He soon fell into bad company.One day he visited sage Kapila's ashram.Kapila had a gem called Chintamani that was wish fulfilling and could provide food for thousands.When Gana saw this,he wanted to possess the gem.Kapila did not want to give  it to him.

But Gana forcibly took it away from him.Kapila prayed to Lord Ganesha.Ganesha appeared in Gana's dream and cut off his head. Gana,on waking up, did not repent but became angry and took his army to finish Kapila.Gana's father,Abhijit,pleaded with Gana to give Kapila back his gem but Gana did not heed the advice. 

However,on reaching Kapila's ashram he found that Ganesha  had  assembled an army.In a fierce fight, Ganesha killed Gana and Ganesharestored the  " Chintamani "to Kapila.

Kapila, however,gave it back to   Ganesha saying that even a small gem like this could cause trouble, as wealth  is the rootof many problems in this world. Kapila requested Ganesha to stay back.From then  on, this place (Theur near Pune) was called 'Chintamani Vinayaka'.
                                     
                                                                                                         

 



Courtesy:http://www.indian-heritage.org/gods/ganesh2.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 13, 2012, 10:59:26 AM

(http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/mahabharat.jpg)

"Vinayagar wrote the Mahabharatham"


Sage Vyasa was meditating in the Himalayas.  Lord Brahma appeared before him and asked him to write the Mahabharatham for the benefit of all. Sage Vyasa said that he could not compose the verse and write it down too and therefore asked for the help of someone wise, who would write down as he sang.
Brahma asked sage Vyasa to pray to Lord Ganesha to help him.  Ganesha told Vyasa that he had enormous work to do and hence he would write it down, only if Vyasa was quick in singing it.
For his turn, Sage Vyasa requested that Ganesha should understand the meaning of the verse and only then put it down in writing.
Vyasa started singing.  Whenever he felt Ganesha was writing too fast for him, he would come with a difficult verse, thus by the time Ganesha could decipher the meaning, he would have composed several more verses in his mind.
In this way, Vyasa completed the Bharatham in 60 lakhs granthams.  This comprises the Kandapuranam, Ramayanam, Savithri Puranam, Nala Puranam and so on.  Lord Ganesha  wrote on Mount Meru using his tusk.  Of these 60 lakh granthams, 30 lakhs are supposed to be in the Deva Logam, 15 lakhs in Yatcha Logam and 14 lakhs in Asura Logam.  Only the remaining 1 lakh granthams is assumed to be on the earth.
Sage Vyasa is supposed to have sung 8,800 granthams, which were difficult for Ganesha to decipher.  He has himself stated that Ganesha, Sage Vyasa himself and his Sugan are probably the only ones who know the meaning of those 8,800 granthams. 

The Mahabharatham is considered the fifth Veda.

http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/Vinayagar_Bharatham.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 13, 2012, 04:18:28 PM

Ganesha Kills Demon Durasadan  
 


(http://www.shreedarshan.com/12maybappa6.jpg)


When Basmasuran was killed by Siva & Vishnu (Vishnu in the form of Mohini), Duraasadan Basmasuran's son was  angry and upset.He did tapas & got boons from Shiva that he should never die and that all the devas should be under his control, etc.As usual Shiva gave him the "varam" & there was total chaos for some time.

All the Devas ran into hiding & even Brahma & Vishnu ran out of their Brahma Lok & Vaikundam.All of them rushed to  Kashi which was ruled by Viswanathar.On hearing of this Duraasadan then came to Kashi.All the Gods and Devas rushed away to   Kedaram,because the time was not yet right to kill Duraasadan.

Soon,on the prayers of the Devas,an avatar of Lord Ganesha came out of Uma Devi's face.(with five faces, 10 hands, Jada magudam with moon).Uma Devi named him Vakradhundar and gave him her Simha Vahanam (lion).

There ensued a heavy fight between Vakradhundar & Durasadan. Finally Ganesha took a huge form ( Viswa roopam ) & placed his feet on Duraasandan's head.Since Ganesha is the form of Gnanam,all evil thoughts and the effects of his evil deeds rushed out of Duraasadan.
Then Lord Ganesha gave him the job of destroying all the evils in Kashi.He remains under Vakradhundar's feet doing his duty. 


OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAH..

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 14, 2012, 05:49:46 AM



Agasthyar - Cauvery

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KMviQsc_cq8/SWCGUzyIN1I/AAAAAAAACbw/17UH2DWJXFM/SDC11623.JPG)

During the wedding of Siva with Parvathi in the Mount Kailas, the entire population, Devas and Rishis had gathered & hence the Northern land dipped down, unable to bear the weight. Lord Siva asked Sage Agasthiar to go to the Podhigai ranges in the Southern land in order to balance the weight. (Agasthiar was very short in stature but his might was so great). Agasthiar was sad that he could not stay & witness the Lord's wedding.

Siva granted that he would still be able to see the wedding from the South. From within his matted locks, he took river Cauvery & filled it in Agasthiar's kamandalam (spouted pot), bidding Cauvery to flow wherever Agasthiar pointed. Agasthiar reached the south & travelled to various Siva Sthalams. Surapaduman was an asura, who had immense power. Indra had run away in fear from his Indralogam, reached Sirgazhi in the southern regios of India & prayed to Lord Siva. He created a beautiful garden & worshipped Lord Siva with the flowers from his garden. But soon, Lord Varuna in fear of Surapaduman did not shower rains & Indran's garden & in fact the whole land suffered from lack of water.

Sage Narada, told Indran of the river Cauvery that Lord Siva had once filled in Agasthiar's kamandalam. Indran prayed to Lord Ganesha for his help. Ganesha took the form of a crow & sat on Agasthiar's kamandalam & toppled it. Agasthiar lifted his hands to shoo off the crow. River Cauvery, took it as a signal for her & began to flow. The crow took the form of a small boy. Agasthiar started chasing the boy trying to strike him on his head with his knuckles.

Ganesha took his original form. Agasthiar was saddened that he had tried to strike Lord Ganesha. He started striking his forehead with his knuckles. Ganesha stopped him & granted that everybody who worshipped him in this manner would be blessed with wisdom. Another version of the same story - Ponni, as Cauvery was originally called, was disrespectful to Agasthiar when he came down south. To teach her a lesson, Agasthiar imprisoned the entire river in his kamandalam. Ganesha on sage Narada's request came in the form of a crow and toppled the kamandalam & set the river free. Ponni was then given a new name, Cauvery (Kaveri).


Coutesy:indian-heritage.org/gods/ganesh2.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 15, 2012, 04:28:25 AM

(http://manjuos.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ganesha11.png)

Kubera's Pride Takes aAFall  


We should never take undue pride in our material or spiritual accomplishments. The old saying "Pride always leads to a fall." is proved true in the following story.
 
Kubera (the God of wealth) invited Shiva and Parvati to dinner wishing to show off his riches. But, the couple denied Kubera's request and said that he could feed Ganesha instead. Kubera laughed and said 'I can feed thousands of children like this."

 Ganesha went to his palace and sat down to eat. He started eating all the food placed in front of him. As was the custom, more and more food was served to him, as he did not say that he had enough. Soon there was no more food in the palace and so Kubera ordered his troops to get more food from the surrounding villages. But Ganesha continued eating and there was no more food to be found. Still very hungry, Ganesha started eating all the furniture.

 Kubera became very frightened. Ganesha told him, " You promised my parents you will feed me. Now, I have to eat you up as I am still very hungry ". Kubera ran away and pleaded with Shiva to save him from Ganesha. Shiva asked Kubera to give up his pride and serve Ganesha a handful of rice. Kubera went back to his palace. By this time, Ganesha's stomach had become very huge but the child was still hungry. When Kubera served a cup of rice with humility, Ganesha's hunger was satisfied.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 15, 2012, 12:24:50 PM
"Ganesha Kills Demon Gajamugasuram"

(http://www.shreedarshan.com/12maybappa6.jpg)
There was an asura called Gajamugasuran. He did deep penance and worshipped Lord Siva, who granted him several boons, by which he became extremely powerful.

He put the Devas and rishis to great trouble. He forced the Devas to do 1008 Thoeppukaranams in the morning, 1008 in the afternoon and 1008 in the evening. (Thoepukaranam means to sit down and stand up holding one's ears with crossed hands, left ear with right hand & right ear with left hand).

The Devas prayed to Lord Siva to rescue them from this evil asura. Lord Siva sent Lord Vinayaga to overcome Gajamugasuran.

Vinayagar went with several weapons such as bow & arrow, sword, axe, etc. However, since Gajamugasuran had been granted the boon that he be destroyed by no weapon, none of these weapons used by Lord Vinayaga were effective.

Vinayagar broke off his right tusk and used it to kill Gajamugasuran. Gajamugasuran still rushed at Vinayaga in the form of a mooshikam (small mouse). Vinayagar crushed the ego and vanity of Gajamugasuran and sat on the mooshikam.

The humbled Gajamugasuran bowed before Vinayagar, who accepted the mooshikam as his vahana. Lord Vinayaka is the source of everlasting wisdom. He crushed ego and vanity and reduced it to the size of a mooshikam and used it as his vahana. Lord Vinayagar can be pleased by doing Thoepukaranam.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 16, 2012, 05:57:07 AM


"Why Ganesha has broken tusk !
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DS6fFoUFQIQ/RqxEnMnVE8I/AAAAAAAABDA/OxM9l5xOB38/s400/DSC00076.jpg)



Ganesha is known as Ekadanta, the one with a single tusk.
The first pertains to his battle with Parashurama, who was the 'Avtaar' of Vishnu, As a human on earth, he meditated on Shiva and obtained the devine axe, parashu,with whose help Parasurama waged wars against all the erring princes and cleared the world of their evils.

Deeplyindebted to Shiva,Parasurama then came to mount Kailasa to pay obeisance to his mentor Ganesha,who was guarding the entrance to his father's chamber,would not let him in,saying he had to wait till he gets the permission from his father,Shiva.

Parasurama felt that he,the devotee,needed no permission. When Ganesha still refused to give in,Parashurama,who was always very hot tempered struck Ganesha's tusk with his axe and broke it.Shiva and Parvati appeared before him and chastised him. Parashurama then apologised and worshipped God Ganesha.

Ganesha then forgave Parashurama and gave him blessings.


(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DS6fFoUFQIQ/Sjc3ccyE9BI/AAAAAAAAD2E/0f2391VC00k/s640/Ganesha+Fight.jpg)

vigneshwarpoojamandal.com
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 16, 2012, 04:01:32 PM
(http://www.kidsgen.com/fables_and_fairytales/indian_mythology_stories/images/ganesha_and_moon.jpg)

Ganesha Curses the Moon
Ganesha, the pot-belied elephant god, loved food and could spend an entire day, eating. Once, on a moonlit night after stuffing himself with his favourite sweet, the ladoo, he went for a ride on his vahana a tiny rat. The rat could not bear his weight and tripped. Ganesha fell on the ground with a thud  and broke a tusk. The moon laughed, seeing this funny sight.

Seeing the moon mocking him, Ganesha got angry. He cursed the moon saying that any man who looked at the moon on Ganesha Chaturthi, the birthday of Ganesha, would be wrongly balanced.

The moon, realised its mistake, and begged Ganesha to remove the curse. But Ganesha was adamant. Finally, after a long time, Ganesha gave in and reduced the punishment. He could not take back his curse but said that the falsely accused man would have to look at the moon on the second day of the fortnight to win back his good name.
 

 
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 17, 2012, 07:12:13 AM
Lord Ganesha and the race around the World  

(http://ekaakshara.webs.com/palam_ni_1.jpg)
Long ago in Mount Kailasa it was a very calm atmosphere with all the sages worshiping Lord Shiva.  Both Ganesha and his elder brother Muruga were playing at the feet of Lord Shiva.  One day Sage Narada arrived there, playing on his veena and chanting a “Hara-Hara! Shambo Maha Deva!” Lord Shiva welcomed him gracefully. After offering his obeisance to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, Narada offered them a very special mango fruit.

Upon seeing this, both Ganesha and Muruga  waited anxiously to receive the fruit.  So Lord Shiva decided to conduct a contest to choose the right person for the fruit.  Who ever circles the world first would be considered as - "The winner"

Both agreed and the brave young Muruga started his journey around the world at once. "Within a second I will go around the world upon my blue peacock," he thought to himself. The blue peacock fluttered its wings like a golden chariot an flew around the world in the blink of an eye.


(http://ekaakshara.webs.com/palam_ni_3.jpg)

Meanwhile, Ganesha realised his disadvantage.  He thought - " I have a little rat, and I am too heavy to go around the world on this little rat.  I am sure that I can never win this race" .  Muruga was already away with his peacock.  He quickly thought of a solution. He went around his father and mother  three times and quietly sat in a place.  Soon Muruga came on his peacock after travelling  around the world successfully and

(http://ekaakshara.webs.com/palam_ni_4.jpg)

he exclaimed, " Here I come ! I won and looked at Ganesha. 
Ganesha replied very firmly -  "No, I finished first. 
When Shiva questioned Ganesha calmly replied  - “ It is because of you only, this world arises and falls. Father and mother are the world,” so going around you is equal to going around the whole world 

I have done it three times but you have done it only once and that makes me the winner! And Ganesha looked at his parents for their approval.  "Ganesha is right",said Parvati to Muruga," he has won the race! because of his intelligence. Thus Ganesha claimed the prize fruit.




JaiSaiRam... ;D
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 17, 2012, 05:07:45 PM



(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H9bHYml7SO4/TISqz-EXYvI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/GCJnqBt3g6I/s600/Bala-Gana.jpg)

The Five Shaktis of Lord Ganesha
A Reverent Doxology by a Saiva Acharya

Loving Ganesha! Dear to Siva's men,
Within whose form the world of form resides,
Who earned the mango by a ponderous ken
And made the moon to wax and wane in tides.

Aum Ganesha! Loved by saints and sages,
Whose skillful arms five potent shaktis wield
To guide men now as in forgotten ages --
The seeker's shield, the farmer's fertile field.

Aum! Ganesha's first shakti is home life,
Protection, harmony, fertility --
Respect becomes the man, as love the wife,
Obedience their cherished offspring's glee.

Aum! Ganesha's second shakti's -- family --
By blood, by marriage and proximity.
Word and thought controlled, like minds agree,
While faithful friends preserve community.

Aum! Ganesha's third shakti's the market,
Where commerce earns the earth stability,
Where forthright, selfless merchants, free from debt,
Conceive, produce, exchange prosperity.

Aum! Ganesha's fourth shakti brings culture --
Refined expression, graceful artistry
In music, dance, in poetry and sculpture
Or common conduct performed consciously.

Aum! Ganesha's fifth shakti is dharma
Fair merit found in virtue's charity --
Where love of God does conquer ancient karma
And Siva's slaves earn grace's rarity.

Jaya Ganesha! Come, our hearts protect
From discord in the home, from strife with friend,
From business misfortune, from art's neglect,
From soul's dark night -- these griefs asuric end.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 18, 2012, 07:23:04 AM

(http://devotionalonly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/shree-ganesh-mantras.jpg)


Ganesha (Ganpati) Mool Mantra
Om Gang Ganapataye Namaha
Om Shree Vigneswara Namaha

Shri Ganesha Shloka

VAKRATUNDA MAHAAKAAYA
SOORYAKOTI SAMAPRABHA
NIRVIGHNAM KURUMEDEVA
SARVAKAARYESHU SARVADA ||

(Oh! Lord (Ganesha), of huge body and curved elephant trunk, whose brilliance is equal to billions of suns, always remove all obstacles from my endeavors.)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 19, 2012, 09:09:11 AM
"Vakradhunda Vinayagar"


(http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/images/vakradhunda.jpg)
When Basmasuran was killed by Siva & Vishnu (Vishnu in the form of Mohini), Duraasadan, Basmasuran's son was angry and upset.

He did tapas & got boons from Siva that he should never die and that all the devas should be under his control, etc. As usual Siva gave him the varam & there was total chaos for some time.

All the Devas ran into hiding & even Brahma & Vishnu ran out of their Brahma Logam & Vaikundam. All of them rushed to Kasi which was ruled by Viswanathar. On hearing of this Duraasadan came to Kasi. All the Gods and Devas rushed away to Kedaram, because the time was not yet right to kill Duraasadan.

Soon, on the prayers of the Devas, an avataram of Lord Ganesha came out of Uma Devi's face. (with five faces, 10 hands, Jada magudam with moon). Uma Devi named him Vakradhundar and gave him her Simha Vahanam (lion).

There ensued a heavy fight between Vakradhundar & Duraasadan. Finally Ganesha took a huge form (Viswa roopam) & placed his feet on Duraasandan's head. Since Ganesha is the form of Gnanam, all evil thoughts & the effects of his evil deeds rushed out of Duraasadan.

Lord Ganesha gave him the job of destroying all evil in Kasi. He remains under Vakradhundar's feet doing his duty.


http://jaishreeganesha.com/story/Vakradhunda_Vinayagar.htm
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 19, 2012, 07:46:25 PM

(http://www.krishnaculture.com/Merchant5/graphics/00000001/Y109%20Big%20Ganesh%2016-01.jpg)

Significance of the Ganesha Form
Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.


(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/Ganesha_of_four_yugas.jpg/600px-Ganesha_of_four_yugas.jpg)


The Kridakhanda of the Ganesha Purana narrates the stories of four incarnations (Avatars, Sanskrit:अवतार; avatāra) of Ganesha, each of which appeared in the four different yugas.[10][11] The explanation of the incarnations of Ganesha is shown in the verses in the 132th chapter of Kridakhanda of Ganesha Purana. It says ,
 

 
                                               चत्वार्यस्य च रुपाणि चतुर्षु च युगेषु च ।
                                               कृते दशभुजो नाम्ना विनायक इति शृत: ।।
 
                                              त्रेतायुगे शुक्लवर्णो षड्भुजोसौ मयूरराट् ।
                                               सिन्धुं हत्वापालयत्सः अवतीर्य स्वालये प्रिये ।।
                                           
 
These four are not the same as the eight incarnations of Ganesha that are described in the Mudgala Purana.

 Mahotkata Vinayaka (Mahotkaţa Vināyaka), who has ten arms and a red complexion. Different sources list his mount (vāhana) as either an elephant or lion. He was born to Kashyapa (Kaśyapa) and Aditi in the Krita yuga. The name Kāśyapaḥ (descendant of Kaśyapa) for Ganesha refers to this incarnation.[12] This incarnation killed the demon brothers Narantaka (Narāntaka) and Devantaka (Devāntaka), as well as the demon Dhumraksha (Dhūṃrākşa).

 Mayuresvara (Mayūreśvara), who has six arms and a white complexion. His mount is a peacock. He was born to Shiva and Parvati in the Treta yuga. He incarnates for the purpose of killing the demon Sindhu. At the end of this incarnation he gives his peacock mount to his younger brother Skanda, with whom the peacock mount is generally associated.

 Gajanana (Gajānana),  who has four arms and was born with a red complexion. He has a mouse as his mount. He is born to Shiva and Parvati in the Dvapara yuga. He incarnates for the purpose of killing the demon Sindura (Sindūra), who was so-named due to his reddish-pink complexion (see: Sindoor). It is during this incarnation that Ganesha gives the discourse known as the Ganesha Gita to King Varenya.

 Dhumraketu (Dhūmraketu) is grey in colour, like ash or smoke (dhūmra). He has either two or four arms.[13] He has a blue horse as his mount. He will come to end the decline of the Kali yuga. During this incarnation he kills numerous demons. Grimes notes that there is a parallel between this incarnation of Ganesha and the tenth and final incarnation of Vishnu, where he will ride upon the white horse Kalki. The other difference is, lord Gajanana tells Varenya that the whole universe and all the gods are created by Gajanana and ultimately everything will come back to him including the Gods like Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesha.[14]
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 21, 2012, 07:21:36 AM
(http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big2/tokenz-smfprd013.jpg)




Panchamukhi
Panchamukhi Ganesha is shown having five faces . Pancha means Five and mukhi means faced.  Panchmukhi Ganesha is embodiment of all potencies.  The most relevant meaning of the five-headed Ganesh is certainly that these heads symbolize the five kosha in the subtile anatomy experienced

Annamaya kosha: the flesh body made of matter
Pranamaya kosha: the breath body, or energy body
Manomayakosha: the mental body
Vighnnamayakosha: the body of the Upper Consciousness
Anandamayakosha: the body of Cosmic Bless.

Thus, the fifth head of Ganesh symbolizes the highest level of yogic experience, called Anandamayakosha, or Sat-Chit-Ananda , the Pure Consciousness without qualification.  Thus this form of Lord Ganesha when kept in home/office , brings auspicious vibrations of spirituality, harmony and bliss.


(http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4XCxv9kgMKY/Sp-B-_9TXOI/AAAAAAAAAbo/s6XsL5zTbUI/IMG_4419.JPG)

Placing Panchamukhi Vinayaka or 5 faced Ganesha facing towards east, either in your home or office, would work wonders
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 21, 2012, 09:11:29 AM


(http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oTqHiT4hx_0/SB3G5_JmMbI/AAAAAAAADPQ/JN089-kOM28/s0/ganesh3.jpg)

Five lessons from Lord Ganesh
Of all the multitudes of deities and gods that constitute the Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha is probably one of the most loved and revered of all, regardless of individual beliefs and customs. Considered the god of good beginnings and wisdom, it is in his name that new ventures are undertaken and important life decisions made.

While there are many spiritual lessons to be learned from the stories of Lord Ganesha, there are some lessons that find a place in our every-day professional and personal lives as well. We take a look at some of them:

Act in good faith  
Whatever Lord Ganesha undertook, he undertook with conviction and self-belief. It was the belief that his actions were in his and his mother Parvati's best interests is what governed his thoughts and translated into challenging acts, feats that improved his abilities and honed his skills.

It is this that we need to inculcate in ourselves, in the way we work. Any job, if it is worth doing, is worth doing well. Whatever the task you are faced with, face it with courage and conviction and do it to the best of your ability. At the end of the day, even if your effort goes unrecognised, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you gave it your best shot.

Depend on yourself
One of the other names Ganesha is known as is Vinayak, meaning master of oneself. This signifies independence in thought and action. Whether in one's professional or personal life, one must act on one's beliefs after due consideration of relevant factors. Take ownership and responsibility for your actions and their outcome. Just knowing that you alone are responsible will make you take the decision that much more seriously.

Every obstacle can be overcome  
Lord Ganesha is also known as Vigneshwara, one who removes obstacles. It is for this reason that he is invoked in times of crisis by believers and also why business ventures are started with a puja (prayer ceremony) in his name. Removing obstacles is his religion.

To take this a step further, one must believe that every obstacle can be overcome. One must also make removing obstacles a dharma in one's own life. Whether in your professional or personal life, with the right attitude -- a never-say-die attitude -- even what seems like the most insurmountable difficulty can be handled without your world falling to pieces. All you need is faith in yourself.

Modesty  
Lord Ganesha is considered one of the most powerful gods in Hinduism, unlike the other gods who choose bejeweled chariots, his vehicle is the modest mouse. The mouse is seen to signify darkness and, as the Lord's vehicle, is believed to signify the journey from darkness (or ignorance) to light or enlightenment.

Another interpretation is that Ganesha wins hearts through simple methods, and this too holds a lesson. A shiny car or extravagant lifestyle might impress, but to win hearts, the simplest way is through one's actions -- through simple gestures of affection and respect.

Seek knowledge  
While Lord Ganesha has been attributed with many of the qualities proverbially credited to elephants, the most well-known are the ears and trunk -- which suggest curiosity, the quest for wisdom and knowledge. His large head and ears are said to indicate an open-minded attitude that helps him accrue wisdom.

These are qualities that we could do well to adopt to improve and grow as a person. Read, explore, listen and learn -- nothing is irrelevant and nothing insignificant. Only when one educates oneself and listens to all sides of an argument can one judge what one truly believes in, what one wants and how it can be achieved. that every obstacle can be overcome. One must also make removing obstacles a dharma in one's own life. Whether in your professional or personal life, with the right attitude -- a never-say-die attitude -- even what seems like the most insurmountable difficulty can be handled without your world falling to pieces. All you need is faith in yourself.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 21, 2012, 12:31:23 PM



Ganesha's role in AstrologyThus spake Sage Narada extolling the virtues of Lord Ganesha...

(http://ganesha.info/images/ganesha_astrology.jpg)

Vidyarthee labhate vidyam
Dhanarthee labhate dhanam
Putrarthee labhate putram
Moksharthee labhate gatim  


(He who seeks education acquires it,
He who aspires material wealth gains it
He who desires progeny begets it
He who seeks salvation attains it...)




No wonder that Ganesha is the venerated and propitiated deity of the Hindu pantheon. Reputed to be the remover of obstacles, no fresh venture whether it is the building of a new house, the writing of a book, the beginning of a journey or the starting of a new business is undertaken without first seeking Ganesha's blessings. Also known as the God of wisdom and prudence, which is exemplified by his two wives, Riddhi and Siddhi. His knowledge of the scriptures is legendary. When Vyas Dev, the author of the epic Mahabharata was looking for someone who could pen his thoughts in a clean hand, without breaking stride, he turned to Ganesha, who in turn stipulated that the diction should never falter. Thus the legend goes; the largest epic in the world came into existence.

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 21, 2012, 04:22:02 PM


Prayer for Sri Ganesha – using all His Names.

Sumukhascha E’kadhanthascha Kapilo Gajakarnakah:
Lambodharascha Vikata: Vignaraajo Vinayaka:
Dhoomake’thur Ganaathyaksho Baalachandro Gajaanana:
Vakrathunda: Soorppa Karna: He’ramba: Skandha Poorvajah:

Thvame’va Maathaa Cha Pithaa Thvame’va
Thvame’va Bandhuscha Sakha Thvame’va |
Thvame’va Vidhyaa Cha Thraveenam Thvame’va
Thvame’va Sarvam Mama Dheva Dheva ||
Om Saanthi ! Saanthi !! Saanthi !!![/
size]


You are my Mother; You are my Father;
You are my closest Kin; You are my dearest Friend;
You are my Wisdom; You are the Treasure;
You are my Everything; O’ my Lord, My loving Lord ||
Om Peace ! Peace !! Peace !!!
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 21, 2012, 05:11:06 PM


(http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/assets/2011/2011images/SriGanesh.jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 22, 2012, 05:04:57 AM


Shree Ganesha Slokham  

Pranamya sirasa devam gauri putram vinayakam
Bhaktavasam smarennityam-ayuh kamartha-siddhaye (1)

Prathamam vakra-tundam ca ekadantam dvitiyakam
Trtiyam krsna-pingaksam gaja-vaktram catuthakam (2)

Lambodaram pancamam ca sastham vikatam-eva ch
Saptamam vighna-rajam ca dhumra-varnam tathastamam (3)

Navamam bhala-candram ca dasamam tu vinayakam
Ekadasam ganapatim dvadasam tu gajananam (4)

Dvadasaitani namani tri-sandhyam yah pathen-narah
Na ca vighna-bhayam tasya sarva-siddhi-karam prabho (5)
 



I respectfully offer my daily prayers

to Lord Ganesa for a meaningful life and right guidance.

I invoke Sri Ganesa with the following description:

curved mouth, single tusk, black eyes, elephant face, big stomach, giant structure, savior of all, grey colored, moon like forehead, protector, ganapati, and Gajanana.
 
JaiSaiRam  ;D
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 22, 2012, 01:42:04 PM


108 NAMES OF  GANESHA  
1. 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.

2. Alampata

The Eternal

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

3. Amit

One Who Has No Comparison

Ganesha is the embodiment of 'OM', the symbol of the Great God. He is the Eternal Spirit, the Beginning of all beginnings, beyond comparison.

4. 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.

5. Avaneesh

Master Of The Whole Earth

As a rotund, elephant-faced figure, Lord Ganesha is the Lord and Master of the whole earth.

He is the protector of the visible world and leader of the helpless, destroying all evil and obstacles.

6. 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.

7. Balaganapati

The Beloved Child

Lord Ganesha is adored by all the gods, even by the four-faced Brahma, and Lord Indra. As the elephantfaced child, he is the colour of the rays of the rising sun.

8. Bhalchandra

Sporting The Moon Crest

A moon crest adorns the forchead of Lord Ganesha. It denotes a pot of nectar, providing divine coolness to the wearer. It also denotes intelligence and mental, enlightenment, the moon being the symbol of mind and peace.

9. 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 r poses the moon. He is four-armed, has a single tusk, a trunk askew, a potbelly and he is gigantic.



10. Bhoopati

Lord Of The Lords

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

11. 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 Creator - pay obeisance and propitiate Him to save the world from evil.

12. 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.

13. Buddhipriya

Bestower Of Knowledge

Buddhipriya, the repository of knowledge, bestows guileless discretion to the worshipper. As ruler of the Mooladhara Chakra or plexus, he arouses a person's latent energy or fife force to take him to the Divine Light.

14. 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.

15. Chaturbhujeti

Four-Armed

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

16. 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.

17. Devantakanashakarin

Destroyer Of Demons

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

18. 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.



19. 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.

20. 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 learn to be charitable.

21. 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.

22. Durja

The Invincible

Ganesha, the elephant-faced, pot-bellied Lord is Infinite Strength and Power personified. He is deathless, has no beginning or end - he is invincible.

23. Dvaimatura

Son Of Two Mothers

Goddess Parvati created~ a child from the perspiration that came off her body. She lowered him into the River Ganga and he grew into a large being. Both Parvati and Ganga claimed to be his mother.

24. 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 as Pranava, the sound from which the world emanated.

25. Ekadanta

He Of Single Tusk

The rotund, massive Ganesha sports a single tusk, a broken one, which symbolises him as beyond the rules of cosmic orderliness, as he is the cosmos itself. The broken tusk represents the shedding of the ego,

26. 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.

27. Eshanputra

Son Of Shiva

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



28. 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.

29. Gajakarna

Elephant-Eyed

The elephant-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.

30. 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.

31. 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'.

32. 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.

33. 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 sweetness of the realised Inner Self, he personifies love.

34. Ganadhakshya

Lord Of The Celestial Hordes

Lord Ganesha is the Chief of the group of gods, the. celestials. He is the first to be worshipped by the gods and mortals alike. He is the Lord of all he surveys, the Master of the earth, the universe, the cosmos, all creation.

35. 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.

36. 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.



37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. Kapil

Tawny-Coloured

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

42. 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.

43. Kirti

Lover Of Music

Lord Ganesha is Nada Brahman, Lord of music. He is the repository of knowledge and a mine of virtues from whom emanates illimitable erudition, and cosmic music and rhythm.

44. 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 fight.

45.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 fight of a million suns.



46. Kshamakaram

Abode Of Forgiveness

Constant and regular chanting of Lord Ganesha's name is a sure path for atonement of sins. He is the abode of forgiveness, the seat of compassion, and most forgiving. Repose faith in him and he will protect you.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. Lambodara

Huge-Bellied

The big-bellied Ganesha is the symbol of 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.

50. 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.

51. 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.

52. Maheshwaram

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.

53. 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.

54. 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.


Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 22, 2012, 01:43:06 PM


55. 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.

56. Mudakaram

Abode Of Joy

Lord Ganesha is the home of Siddhi and Buddhi, the repository of knowledge and the abode of joy. He bestows happiness and welfare to all.

57. 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.

58. Musikvahan

He With The Mouse As His Vehicle

Lord Ganesha, with I 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.

59. Nadapratithista

Lover Of Music

Lord Ganesha is symbolic of the music and rhythm of the cosmos. He loves music and sometimes a veena is one of the attributes seen in his hands. He is the patron of music and dance.

60. Namasthetu

Destroyer Of All Sins

Lord Ganesha is the sea-fire to end the sea. He purges the devotees of all sins by incinerating the sins and impieties by his holy fire.

61. 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 of Shankara, and the beloved of his mother, Uma.

62. 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.

63. 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.



64. Pitambar

Wearer Of Yellow Clothes

Lord Ganesha, who wears clothe-5 of white and yellow, personifies purity and uniqueness. With a deep knowledge of the self, he is the eternal spirit who is changeless yet causes change all around.

65. 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.

66. 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.

67. Purush

The Supreme Authority

Lord Ganesh is Punish, 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.

68. 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.

69. 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.

70. 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.

71. Sarvasiddhanta

Provider of Adeptness To His Disciples

The repository of wisdom and knowledge, Lord Ganesha bestows success on his devotees. He who

chants his name continually will be sure of being blessed with the ability to be adept in all his actions.

72. Sarvatman

Blesser Of The Universe

He who dwells in every heart in a secret manner, by whose command this entire world exists, who is Infinite and the Enlighter of the hearts, by knowledge, he is Sarvatman, Lord Ganesha.



73. 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.

74. Shashivarnam

Moon -Complexioned

He who is attired in a white garment and 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.

75. Shoorpakarnai

Large-Eared

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

76. 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.

77. 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.

78. Shweta

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.

79. 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.

80. Siddhipriya

Bestower Of Boons

Siddhipriya 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 worshippers.

81. 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.



82. Skandapoorvaja

Older Than Skanda

Ganesha is the older son of 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.

83. Sumukha

Of Auspicious And Pleasant Visage

His strange visage is in the form of 'OM', the sound symbolic of the cosmic reality. Ganesha, with the bulky body, stands for the cosmos in its entirety. He is the symbol of auspiciousness.

84. Sureshwaram

Lord Of All The Gods

Sureshwaram is Lord Ganesha as Head of the ganas or celestials. He is the Supreme Being, the Foremost Being, the very cause of the creation of the cosmos Lord Almighty.

85. Swaroop

Lover Of Beauty

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

86. Tarun

The Youthful

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

87. Uddanda

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.

88. Umaputra

Son Of Uma

Uma, another name of Parvati, 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.

89. Vakratunda

Askew-Trunked

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

90. Varaganapati

Bestower Of Boons

Ganesha is the bestower of' all fruits of desire and granter of all adeptness that his worshippers seek. He is magnanimous and forgiving, being a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.



91. Varaprada

Granter Of Boons

Lord Ganesha grants boons to his devotees. He is most efficacious. He gives knowledge to the seeker of wisdom, prosperity to those desiring wealth, issues to the childless, and guidance to the attainment of spiritual liberation.

92. Varadavinayaka

Bestower Of Bounty And Success

The massive Ganesha, the granter of boons 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 adored by them.

93. 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, goad, noose, battleaxe, sword and shield - all signs of a valiant warrior.

94. Vidyavaridhi

Repository 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.

95. Vignahara

Destroyer Of Evil

Vignahara is Lord Ganesha, who, like a vigorous wind, scatters away and destroys the dark clouds of evil. His name's mere recollection removes all sins.

96. 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.

97. Vighnanashin

Destroyer Of Obstacles

The askew-trunked Ganesha, also called Vighnanashin, is the destroyer of all impediments. He is the destroyer of darkness created by' Obstacles.

98. 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.

99. Vighnarajendra

Lord Of All Obstacles

The noble Ganesha is the King of all the factors causing obstacles. He causes obstacles for the demons and enemies, causing them to stumble and be vanquished.



100. 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.

101. 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

102. 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.

103. 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.

104. 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.

105. Yagnakaya

Accepter of Sacrificial Fires

The calm 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.

106. Yashaskaram

Giver Of Fame 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.

107. 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.

108. Yogadhipa

Lover Of Meditation

Lord Ganesha is the fountainhead 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.

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 23, 2012, 04:39:37 PM

(http://southindianhandicrafts.co.in/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/SV_TEMPLE_USA_Lord_Ganesha_after_polish.197173514_std.jpg)
What does a snake around Ganesha’s stomach represent?
Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesha’s Birthday comes on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-Paksh of Hindu calendar in (August/September). Milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganesh at home and at temples, and worshippers visit Ganesh temples for Ganesh Puja. Ganesha’s vehicle is the Mooshak.  Lord Ganesh is very fond of modak. On one of His birthday’s Mata Parvati, cooked for him twenty-one types of delicious food and a lot of  of modak. Ganesha ate so much that even his big belly could not contain it. Then he set out moving on his mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled as it had seen a snake and became frightened with the result of that Ganesha fell down.
 
His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Ganeshji stuffed them back into his stomach and, caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly. Seeing all this, the moon in the sky had a hearty laugh. This unseemly behavior of the moon annoyed him immensely and so he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name.
 
The symbology behind the mouse and snake and Ganesha’s big belly and its relationship to the moon on his birthday is highly philosophic. The whole cosmos is known to be the belly of Ganesha (hence, his other name is Mahodara) .Parvati or Shakti is the primordial energy. The seven realms above, seven realms below and seven oceans, are inside the cosmic belly of Ganesha, held together by the cosmic energy (kundalini ) symbolized as a huge snake which Ganesha ties around Him. The mouse is nothing but our ego. Ganesha, using the mouse as a vehicle, exemplifies the need to control our ego. One who has controlled the ego has Ganesha consciousness or God-consciousness.

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 23, 2012, 04:44:15 PM

(http://www.imagedost.com/images/s5kl6it9wq0rfn23yrxd.jpg)
Why is Ganesha called the remover of obstacles (Vighneshwara)?
Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara because his devotees believes Ganesha roots out obstacles and difficulties from their lives and ensure success.
 
“Eshwara’” is the embodiment of all riches – physical beauty and strength, knowledge, wisdom, material wealth, spiritual enlightenment. “Vighna” translates as an unforeseen obstacle or impediment.
 
Abhinandan, king started a Yagya in order to fulfill his goal of becoming the Indra ( or King of Heaven).  When the news of the yagya spread, Lord Brahma tried to block King Abhinandan’s overweening ambition of ruling  the heavens and decided to create obstacles in the his path. He summoned Kalapurush and asked him to destroy the Yagya. After killing Abhinandan and destroying the yagya Kalapurush acquired the name Vighnasura, the creator of obstacles.  But Vighnasura, ran amok himself and and destroyed all Vedic practices on earth.  He could be thwarted by none, except Ganesha who in those days was at the ashram of Sage Parashar.
 
Gajanan took birth as Parshwaputra and Deepvatsala son and fought valiantly with Vighnasura, who had to except defeat. He abdicated himself to the Lord and asked to be blessed. Ganesha spared Vighnasura’s life, on the condition that the demon would not appear in any place where Ganesha was worshipped. Before disappearing, the demon extracted a promise from Ganesha, that he incorporates his name with that of the Lord. Thus, Ganesha acquired the name Vighneswara or “Destroyer of Obstacles”.  Legend also has it that the very same Devtas installed an image of Vigneshwara at Ozar on Ganesh Chaturti and offered worship.


Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 24, 2012, 12:36:59 PM

(http://jaipur.click.in/classifieds/images/173/24_9_2010_19_37_6670_02.jpg)

This God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also called Vinayak (knowledgeable) or Vighneshwer (god to remove obstacles). He is worshipped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness. He has four hands, elephant’s head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees’ attachments), and a sweet dessert ball -laddoo- (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand’s palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on May 26, 2012, 01:21:17 PM
32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1iKVnqt6fE/TwsA7l282GI/AAAAAAAAFRo/siSJqHob2RU/s1600/heramba-ganapati-form-lord-ganesha.jpg)


1. Bala Ganapati
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXHQe744OY4/TjqHFbbKgWI/AAAAAAAAAA0/cvr7EKg1IRY/s320/1.png)

Bala Ganapati is "the Childlike" God of golden hue. In His hands He holds a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth's abundance and fertility. His trunk garners His favorite sweet, the modaka.

2. Taruna Ganapati
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-remRHsL7rjw/TmWLU6sAfdI/AAAAAAAAEXE/A6GErcbC18E/s1600/taruna-ganapati-32-forms-ganesha.jpg)

Eight-armed, Taruna Ganapati, "the Youthful," holds a noose and goad, modaka, wood apple, rose apple, His broken tusk, a sprig of paddy and a sugar cane stalk. His brilliant red color reflects the blossoming of youth.

3. Bhakti Ganapati
(http://jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/03bhakti.jpg)

Shining like the full moon during harvest season and garlanded with flowers, Bhakti Ganapati, dear to devotees, is indeed pleasant to look upon. He holds a banana, a mango, coconut and a bowl of sweet payasa pudding.


4. Vira Ganapati
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fCTf0MO8krM/TWtBvDYovqI/AAAAAAAAGoY/7qpkQepaK0Y/Veera-Ganapathy.jpg)

Eight-armed, Taruna Ganapati, "the Youthful," holds a noose and goad, modaka, wood apple, rose apple, His broken tusk, a sprig of paddy and a sugar cane stalk. His brilliant red color reflects the blossoming of youth.

5. Shakti Ganapati
(http://astrology.ohojunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2_005.jpg)

Four-armed and seated with one of His shaktis on His knee, Shakti Ganapati, "the Powerful," of orange-red hue, guards the householder. He holds a garland, noose and goad, and bestows blessings with the abhaya mudra.

6. Dvija Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/06dwija.jpg)

Four-headed Dvija Ganapati, "the Twice-born," is moon-like in color. Holding a noose, a goad, an ola leaf scripture, a staff, water vessel and a his japa beads, He reminds one and all of the urgency for disciplined striving.



7. Siddhi Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/07siddhi.jpg)

Golden-Yellow Siddhi Ganapati, "the Accomplished," is the epitome of achievement and self-mastery. He sits comfortably holding a bouquet of flowers, an axe, mango, sugar cane and, in His trunk, a tasty sesame sweet.



8. Ucchhishta Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/08uchhishia.jpg)

Ucchhishta Ganapati is "Lord of Blessed Offerings" and guardian of culture. Of blue complexion and six-armed, He sits with His Shakti, holding a vina, pomegranate, blue lotus flower, japa mala and a sprig of fresh paddy.




9. Vighna Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/09vighna.jpg)

Vighna Ganapati, "Lord of Obstacles," is of brilliant gold hue and bedecked in jewels. His eight arms hold a noose and goad, tusk and modaka, conch and discus, a bouquet of flowers, sugar cane, flower arrow and an axe.




10. Kshipra Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/10kshipra.jpg)

Handsome, red-hued Kshipra Ganapati, "Quick-acting" giver of boons, displays His broken tusk, a noose, goad and a sprig of the kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree. In His uplifted trunk He holds a tiny pot of precious jewels.


11. Heramba Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/11hearamba.jpg)

Five-faced, white in color, Heramba Ganapati, "Protector of the Weak," rides a big lion. He extends the gestures of protection and blessing while holding a noose, japa beads, axe, hammer, tusk, garland, fruit and modaka.


12. Lakshmi Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/12-Lakshmi.jpg)

Lakshmi Ganapati, pure white giver of success, sits flanked by Wisdom and Achievement. Gesturing varada mudra, He holds a green parrot, a pomegranate, sword, goad, noose, sprig of kalpavriksha and a water vessel.


13. Maha Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/13maha.jpg)

Accompanied by one of His shaktis, "the Great," Maha Ganapati, is red-complexioned and three-eyed. He holds His tusk, a pomegranate, blue lily, sugar-cane bow, discus, noose, lotus, paddy sprig, mace and a pot of gems.


14. Vijaya Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/14vijaya.jpg)

Four-armed, of red hue and riding His resourceful mushika, Vijaya Ganapati is "the Victorious" bestower of success. His insignia are the broken tusk, elephant goad, a noose and a lucious golden mango, His favorite fruit.


15. Nritya Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/15nritya.jpg)

The happy "Dancer," Nritya Ganapati, is four-armed and golden, with rings on His fingers, holding a tusk, goad, noose and modaka sweet. He prances under the kalpavriksha tree, epitomizing exuberant activity and joy.


16. Urdhva Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/16urdhva.jpg)

Seated with one of His shaktis on His left knee, Urdhva Ganapati is "the Elevated" Lord of golden hue. In His six hands He holds a sprig of paddy, a lotus, the sugar cane bow, an arrow, His ivory tusk and a blue water lily.

17. Ekakshara Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/17ekaakshara.jpg)

Ekakshara, of "Single-Syllable" (gam), is three-eyed, of red complexion and attire. Crescent moon on His crown, He sits in lotus pose upon Mushika, offers the boon-giving gesture and holds a pomegranate, noose and goad.

18. Varada Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/18vara.jpg)

Varada Ganapati, "the Boon-Giver with prominent third eye of wisdom, holds a dish of honey, the noose and goad and encloses a pot of jewels in His trunk. His shakti is at His side, and the crescent moon adorns His crown.


19. Tryakshara Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/19tryakshara.jpg)

Tryakshara Ganapati, "the Lord of Three Letters" (A-U-M), is gold in color and has fly whisks in His big floppy ears. He carries the broken tusk, goad, noose and mango and is often seen grasping a sweet modaka in His trunk.

20. Kshipra Prasada Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/20kshipraprasada.jpg)

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati, "the Quick Rewarder," presides from a kusha-grass throne. His big belly symbolizes the manifest universe. He holds a noose, goad, tusk, lotus, pomegranate and a twig of the wish-fulfilling tree.

21. Haridra Ganapati


(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q3qNQaSszg/TjqISCo6i1I/AAAAAAAAACI/TFNDm0vK5cY/s1600/21.png)

Haridra Ganapati, the golden one dressed in bright yellow vestments, sits calmly on a posh, regal throne. Along with His tusk and a modaka, He wields a noose to hold devotees close and a sharp goad to spur them onward.

22. Ekadanta Ganapati


(http://jaiganesha.co.in/32forms/22.jpg)


Ekadanta, of "Single Tusk," is distinguished by His blue color and sizeable belly. The attributes of this murti are an axe for cutting the bonds of ignorance, prayer beads for japa, a laddu sweet and the broken right tusk.

23. Srishti Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/23shrishti.jpg)

Riding on His docile and friendly mouse, Srishti Ganapati is the lord of happy "Manifestation." This active God, of red complexion, holds His noose a goad, a perfect mango, and His tusk, representing selfless sacrifice.

24. Uddanda Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/24uddanda.jpg)

Uddanda Ganapati is the bold "Enforcer of Dharma," the laws of being. His ten hands hold a pot of gems, a blue lily, sugar cane, a mace, lotus flower, sprig of paddy, a pomegranate, noose, garland and His broken tusk.

25. Rinamochana Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/25runamochana.jpg)

Rinamochana Ganapati is humanity's liberator from guilt and bondage. His figure of alabaster skin is apparelled in red silks. He bears a noose and a goad, His milk-white tusk and a favorite fruit, the rose apple.

26. Dhundhi Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/26dhundhi.jpg)

Red-hued Dhundhi Ganapati, "the Sought After," holds a strand of rudraksha beads, His broken tusk, an axe and a small pot of precious gems thought to represent the treasury of awakenings He saves for all ardent devotees.

27. Dvimukha Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/27dwimukha.jpg)

Dvimukha Ganapati, called Janus by the Romans, with two divergent faces, sees in all directions. His blue-green form is dressed in red silk. He wears a bejeweled crown and holds a noose, goad, His tusk and a pot of gems.

28. Trimukha Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/28trimukha.jpg)

Trimukha Ganapati, the contemplative "three-faced" Lord of red hue, sits on a golden lotus, telling His beads, holding a noose, goad and vessel of nectar. He gestures protection with a right hand and blessings with a left.

29. Sinha Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/29simha.jpg)

Sinha Ganapati, white in color, rides a lion and displays another lion in one hand, symbolizing strength and fearlessness. He also holds a kalpavriksha sprig, the vina, a lotus blossom, flower bouquet and a pot of jewels.

30. Yoga Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/30yoga.jpg)

Yoga Ganapati is absorbed in mantra japa, His knees strapped in meditative pose, hands holding a yoga staff, sugar cane stalk, a noose and prayer beads. His color is like the morning sun. Blue garments adorn His form.

31. Durga Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/31durga.jpg)

Durga Ganapati, the "Invincible," waves the flag of victory over darkness. This splendid murti is of deep gold hue, dressed in red, holding a bow and arrow, noose and goad, prayer beads, broken tusk and a rose apple.


32. Sankatahara Ganapati

(http://www.jaishreeganesha.com/images/32forms/32sankatahara.jpg)

Sankatahara Ganapati, "the Dispeller of Sorrow," is of sunlike hue, dressed in blue, and seated on a red lotus flower. He holds a bowl of pudding, a goad and a noose while gesturing the boon-granting varada mudra


(http://www.ssso.net/ganesha/Bala-Gana.jpg)
32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

As with the 64 forms of Shiva, 32 forms of Ganapathi are recognized in the Agamic scriptures

1. Baala Ganapathi - Red colored image of a four armed Ganesha

2. Dharuna Ganapathi - Red colored image of an eight armed Ganesha

3. Bhakti Ganapathi - Grey colored image of four armed Ganesha

4. Veera Ganapathi - Red colored image of 16 armed Ganapathi

5. Shakti Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Ganapathi, seated with his consort to his left

6. Dwija Ganapathi - White colored image of four-faced Ganesha with 4 arms

7. Siddhi Ganapathi - Golden colored image of four armed Ganapathi

8. Ucchishta Ganapathi - Blue colored image of six armed Ganapathi with his consort

9. Vigna Ganapathi - Gold colored image of eight armed Ganapathi

10. Kshipra Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganesha bearing a ratna kumbham

11. Heramba Ganapathi - Black colored image of ten-armed Ganesha with five faces, seated on a lion

12. Lakshmi Ganapathi - White colored image of eight-armed Ganesha with two consorts

13. Makara Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, 10 arms, bearing a ratna kumbham, with his consort

14. Vijaya Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Ganesha on the mooshika mount

15. Nritta Ganapathi - Gold colored image of Ganesha in a dance posture

16. Urdhva Ganapathi - Gold colored image of six armed Ganesha with his consort

17. Ekakshara Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, seated on a lotus

18. Vara Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Vinayaka with a third eye

19. Dhryakshara Ganapathi - Gold colored image of four-armed Vinayakar, decorated with Chaamara ear rings

20. Kshipraprasaada Ganapathi - Red colored image of six armed Ganapathi

21. Haridra Ganapathi - Yellow colored image of four armed Ganapathi

22. Ekadhanta Ganapathi - Blue colored image of four armed Ganapathi

23. Srishti Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganapathi seated on his mooshika mount

24. Utthanda Ganapathi - Red colored image of 10 armed Ganesha with his consort to his left

25. Ranamochana Ganapathi: Crystal image of four armed Vinayakar

26. Dundi Ganapathi - Four-armed image of Ganesha bearing a tusk, a garland, an axe and a gem studded vessel

27. Dwimukha Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with two faces and four arms

28. Trimukha Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with three faces and six arms seated on a golden lotus

29. Simha Ganapathi - White colored image of Ganesha with eight arms (with an arm bearing a lions face)

30. Yoga Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha in the posture of a yogi

31. Durga Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with eight arms

32. Sankatahara Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganesha clothed in blue, seated on a lotus peetham with his consort to his left



Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on June 05, 2012, 02:00:06 PM


108 Names of  Lord Ganesha
108 Names Of Lord Ganesha                    No. Name Meaning  
        1 Akhurath                                                One who has Mouse as His Charioteer

        2 Alampata                                                Ever Eternal Lord

        3 Amit                                                       Incomparable Lord

        4 Anantachidrupamayam                            Infinite and ConsciousnessPersonified

        5 Avaneesh                                               Lord of the whole World

        6 Avighna                                                  Remover of Obstacles

        7 Balaganapati                                           Beloved and Lovable Child

        8 Bhalchandra                                            Moon-Crested Lord

        9 Bheema                                                  Huge and Gigantic

        10 Bhupati                                                  Lord of the Gods 1

        11 Bhuvanpati                                             God of the Gods

        12 Buddhinath                                             God of Wisdom

        13 Buddhipriya                                            Knowledge Bestower

        14 Buddhividhata                                         God of Knowledge

        15 Chaturbhuj                                              One who has Four Arms

        16 Devadeva                                               Lord of All Lords

        17 Devantakanashakarin                              Destroyer of Evils and Asuras

        18 Devavrata                                               One who accepts all Penances

        19 Devendrashika                                         Protector of All Gods

        20 Dharmik                                                  One who gives Charity

        21 Dhoomravarna                                         Smoke-Hued Lord

        22 Durja                                                       Invincible Lord

        23 Dvaimatura                                              One who has two Mothers

        24 Ekaakshara                                              He of the Single Syllable

        25 Ekadanta                                                  Single-Tusked Lord

        26 Ekadrishta                                                Single-Tusked Lord

        27 Eshanputra                                               Lord Shiva's Son

        28 Gadadhara                                                One who has The Mace as His Weapon

        29 Gajakarna                                                 One who has Eyes like an Elephant

        30 Gajanana                                                  Elephant-Faced Lord

        31 Gajananeti                                                Elephant-Faced Lord

        32 Gajavakra                                                 Trunk of The Elephant

        33 Gajavaktra                                                One who has Mouth like an Elephant

        34 Ganadhakshya                                           Lord of All Ganas (Gods)

        35 Ganadhyakshina                                         Leader of All The Celestial Bodies

        36 Ganapati                                                    Lord of All Ganas (Gods)

        37 Gaurisuta                                                   The Son of Gauri (Parvati)

        38 Gunina                                                       One who is The Master of All Virtues

        39 Haridra                                                      One who is Golden Coloured

        40 Heramba                                                    Mother's Beloved Son

        41 Kapila                                                        Yellowish-Brown Coloured

        42 Kaveesha                                                    Master of Poets

        43 K rti                                                            Lord of Music

        44 Kripalu                                                        Merciful Lord

        45 Krishapingaksha                                           Yellowish-Brown Eyed

        46 Kshamakaram                                              The Place of Forgiveness

        47 Kshipra                                                        One who is easy to Appease

        48 Lambakarna                                                  Large-Eared Lord

        49 Lambodara                                                    The Huge Bellied Lord

        50 Mahabala                                                       Enormously Strong Lord

        51 Mahaganapati                                                Omnipotent and Supreme Lord

        52 Maheshwaram                                               Lord of The Universe

        53 Mangalamurti                                                 All Auspicious Lord

        54 Manomay                                                       Winner of Hearts

        55 Mrityuanjaya                                                  Conqueror of Death

        56 Mundakarama                                                Abode of Happiness

        57 Muktidaya                                                      Bestower of Eternal Bliss

        58 Musikvahana                                                   One who  has Mouse  as Charioteer

        59 Nadapratithishta                                              One who Appreciates and Loves Music

        60 Namasthetu                                                     Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins

        61 Nandana                                                         Lord Shiva's Son

        62 Nideeshwaram                                                Giver of Wealth and Treasures

        63 Omkara   One who has the Form Of OM

        64 Pitambara                                                         One who has Yellow-Coloured Body

        65 Pramoda                                                           Lord of All Abodes

        66 Prathameshwara                                                First Among All

        67 Purush                                                              The Omnipotent Personality

        68 Rakta                                                                One who has Red-Coloured Body

        69 Rudrapriya                                                Beloved Of Lord Shiva

        70 Sarvadevatman                                         Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings

        71 Sarvasiddhanta                                         Bestower of Skills and Wisdom

        72 Sarvatman                                                Protector of The Universe

        73 Shambhavi                                                The Son of Parvati

        74 Shashivarnam                                          One who has a Moon like Complexion

        75 Shoorpakarna                                           Large-Eared Lord

        76 Shuban                                                     All Auspicious Lord

        77 Shubhagunakanan                                  One who is The Master of All Virtues

        78 Shweta                                                      One who is as Pure as the White Colour

        79 Siddhidhata                                           Bestower of Success and Accomplishments

        80 Siddhipriya                                            Bestower of Wishes and Boons

        81 Siddhivinayaka                                     Bestower of Success

        82 Skandapurvaja                                      Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)

        83 Sumukha                                                Auspicious Face

        84 Sureshwaram                                          Lord of All Lords

        85 Swaroop                                                 Lover of Beauty

        86 Tarun                                                      Ageless

        87 Uddanda                                                  Nemesis of Evils and Vices

        88 Umaputra &nbs ;                                     The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)

        89 Vakratunda                                              Curved Trunk Lord

        90 Varaganapati                                            Bestower of Boons

        91 Varaprada                                                Granter of Wishes and Boons

        92 Varadavinayaka                                       Bestower of Success

        93 Veeraganapati                                          Heroic Lord

        94 Vidyavaridhi                                             God of Wisdom

        95 Vighnahara                                                Remover of Obstacles

        96 Vignaharta                                                Demolisher of Obstacles

        97 Vighnaraja                                                  Lord of All Hindrances

        98 Vighnarajendra                                           Lord of All Obstacles

        99 Vighnavinashanaya                     Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments

        100 Vigneshwara                                        Lord of All Obstacles

        101 Vikat                                                     Huge and Gigantic

        102 Vinayaka                                              Lord of All

        103 Vishwamukha                                      Master of The Universe

        104 Vishwaraja                                            King of The World |

        105 Yagnakaya                            Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrficial Offerings

        106 Yashaskaram                                      Bestower of Fame and Fortune

        107 Yashvasin                                          Beloved and Ever Popular Lord

        108 Yogadhipa                                           The Lord of Meditation




Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on June 11, 2012, 05:23:22 AM


Why the shani bhagwan did not ''catch'' Ganesa and Anjaneya ?


(http://www.desicomments.com/dc/17/39371/393711.jpg)

The worship of Lord Hanuman is a panacea for the harsh effects of the 'unfavourable' presence of Lord Shani. In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani from the clutches of Ravana and in gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that anyone who prayed to Him (Hanuman), especially on Saturdays, would be rescued from the "malefic" effects of Saturn, or at the very least, the effects would be softened.
 
Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan is that once Shani climbed on to Hanuman's shoulder, implying that Shani's influence was beginning on Lord Hanuman. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught painfully between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was unbearable, Lord Shani requested Lord Hanuman to release him, promising in return, that if a person prayed to Lord Hanuman, he (Shani) would moderate or eliminate the malefic effects of his influence on that person; following this, Lord Hanuman released Shani. Bhagwan Ganesha the first God, who destroys the evil and doing good may be reasons.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on June 23, 2012, 09:27:32 AM


Why is Lord Ganesha's Vehicle the Mouse ?

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_34WUfyF1i6E/TAEX8uQcHHI/AAAAAAAAA38/YJFiYDORG70/ganesha_riding_his_rat.jpg)
In The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka. What is the inner significance of the mouse? The mouse is considered as the embodiment of the sense of smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is well known that if you want to catch a mouse, you place a strong-smelling edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also symbolizes the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light. The Vinayaka-principle, thus, means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts. "
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on June 26, 2012, 05:43:46 PM

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417ZgRt11NL._AA300_.jpg)
Lord Ganesha is the Lord of Good Fortune  
Lord Ganesha is thought to have been derived from an animistic deity, possibly a Dravidian sun god. Lord Ganesha is a propitious god, promising success, prosperity, and peace and is invoked before any sort of enterprise. It is his responsibility to decide between success and failure, to remove obstacles or create them as necessary. His pot-belly symbolizes a pitcher full of prosperity, a sort of abdominal cornucopia.
 
Lord Ganesha has many names. Ganesha's earliest name was Ekadanta (Having One Tusk), referring to his single whole tusk, the other having been broken off. The main ones are Ganapati (Lord of the tribe or attendants), Vighnesvara (controller of all obstacles), Gajanana (elephant-faced), Gajadhipati (Lord of elephants), Lambkarn (long-eared), Lambodar (pendant-bellied) and Vinayaka (the prominent leader).
 
A description of all of the characteristics and attributes of Ganesha can be found in the Ganapati Upanishad (an Upanishad dedicated to Ganesha) of the Rishi Atharva, in which Ganesha is identified with Brahman and the Atman.
 
In general terms, Ganesha is a much beloved and frequently invoked divinity, since he is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity and fortune and also the Destroyer of Obstacles of a material or spiritual order. It is for this reason that his grace is invoked before the undertaking of any task (e.g. traveling, taking an examination, conducting a business affair, a job interview, performing a ceremony,) with such incantations as Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah (hail the name of Ganesha), or similar. It is also for this reason that, traditionally, all sessions of bhajan (devotional chanting) begin with an invocation of Ganesha, Lord of the "good beginnings" of chants. Throughout India and the Hindu culture, Lord Ganesha is the first idol placed into any new home or abode.

 
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 06, 2012, 07:11:45 PM

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Prambanan-ganesha.jpg/220px-Prambanan-ganesha.jpg)
First appearance
 
Ganesha appeared in his classic form as a clearly recognizable deity with well-defined iconographic attributes in the early 4th to 5th centuries. Shanti Lal Nagar says that the earliest known iconic image of Ganesha is in the niche of the Shiva temple at Bhumra, which has been dated to the Gupta period.[149] His independent cult appeared by about the 10th century. Narain summarizes the controversy between devotees and academics regarding the development of Ganesha as follows:
 

What is inscrutable is the somewhat dramatic appearance of Gaņeśa on the historical scene. His antecedents are not clear. His wide acceptance and popularity, which transcend sectarian and territorial limits, are indeed amazing. On the one hand there is the pious belief of the orthodox devotees in Gaņeśa's Vedic origins and in the Purāṇic explanations contained in the confusing, but nonetheless interesting, mythology. On the other hand there are doubts about the existence of the idea and the icon of this deity" before the fourth to fifth century A.D. ...
 
Possible influences
 
Courtright reviews various speculative theories about the early history of Ganesha, including supposed tribal traditions and animal cults, and dismisses all of them in this way:
 

In this search for a historical origin for Gaņeśa, some have suggested precise locations outside the Brāhmaṇic tradition.... These historical locations are intriguing to be sure, but the fact remains that they are all speculations, variations on the Dravidian hypothesis, which argues that anything not attested to in the Vedic and Indo-European sources must have come into Brāhmaṇic religion from the Dravidian or aboriginal populations of India as part of the process that produced Hinduism out of the interactions of the Aryan and non-Aryan populations. There is no independent evidence for an elephant cult or a totem; nor is there any archaeological data pointing to a tradition prior to what we can already see in place in the Purāṇic literature and the iconography of Gaņeśa.
 
Thapan's book on the development of Ganesha devotes a chapter to speculations about the role elephants had in early India but concludes that, "although by the second century CE the elephant-headed yakṣa form exists it cannot be presumed to represent Gaṇapati-Vināyaka. There is no evidence of a deity by this name having an elephant or elephant-headed form at this early stage. Gaṇapati-Vināyaka had yet to make his debut."
 
One theory of the origin of Ganesha is that he gradually came to prominence in connection with the four Vinayakas (Vināyakas).In Hindu mythology, the Vināyakas were a group of four troublesome demons who created obstacles and difficulties but who were easily propitiated. The name Vināyaka is a common name for Ganesha both in the Purāṇas and in Buddhist Tantras. Krishan is one of the academics who accepts this view, stating flatly of Ganesha, "He is a non-vedic god. His origin is to be traced to the four Vināyakas, evil spirits, of the Mānavagŗhyasūtra (7th–4th century BCE) who cause various types of evil and suffering". Depictions of elephant-headed human figures, which some identify with Ganesha, appear in Indian art and coinage as early as the 2nd century. According to Ellawala, the elephant-headed Ganesha as lord of the Ganas was known to the people of Sri Lanka in the early pre-Christian era.
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Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 10, 2012, 11:54:44 AM


Auspicious Ashta vinayaka Temples  
 

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha .All the Eight  Ashtavinayak Templs are Swayambhu (self-originated) and Jagrut.There are various names of Lord Ganesh for various places. The various names of Lord Ganesh are Moreshwar, Mahaganpati, Chintamani, Girijatmak, Vighneshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar and Varad Vinayak . These Temples are situated at Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Theur, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Siddhatek, Pali and Mahad. These places are at Pune, Ahamadnagar and Raigad district. Of the 8 vinayakas, 6 are in Pune district area and 2 in Raigad district but still comparatively nearer to the Pune areas.

Ballaleshwar Palli  

(http://www.ekmev.com/images_8_vinayak/pali_big.jpg)

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Among the Ashtavinayakas, Ballaleshvara at Pali is the only Ganesha who is famous by the name of his devotee and who is dressed up as a brahmin.

Village Pali is situated between fort Sarasgad & river Amba flowing on the other side. On being pleased by devotion of Ballal, Shri Ganesh remained in the stone worshipped by Ballal & hence is called as Ballaleshwar of Pali. Village Pali is situated in the Sudhagad taluka in the district of Raigad. This place is nestled between the fort Sarasgad and River Amba. The nearest railway station is Karjat, which is 30Kms away.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 13, 2012, 07:16:37 PM
Chintamani Theur  


(http://www.punespider.com/attachments/Resources/3061-201028-Naga-image.jpg)
Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. At Theyoor in the Haveli Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra is the Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Chintamani Vinayak. The village is along the river Mulamutha. Lord Ganesha as Chintamani is god who brings peace of mind and drives away all perplexities of the mind.

It is believed that Brahma the creator once felt tharva that is restive. To still his mind he called upon Lord Ganesh. The place where Brahma achieved the quietude he was looking for is known as the Sthavar region or as Theur.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 16, 2012, 05:17:10 PM

Girijatmaj Lenyadri  


(http://www.teluguone.com/tonecmsuserfiles/Ashta_Vinayaka_Girijatmaj%20Lenyadri.png)
Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Lenyadri is to the North of Pune, along the Kukdi river. The Ganesh Puran calls this place as Jirnapur or Lekhan Parbat. Girijatmaj Vinayak refers to the Ganesh as the son of Parvati. Girija is another name for Parvati and Atamaj means son. This is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain and is set in a Buddhist cave-temple
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 29, 2012, 06:57:24 PM


Mahaganpati Ranjangaon  


(http://blessingsonthenet.com/img/uploads//aim_bn_1308629910.jpg)

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. The Maha Ganpati at Ashtavinayak is the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha. Maha Ganpati is depicted as having eight, ten or twelve arms. It is after invoking this form of Ganpati that Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasur and so he is also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on July 31, 2012, 05:11:40 PM


Moreshwar Temple  


(https://aroundinpune.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/moreshwar-temple.jpg)

The Mayureshwar or Moreshwar temple is along the Karha river in the Morgaon village . A temple that looks like a tiny fort from a distance, it is situated in the Baramati Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. The idol of Mayureshwar is in the garbhagriha,the sanctum in which only the head priest is permitted entry. The deity is three eyed, seated, and his trunk is turned towards the left. The eyes and the navel of the deity are studded with precious diamonds. On the head are seen the fangs of Nagaraj. The deity is flanked by brass idols of Siddhi and Buddhi who are considered the consorts of Ganesh. In front of the deity stand a mouse and a peacock.The original idol is actually much smaller than it seems but continuous anointing of the idol with sindoor has resulted in the idol seeming much larger than it actually is. It is believed that this layer of sindoor peels off on its own every 100 or 150 years, revealing the actual idol.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 12, 2012, 01:31:22 PM


Siddhivinayak Siddhtek  


(https://aroundinpune.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/siddhivinayak-siddhtek.jpg)

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Siddhtek is a remote little village along the river Bhima in the Ahmednagar district and Karjat tehsil in Maharashtra. The Siddhivinayak Ashtavinayak Temple at Siddhtek is considered an especially powerful deity. It is believed that it was here on the Siddhtek Mountain, that Vishnu acquired Siddhi.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 15, 2012, 09:11:24 AM



A Statue of Lord Ganesha made of dry fruits.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qElVOSPxwoA/UCrM1VuBlNI/AAAAAAAAXm0/H9iX4BLQyTs/s1600/A+Statue+of+Lord+Ganesha+made+of+dry+fruits..jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 15, 2012, 11:29:08 AM

Varad Vinayak Mahad  


(http://blessingsonthenet.com/img/uploads//aim_bn_1308630225.jpg)

Ashtavinayaka Temples or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Mahad is a pretty village set in the hilly region of Konkan in the Raigarh district and the Khalapur Taluka of Maharastra.Lord Ganesha as Varad Vinayak fulfills all desires and grants all boons. This region was known as Bhadrak or Madhak in ancient times. A nandadeep has been lit in this Ashtavinayak temple which has been continuously lit since the 1892
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 15, 2012, 05:37:48 PM

Vighneshwar Ozhar  


(http://www.teluguone.com/tonecmsuserfiles/Ashta_Vinayaka_Vighneshwar%20Ozhar.png)

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganapati temples are located in Maharashtra state of India. Tourists specially go to see these eight Ganesha temples surrounded in Pune. Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour is very common for devotees. Devotees would like to have darshan of eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune.

On the banks of the Kukdeshwar river, Ozhar Ashtavinayak is where Lord Vighneshwar resides. Lord Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara or the remover of all obstacles, this he achieved by vanquishing the demon Vighnasura .Vighneshwara's temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi. Among Ashtavinayak Kshetra Vighneshwara Temple is the only temple with golden dome and pinnacle.

 
 
Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganapati temples, Ashtavinayaka temples surrounded in pune, pilgrimage of 8 ganesha temples, 8 roopas of ganapati
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 21, 2012, 09:24:04 AM
The twelve names of Ganesha  

(http://www.hanss.co.uk/DharmaAwareness/Ganesha%20Chaturthi_files/image002.jpg)



The twelve names of Ganesha are as follows : (1) Sumukh, (2) Ekdanta (with one tooth), (3) Kapil, (4) Gajakarna, (5) Lambodar, (6) Vikat, (7) Vighna-Nashan, (8) Vinayak, (9) Dhumraketu, (10) Ganadhyaksha, (11) Bhalchandra, (12) Gajanan. The inner-meanings of each other twelve names are drastically different from each other:

1. Sumukh (One who has a beautiful face)
Ganesha is said to be possessing all the qualities of Moon, who is also called the God of beauty, and is hence also known as Sumukh.

2. Ekdanata (Having one tooth, or tusk)Ganesha is also known as Ekdanta, or the one with one tooth, because one of his tusks is broken. The name Ekdanta is probably derived from a tale associated with the Asura (demon), Mada-Asura, who is also associated with Pride. After having surrendered to Ganesa, the Asura describes Ganesha as the one who is the embodiment (eka) of the supreme truth (danta) and hence the name Ekadanta.

The philosophical interpretation of this name however is this: Lord Ganesha, through his single tusk propagates Adwaitavad - or the Hindu doctrine of singularity, which in simple terms says that all existence - animate and non-animate - is but a part of a single whole. The other belief in Hinduism is that of Dwaitavad or the principle of duality, where Man is seen as being separate from God.

3. Kapila (Celestial cow)

Kapila was also the name given to a celestial grey cow. Just as a cow contributes in keeping Man healthy through its milk, Ganesha too does the same for the human mind by passing on knowledge and wisdom. This nature of kind giving to Man is assimilated in the name, Kapila.

4. Gajakarna (One with ears of an elephant)

Gajakarna indicates the possession of the ears of an elephant. Ganesha's ears, which also appear like large winnowing baskets, have philosophical significance. Just as one uses a winnowing basket to separate grains from dirt, one must use discriminition (viveka) to separate the real (Brahman) from the unreal (Maya) in life. Here the grains stand for Brahman and the dirt signifies Maya. In other words, Ganesha's ears indicate that such discrimination between Brahman and Maya is to be gained by taking recourse to Sravana (hearing). Listening to words of wisdom from those who are already enlightened will lead to proper discrimination and Brahman realization and this is the message that is sought to be passed on through the depiction of Lord Ganesha with elephant ears.

5. Lambodara (One with a large belly)

Lord Ganesha learnt the art of music from the tinkling sound of nupur (anklets) tied around the ankles of his mother, Goddess Parvati. He studied the Vedas from the sound of the Damaru (a small percussion instrument) of Lord Shiva. Thus with the accumulation and storage of vast knowledge, his tummy became large.

6. Vikat (One who is ferocious)

This name, which means ferocious or dreadful, is suggestive of Lord Ganesha taking on those forms to defeat all evils. It is said that one needs to take on one's opponents in the same manner as they behave so as to defeat them. This is the message conveyed by the name Vikat.

7. Vighnanash (Destroyer of obstacles)

Lord Ganesha is a destroyer of all evils and calamities. It is said that Lord Shiva told Parvati that their son Ganesha would create numerous obstacles for those who do not follow the path of dharma (righteousness) but that he would remove all the obstacles to those who revere knowledge and wisdom.

8. Vinayak (Leader)

To the king Abhijit and queen Gunavati was born a beautiful son named Gana. He was very bright and strong. In addition, he had great devotion to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, pleased with Gana's devotion, granted him some boons. However, this inflated Gana's ego and he fell to bad company. One day he visited sage Kapila's ashram (hermitage). Kapila had a precious gem called Chintamani which was could fulfill the wishes of its owner and could provide food for thousands. When Gana spotted this gem, he wanted to possess it but Kapila did not want to give it to him. Gana forcibly took it away from him. Kapila prayed to Lord Ganesha and Ganesha appeared in the dream of Gana and cut off his head. Gana on waking up, did not repent but rather took his army to kill Kapila. Gana's father Abhijit pleaded with Gana to give Kapila back his gem, but Gana did not heed the advice. However, on reaching Kapila's ashram he found that Ganesha had assembled an army to fight him. In the fight that ensued, Gana was slayed by Ganesha and Ganesha restored the Chintamani gem to Kapila. Kapila, however, gave it back to Ganesha saying that even a small gem like that is the cause of all troubles and wealth is the root of many troubles of the world. Kapila, however, requested Ganesha to stay in that place. This place is now called Chintamani Vinayaka and is at Theur near Pune, Maharashtra, in India. In the word Vinayak, the syllable "Vi" stands for Vighna (obstacle or calamity) and Nayak means controller or leader.

9. Dhumraketu

This name indicates the shaping of smoke into a specific form - suggestive of Ganesha's role in helping Man in the formation of specific ideas from foggy thoughts. It also means Agni (fire) and is indicative of the power that Ganesha has in burning all evils and calamities.

10. Ganadhyaksha (Leader of the masses)

Lord Ganesha is seen as the leader of the Ganas (masses), Nar (Man), Asura (Demon) and Nag (Snake) and hence this name.

11. Balachandra (One who wears the moon on his head)

By placing the moon near his head, Lord Ganesha creates an atmosphere of pleasure and peace. It is indicative of the fact that the more a person feels peaceful using his wisdom, the more effectively and efficiently will he be able to shoulder his responsibilities. A quite mind is the stepping-stone to success. Balachandra also indicates the moon being a king of Brahmins - those who are enlightened or those who are perfect in knowing Brahma. Thus by depicting the Brahmin king on Ganesha's head, it is sought to indicate that Ganapati has stored the entire knowledge of Brahma in his mind.

12. Gajanana (One who has the face of an elephant)

The symbolism of Ganesha having his head as that of an elephant and the various meanings attached to it have been described at length earlier.

History tells as that during Dravidian times, Lord Ganesha was worshipped as an elephant signifying the wisdom and majesty of the universe. The invading Aryans, adopted the Dravidian godling and affirmed their belief in Ganesha. Ganesha made a ceremonial entrance as an Aryan God. 'The auspicious god', he would be worshipped at the beginning of all rites, an unbroken tradition that continues to this day.

The symbol of Lord Ganesha is the Swastika. The Swastika is a basic Hindu symbol, reflecting the primary principle of Creation, personalized by Lord Ganesha. The in-depth interpretation of the direction of the swastika proves, that the ancient Oriental mind gives positive answers to the existential problem of the unity of the profane and sacred in human life.

Another symbol associated with Lord Ganesha is the OM. The sign Om is the primary sound of the creation, the holy breath of God, the primary word or the primary verb. Lord Ganesha's form is shaped like and represents Om, which is the primeval, creative energy. When the elephant cries it produces a sound akin to the Om. The Om is the sound symbol of Brahmam, Sivam, the Eternal, the Unchanging, the substratum of all existence.

Lord Ganesha represents unity. He has a revered place in all Hindu temples including the Shiva temple and the Krishna temple. Lord Ganesha has a place in the Buddhist temple and among the Jains as well. The Chinese too worship Ganesha but with a different name. Ganesha like deities are found in Indonesia, Japan, Afghanistan, Mexico, Brazil, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Tibet, Mongolia and Polynesia among other places.

Ganesha is the beginning of our world. He was created first and he gave shapes, the qualities, the elements, the modes of time, the Gods, the people. Ganesha is the symbol of the personality, which surpasses the human ego and superego. Ganesha is the innocence, living in constant worship of the Spirit. In other words, Ganesha is the unrealized, potential innocence in everything. Lord Ganesha is source of the illusive energy "Maya", hiding Atma (soul) from the mind in the same way as an illusion makes one mistake the rope for a snake.

Ganesha is also the Lord of Categories. All that can be counted or comprehended is a category (gana, hence the lord of gana, Gana-pati). The principle of all classifications through which the relations between different orders of things, between the macrocosm and the microcosm, can be understood is called the lord-of-categories.

"I bow to you, lord of categories. You alone are the visible form of the principle. You alone are the creator, you alone are the sustainer, you alone are the destroyer, you alone are unmistakably the Principle-of-All (Brahma), the true Self.”

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 24, 2012, 10:42:29 AM
KEEP GANESHA IDOL FOR LUCK AND PROSPERITY  

Lord Ganesha is the favourite god of most devout. Keep an idol of the elephant-headed god in your home, for luck, this season, writes Prerna Pandey
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HuyhytxpL._SL500_SS500_.jpg)




The name Ganesha stands for wisdom and intellect (where ‘Ga’ stands for wisdom and ‘na’ for intellect). Lord Ganesha is a god of multitude; every Hindu begins his/her work by taking his name first. Ganesha’s name is always taken before any other god’s name. Be it buying a new house or starting a new business invoking the elephant-headed god’s name is a prerequisite.

Even in Vaastu Shastra, it is suggested to keep a Ganesha idol at home. Accordingly, Ganesha idol should be installed at the entrance of the house as it is suppose to bring prosperity to the house and its inmates. But it is also suggested that we should always install two Ganesha idols backing each other as it is believed that poverty resides behind his back and if you install a Ganesha idol at the entrance of your house with his back to your house and you wouldn’t want poverty in your house.

In a similar way, if you are planning to get a Ganpati idol at home make sure it’s always backing an outside wall and not a wall separating two rooms, same rules goes with paintings or portraits as well. It is said that Vinayaka is always accompanied by his two wives Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (knowledge), so it is always better to have an idol or a painting with both Riddhi and Siddhi in it.

It is best if the Ganesha is facing north side as that direction is Lord Shiva’s (Ganesha’s father) direction and it is believed that Gajanan is happy when he is facing north direction. It is indeed very lucky to keep a Ganesha idol at home or at your workplace not only does it embellish the place but also attracts positive vibes wherever it is kept. Ganesha also known as ‘Vighnaharta’ is said to help us overcome any obstacles in the house or at workplace.
 
Many people whose income depends upon their intellect are suppose to keep Ganesha idol at home or at their offices since Ganpati is suppose to bring in knowledge and prosperity and its also believed that Ganesha grants good fortunes to his devotees.

Apart from Hindus, those belonging to other religions can also keep Ganesha idol at home for good fortune but you have to ensure it is respected by all the members of the family. One last thing that we are supposed to keep in mind is to keep the place and the surrounding where you place the Ganpati idol clean.

THINGS TO AVOID
While buying a Ganpati idol or a painting always check that his trunk is on the left side and not on the right side. As left side of our body is considered feminine side which is calm, composed and relaxed while the right side is considered to be the masculine side which is more fiery and aggressive.

It is most imperative to note that Lord Ganesha’s idol or image should be without any blemish. Any cracks, cuts or spoilage is said to fetch misfortune with there being innumerable instances of devotees vouching for the same.


Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 25, 2012, 12:22:45 PM


Wonderful!

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR0zINRgNHc&feature=related[/youtube]


Lord ganesha kindly remove all the obstacles.

Ganpathy namo namaha...
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on August 28, 2012, 10:26:22 AM
Ganesh Gayatri
Om Eka Dantaya Vidmahe
Vakra Thundaya Dhemahi
Thannoh Dhantih Prachodhayath
Om Shanti ... Shanti ... Shanti

Realizing that Elephant-faced One,
with one tusk is God;
Meditate on the One Who has a curved trunk;
May He enlighten our intellect.  


(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-keLeI6CfbnQ/TnNws6YjsbI/AAAAAAAACnU/AJhmMS90qAY/s1600/prophet666-101.png)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 11, 2012, 10:48:03 AM

(http://www.astropeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/coconut-for-ganesh-chaturth.jpg)


Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012

Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 16, 2012, 03:00:05 PM
OM GANESHAYA NAMAHA

Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-l3O7o5jJVE/TJqvn0svnKI/AAAAAAAAMV0/qKlQ7pM6l3k/s700/image001.jpg)


(http://www.saibabaofindia.com/march09/om-sai-ganesha-animation-sai-baba.gif)

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Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 17, 2012, 07:24:18 PM
(http://image.buzzintown.com/files/article/upload_16000/upload_original/347675-ganesh-chaturthi-september-19-2012.jpg)

Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012
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JAI SHRI SAI RAM !!!
Title: Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012
Post by: SS91 on September 18, 2012, 08:12:02 AM


Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi- September 19, 2012
(http://www.saibabaofindia.com/Jan-2012-feb/shirdi-sai-baba-ganesha-wallpaper-poster-photo.jpg)


Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 19, 2012, 04:39:04 AM


SaiRam,

(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7165/1805/1600/Vinayaka.jpg)


Happy Vinayaka Chathurthi To You All

Jai Sai Ram
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 19, 2012, 09:45:29 AM

[size=105pt]Ganesh Aarthi[/size]

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7kq-g9WJ4c[/youtube]
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 19, 2012, 05:44:38 PM


(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpL3nqdM9Ug/UFlSBkfPvuI/AAAAAAAAY-4/PJpvQgBcnJ8/s1600/424692_283335191780608_1664553708_n.jpg)

Today – September 19, 2012 – is Ganesh Chaturthi. Also known as Ganeshotsav or Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganpati Utsav, is the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God and one of the most popular festivals in Hindu religion. Every year as per traditional Hindu calendar on the fourth day of the waxing phase of moon, or Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, in Bhadrapad month, Ganesha comes to the home of his devotees. He brings auspiciousness, hope, success and happiness to all homes. During his brief stay He removes all obstacles. While returning He takes with him all problems and unhappiness.

Millions of murtis of Ganesha that is consecrated at homes and across public pandals during Ganeshotsav represent hope in adversity. Ganesha provides the strength to overcome obstacles. And due to this aspect he is called ‘Vigneshwara.’ He is worshiped first in all prayers.

 The festival ends on September 29, 2012 with Ganesh Visarjan.


(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOjLikkehBM/UFlUKPZgVpI/AAAAAAAAY_A/1SHafxxL-LE/s1600/Here's+the+first+glimpse+of+Mumbai's+most+famous+idol+--+the+Lalbaugcha+Raja..jpg)

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnlWc7EUH5E/UFlVG5ExIxI/AAAAAAAAY_I/Pasg045xCVA/s1600/In+its+77th+year,+the+Lalbaugcha+Raja+attracts+millions+of+devotees+every+year.+The+12+feet+statue+is+the+main+idol+for+the+Lalbaugcha+Raja+Mandal..jpg)


(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHEmCutlrVg/UFlVx02ys7I/AAAAAAAAY_Q/f4xjE3JbDNo/s1600/The+idol+attracts+over+8+lakh+devotees+every+day,+with+the+number+of+visitors+on+the+festival's+first+and+final+day+going+above+10+lakh..jpg)

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Shivji is back in his original form, explains, only Jyotishacharya’s roop was able to explain Mena, she wishes for you to have a bhavan at Kailash, to convince her only I was here in this form, but never thought this form will disturb you. He disappears. Parvati crys on her misunderstanding Shivji, she asks him to come back.
 At Kheersagar, Brihaspati tells Vishnuji, they thought Tarakasur’s sons will make some mistake. Naradji continues saying, but they are not making any mistake, so they are under Shivji’s protection. Indra says no Devata can enter Tripuras, he thinks only after his destruction, Shivji’s son will be born. Vishnuji keeps on smiling, Naradji understands, says he knows what he has to do.

Parvati pleads Shivji to come back in front of the Shivling. Shivji is standing outside the gate of Himavan’s bhavan. Naradji appears, asks him why is he returning back without meeting his relatives? They might feel bad.
 Himavan sees Shivji, greets him & apologises for keeping Parvati for many days. Naradji says Shivji is here to take Paravti back. Himavan asks, has Shivji come alone to take Paravti? & appears the Devatas, Indra says they all have come here with Shivji for mata Paravti’s bidai, Naradji is excited at his plan’s successful working.
 Himavan gets them inside his bhavan, asks Paravti to see who has come to meet her. Paravti is thrilled seeing Shivji, who is back with the Devatas.

Mena welcomes all the guests, Himavan tells her to prepare for Paravti’s bidai, she is worried if Paravti will live the same life as before, she has to make it sure from Shivji to make a bhavan for Paravti.

Parvati comes to meet Mena, who is getting all the arrangements for Paravti’s bidai, says a mother is always worried for her daughter’s happiness. Paravti asks her, for her happiness is Shivji’s love important or a bhavan? Why didn’t she tell her before? Mena says she never doubted Shivji’s love for her, but she atleast expects a place with a roof on top, a separate kaksh for her. Paravti asks her what is the definition of a Griha? Mena says she doesn’t know anything but wants a bhavan for her.

Parvati says under Shivji’s shelter entire World lives, this entire World is his Bhavan. She shows Mena reality, Himavan’s bhavan disappears, they are standing among Nature. Mena is surprised at her Bhavan’s disappearance. Paravti asks her, due to some reason, if this Bhavan is not there will you be unhappy living with father? Wishes always keeps on occuring & reoccurring. From a small one big bhavan is desired. There is no end to wishes. We decide our own happiness, this is our way of a happy married life. Is it not right?

Himavan’s bhavan appears back. Paravti says you’ve made one more mistake? You shared all your worries with the Jyotishacharya, he was your Jamata. Mena is shocked, says I discussed everything with him. Parvati & Mena are called by Himavan. He asks her to go back & take care of the responsibality of her Grihasthi.
 Mena apologises to Shivji. He tells her, a mother never apologises to her children. Mena says but she has made a mistake, she couldn’t recognize his love for Paravti. After the marriage parent’s interfearance in their daughter’s life is not right. Shivji expresses his happiness that all the doubts & worries of Mena are over now. He asks her permission for bidai. Paravti leaves with Shivji for Kailash.

Precap: Shivji-Parvati are welcomed at Kailash, by Lakshmiji, Nandi & other Ganas.
 Shivji tells Paravti, even they should think about their son now. Paravti remembers Rati’s curse, gets disturbed. A voiceover says will Parvti be free from this curse?

 
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 20, 2012, 04:32:30 AM

(http://www.ganeshchaturthigifts.com/gifs/ganesh-chaturthi-legend.jpg)




Ganesh Chaturthi Fast
Worshipped foremost among all the Gods, Lord Ganesha is known as the god of wisdom, knowledge and peace. Also known as Vighnaharta, Ganesha is believed to take all the hardships with him while going. Worshipping him accomplishes every desire of a devotee. It is alleged that Sri Ganesha was fond of the date Chaturthi (fourth), and that is the reason the fast on Ganesh Chaturthi is practiced on this date. It's also said that the moon on the Chaturthi is not considered good. The person observing the fast on this festival shouldn't at all see this inauspicious moon till the fast is in effect. One, who has kept the fast, should worship the moon without looking at it on this day.

Observation Of Fast On Ganesh Chaturthi

Observers of this fast should take bath early in the morning along with completion of their daily chores. Resolution is then taken before observing the fast by taking water and grass in hand and chanting the mantra "Mam Sarvakarmsiddhaye Siddhivinayak Pujanmaham Karishye". Idol of Lord Ganesha made up of gold, copper or mud is worshipped. A pot is taken and is filled with water, and after tying the mouth of the pot with a clean cloth, the idol of Ganapati is placed over it. Then, to worship the idol a 16-fold procedure is followed: Aavaahana, Aasana, Paadya, Arghya, Aachamana, Madhuparka, Snaana, Vastra, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedya, Taamblooa, Aarati, and Mantrapushpa.
Aavaahana means 'to invite'.
Aasana means offering our guest the seat. This is called as Aasana Samarpana.
Paadya is to wash the feet of the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Arghya means to wash off the hands.
Aachamana is about taking three gulps of water to smoothen the speech faculty.
Madhuparka means offering to the idol of Lord Ganesha something to drink.
Snaana means bathing the idol with milk, curd or ghee.
Vastra or Upaveeta is about offering new clothes to the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Gandha is application of sandalwood paste on the forehead as per tradition.
Pushpa means to offer flowers to the Lord Ganesha.
Dhoopa means fragrant smoke by burning of herbs, considered good for health.
Deepa means light. It's about acknowledging Lord Ganesha in the form of light.
Naivedya is a practice of offering different varieties of dishes to Lord Ganesha.
Taamblooa is the chewing of betel leaf with other herbs, considered to be good for health.
Aarati means showing a big flame of camphor lit diya to Lord Ganesha.
Mantrapushpa is about chanting the mantras and going round (pradakshina) to imply that deity is present in every direction.
After this 16-step puja, Aarti is sung.
Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh Deva;
Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva.
Ladduvan Ke bhog lage, Sant kare seva…
Although Hindu communities are not that enthusiastic about fasting on Ganesh Chaturthi, South Indian communities have a belief that fasting on this day will remove problems from married life, will help in early marriage and obstacles in career are also removed. The fast of Ganesh Chaturthi ends after offering prayers to Lord Ganesh the next morning in a temple or at home.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 21, 2012, 07:41:09 AM


Ganesh Chaturthi RecipesGanesh Chaturthi is rejoiced as the birthday of Lord Ganesha with great pomp and joy. It is celebrated all over India and also in other parts of the world where the Hindu communities reside. This festival falls on the 4th day of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha according to the Hindu calendar and according to the Gregorian calendar, comes in August or September. However, Ganesh Chaturthi is mainly celebrated on a grand level in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. From the early morning, the preparations for the puja begin with the Lord Ganesha songs played everywhere. People offer Lord Ganesha his favourite sweets and perform the rituals. Amongst all, modak and motichoor laddus are his favourites. Till the ten days, every morning and evening, aarti is performed and sweets are eaten and distributed as prasad.


Modak
Modak is one of the favourite sweets of Lord Ganesha and it is one of the special sweets prepared on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ingredients
3 cups Rice flour
6 cups Water
3 teaspoon Oil
4 cups Grated Coconut
2 cups Sugar
½  cup Dry fruits
½  cup Milk
Procedure

For Rice Dough
Boil the water & oil and remove from heat.
Add rice flour to it, cover with a lid and allow it to cool.
After sometime, knead it well and keep aside.
Modak Stuffing
Mix all grated coconut and dry fruits together.
Put this mixture on a medium flame and cook, stirring continuously.
Then add the milk, mixing well.
Remove from the heat once it is totally dry.
Procedure
Make small balls from kneaded rice dough.
Make a small hollow in the centre and fill it with stuffing.
Now join the open edges together and give it a shape like whole garlic.
Steam them for about 10 minutes, take off, cool and keep in airtight containers.
Motichoor Ke Laddu
Another popularly known sweet for the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi is motichoor ke ladoo.

Ingredients
1/3 cup Milk
1 tablespoon crushed or grated pistachios
Few drops of orange colour
Ghee or Oil
1 tablespoon Raisins
Pinch of Baking powder
½  kg Sugar
½  kg Besan (Bengal Gram Flour)
Procedure
Sieve gram flour with baking powder to avoid lumps while mixing.
Now make a thick batter by mixing 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil and water in the above.
Heat up ghee in a non-stick pan and drop boondis (droplets) in ghee or oil with a perforated (holes) spoon. Simultaneously, tap the spoon on the rim of the pan to get rid of extra batter.
Fry boondis until golden brown; take out and keep aside.
Make sugar syrup (chashni) of three string and add colour to it.
Put the fried boondis in this syrup, mix in the raisins and crushed or grated pistachios.
When mixture cools down a little, use buttered hands to make small round balls of laddus.
Peda
On the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, various types of sweets are prepared, out of which, peda is also a most preferred sweet

Ingredients
½  kg Soft white Khoya (grated)
2 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
½  teaspoon Cardamom Powder
1 teaspoon Semi crushed Cardamom Seeds
1 tablespoon Crushed or grated Pistachios
Procedure
Mix grated khoya and powdered sugar well.
Put this mixture on a non-stick pan. For a few minutes, heat it on high flame and then on low flame for the rest of the cooking.
Stir continuously until the mixture is thick and sticks to the spoon.
Now, add cardamom powder to it.
Mix well and take off the flame. Allow to cool.
Either use cookie moulds or shape the batter into pedas, rolling with palms.
Mix crushed pistachios and semi crushed cardamom seeds and press a bit on top of each.
Karanji/Gujia
This is another delicacy which is prepared during the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ingredients
1 cup Maida (Refined Flour)
3 teaspoon Ghee
1 cup Grated coconut
3 ¼  cup Sugar
1 ½  cups Milk
1 tablespoon Poppy seeds
Chopped almonds
Raisins
Salt
Oil
½ Cardamom powder
Procedure
In a bowl, mix salt, maida and ghee to make dough. Add warm milk to make the dough smooth.
For stuffing, cook the coconut, sugar, milk, chopped almonds and raisins, cardamom powder and poppy seeds in milk. Boil till the milk evaporates.
Make flat round pancakes out of the dough.
Add stuffing in the middle and close the corners and keep aside for frying.
Heat oil in a frying pan.
Fry the karanjis for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Take out and keep them on tissue papers to extract extra oil. Allow them to cool and serve.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is another delicacy which is prepared on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. So, this year treat Lord Ganesha and your near and dear ones by serving hot and yummy puran poli.

Ingredients
1 cup Maida (Refined Flour)
1 pinch Turmeric Powder
1 pinch Salt
2 teaspoon Ghee
Water
6 tablespoon Oil
Oil or Ghee
Inner Filling
1 – ½  cup Jaggery
1 – ¼  cup Bengal Gram Dal
¼  teaspoon Cardamom Powder
Procedure
Blend the ghee/oil, salt and a pinch of turmeric with the maida.
Use just enough water to make soft and smooth dough.
Cover the dough with a wet cloth and leave it for 40-45 minutes.
Adding 6 tablespoon of oil or ghee into it, knead the dough again till smooth and oil or ghee has been absorbed.
Cover and leave aside for 4 hours.
Now put the daal in the cooker and wait for one whistle.
Drain the water and grind the daal to make a paste with the jaggery and cardamom powder.
Make small balls of the filling (should not be watery) and keep them aside.
Make small balls of dough and flatten them.
Put one ball of filling in the dough ball and then close it.
Make thick puris and fry on a tawa, pouring ghee around.
Cook on both the sides.
Puliyodarai
Several special dishes are prepared on this day and are offered to the Lord and one of the famous is Puliyodarai.

Ingredients
Cooked Rice
Tamarind
4 or 5 cups water
½  cup Urad daal
½  cup Channa daal
¼  teaspoon of Asfoetida
Red chillies
5-6 teaspoons of oil or ghee
Coriander seeds
Red chillies
Mustard seeds
Fenugreek seeds
Curry leaves
Groundnuts
Procedure
Soak tamarind in hot water for about 10 minutes.
Take out the pulp in a cup.
Make a fine powder by grinding coriander seeds and red chillies together.
In a pan, pour about 5-6 teaspoons of oil or ghee. In it, add mustard seeds, urad daal, fenugreek seeds, channa daal, asafoetida, curry leaves, red chilli and groundnuts and fry them until golden brown.
Add salt and red chilli powder according to taste and half a teaspoon each of turmeric powder and tamarind water.
Cook till it becomes thick. Remove from the flame.
Mix it with cook rise and Puliyodarai is ready to be served.
Moong Daal Ka Halwa
Moong Daal ka Halwa tastes really amazing. Check out the recipe and prepare on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ingredients
1½ cup Moong Dal, soaked
3/4 cup Mawa, crumpled
1 cup Sugar
1½ litre Milk
½  teaspoon Saffron soaked in little milk
5 powdered Cardamoms
6 tablespoons Ghee or OIl
Procedure
Grind moong daal to a coarse form.
In a pan, heat the ghee or oil and fry the dal till golden.
Add milk to the pan and cook till it has been absorbed.
Now add mawa to the pan and cook it on a low flame while stirring continuously.
Cook and stir till the daal and the mawa have been blended nicely.
Remove the mixture from the heat and keep it aside.
Make sugar syrup of one thread. Add saffron and cardamom powder to it.
Add the fried daal to this syrup and stir quickly both are one.
Garnish with crushed or grated almonds and serve hot.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 22, 2012, 01:24:57 PM


(http://www.saibabaofindia.com/august2008/shirdi_sai_ganesha_800.jpg)


Sai Bankar Shirdi Gaon Me Aaye,
Vishva Kalyanaarth Liya Avatar,
Bhakt Jano Ka Kiya Udhaar Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Chorus : Jai Sai Jai Sai Jai Sainatha,
Mile Sukh Shanti Mit Jaye Bhranti,
Rakte Hi Matha Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Saaje Gale Mein Sumano Ki Mala,
Subhra Vastra Dhaari Rup Nirala,
Netra Dono Jaise Karuna Ke Saagar,
Smit, Gud, Ek, Ankit Mukh Par Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Chorus : Jai Sai Jai Sai Jai Sainatha,
Mile Sukh Shanti Mit Jaye Bhranti,
Rakte Hi Matha Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Subhra Padma Khila,
Dikhe Mukh Shish,
Hath Uthaye Nit Dene Ashish,
Sheela Pe Biraje Sundar Murat,
Ram Krishna Jaisi Lage Surat Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Chorus : Jai Sai Jai Sai Jai Sainatha,
Mile Sukh Shanti Mit Jaye Bhranti,
Rakte Hi Matha Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Nis Din lakho Bhaktjan Aye,
Jati Pati Bhool Sish Namaye,
Bhav Ish Bhoole Sukh Amrit Paae,
Mahima Shirdi Ki Kahi Na Jaaye Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Chorus : Jai Sai Jai Sai Jai Sainatha,
Mile Sukh Shanti Mit Jaye Bhranti,
Rakte Hi Matha Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Khula Hai Sabko Bhakti Prem Darbar,
Darshan Dene Baithe Sai Avatar,
Bhar Lo Bhar Lo Sukh Se Jholiyan Bhar Lo,
Kar Lo Bhav Sagar Par Ye Kar Lo Jai Sai Jai Sai….

Chorus : Jai Sai Jai Sai Jai Sainatha,
Mile Sukh Shanti Mit Jaye Bhranti,
Rakte Hi Matha Jai Sai Jai Sai….
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on September 23, 2012, 09:18:41 AM


(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ5ON9HGg7U/UFuGJjdO1eI/AAAAAAAAZKE/eUaULAU-QBw/s1600/nupur+kalra+from+patiala(punjab).jpg)


(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8O0U5EYNUE/UFuIHXjVKFI/AAAAAAAAZKM/4yiwsJ6H_f4/s1600/ravi+mumbai.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOnUFUSgu84/UFuI8JM9pDI/AAAAAAAAZKU/gEuTqq6xrsM/s1600/malkani+dubai.jpg)


(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VltHA3cCzlg/UFuJ0HLUC1I/AAAAAAAAZKc/mYr4mjSAasA/s1600/Sahana+rao++nj.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aApmfniUAoU/UFuMoLWg83I/AAAAAAAAZKs/94ZjZR7u8hE/s1600/Devotees+take+a+procession+with+a+statue+of+Hindu+elephant-headed+god+Ganesh+carried+by+monkey+god+Hanuman+in+Mumbai,+India.jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on December 04, 2012, 02:42:01 PM


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h2rFVPCSPE[/youtube]


(http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituality/gods/gifs/ganesha-mantra.jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on December 10, 2012, 01:56:11 PM

(http://theganeshaexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ganesha-weapons-289x300.jpg)


Emblems and Weapons

Ganesh hands usually hold objects. These objects symbolize powers or functions of the God. Some of these objects represent weapons that Ganesha used to fight demons and negative forces.
Traditional scriptures describe Ganesh with four raised arms, a broken tusk, an axe, a closed lotus and a plate of sweets. Other scriptures quote, for instance, a goad (to control an elephant), a snake, and a trident. From time to time, Ganesh holds a fruit in one hand. For example, in Srilankan depictions, he holds a mango, a lime, or a jambose fruit.

The axe (parashu) is a very common emblem of Ganesh. Most times, he holds it in the upper right hand. The axe originally comes from Shiva (one among the three Lords of Hindu community i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and is vested in the Shaiva deities (except for Parashurâma, a Vishnu avatar, who receives it from Shiva). The axe symbolizes the destruction of desires and attachments, and all their results like troubles and sorrows.
As the “Lord of Obstacles”, Ganesh holds a lasso or a noose (pasha), in order to catch delusions (moha), which are obstacles to Truth seekers. The noose also means eagerness (raga), soul slavery, and hearing. Like a knot, eagerness binds us. This noose permits the spiritual seeker to lift himself up, beyond his human limitations, and connect to the everlasting bliss of his own self. This noose is sometimes shown like a tightly coiled snake.
His elephant goad or hook (ankusha) is used to conduct elephants and is the symbol of his sovereignty over the world. This goad also symbolizes anger (krodha). Anger injures us like a hook. Anger also represents touch and, surprisingly, the higher knowledge which allows human beings to free themselves from ermits to set oneself free from furor.
The plate of sweet (modaka) is the most famous and most ubiquitous among Ganesh attributes (at least in India). Held by the lower left hand, modakas are like cakes. The trunk of Ganesh touches this sweet because it is said that Ganesh is fond of it. The modaka is also the joyful reward of the Truth seeker. Offerings of modaka represent the germs of all the universes kept within the huge belly of Ganesh. According to the Padma-Purâna (a religious textbook of Hindus), the modaka is the symbol of the supreme wisdom (mahâbuddhi).
Before the sixth century, but also more recently, during the 9th to 12th century period, one may find, mostly in Orissa and Bengal, representations of Ganesh holding an object which can be identified, without any doubt, as a radish or a turnip (moolakakanda). Some specialists have written that this vegetable could also be a horse-radish and they have supposed that the broken tusk would always be a vegetable.
Some ancient scriptures like the Yâjñavalkyasmrti state that the radish is an appropriate emblem for Ganesh because this vegetable was an offering to Vinâyaka, like sweets are. In ancient times, the Vinâyaka were the names of demons of tantric nature and they were supposed to be very fond of tubers, like radish and also onion and garlic, because they use to live underground.


Various texts have talked about Ganesh holding a radish:
A text from the 5th century, the Bharat Samhita, mentions Ganesh holding a radish
The Yâjñavalkyasmrti (about 300 BC) states that the radish is an adequate offering to Vinâyaka, another form of Ganesh

The Grhyasutra too indicates the radish as an offering
In addition, Ganesh holds a mâlâ : or akshamâlâ made of 50 rudra grains in his lower right hand. It corresponds to the 50 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet and symbolizes sound and hearing.
The above mentioned attributes are the most common ones. Sometimes they may be difficult to identify them on ancient stone statues. For example the axes may look like sticks or big clubs.
Other Ganesh emblems are:
The only just opened lotus, which represents the supreme goal of the human spiritual evolution that Ganesh, offers to his worshippers,
The raising blue lotus (utpala ) associated with the moon,
The pomegranate,
The kamandalu (a pot for sacred water),
The lute (Vina) ,
Some rice ears,
The vajra ,
A book, etc.

Esoteric forms of Ganesh hold also other emblems like the water pot called kalasha, the discus (chakra), the bow (dhanus) and the arrow (bâna).
All these objects are symbols used in Hindu mythology to refer to tools and weapons that represent defeating common vices in human beings. Within these stories lie valuable lessons, applicable to the modern world and the mankind in the 21st century.



(http://theganeshaexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ganesha-wallpaper-1-236x300.jpg)
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on December 18, 2012, 09:14:09 AM


Ganesha Mantras


Beejakshara mantra

(http://srath.com/wp-content/uploads/ganesh01.gif)

Sri Ganapati is the elephant headed son of Sri Shiva, belonging to the divine family that delivers the soul from darkness and sin, the specific function of Sri Ganapati is to teach and drive away ignorance (avidhya). He is represented by Ketu, the significator of emancipation from all kinds of bondage including rebirth.
The Beejakshara of Sri Ganapati is ‘gaM’
Bīja mantra: गं (gaṁ) which is also called the Gītā bīja (for Srimad Bhagavat Gītā) by those learned in mantra śāstra. This is the starter of everything and just like the Bhagavat Gītā, provides the power to assimilate all knowledge.

Tantrika bīja (physical abilities and strength): गङ्ग् (gaṅg) which sounds like Gaṅga

Vidya-Siddhi Mantra

The fourth house rules education and learning. Any affliction coming on this houses causes loss of learning, breaks in education and the mind has problems in focusing on studies. This phenomena is marked in children between 3 to 12 years of age due to the natural impact of Mercury (Naisargika dasa). This is caused due to the shad-ripu or the six flaws that cause tamas guna to prevail. A mantra that removes the energies from the sixth house and places them at the fourth house will help in rectifying the problem. One such mantra is given below as it has six words (sixth house energies removed) and sixteen syllables (fourth house spiritual energy added).

Siddha Mantra: नमो गणपते तुभ्यं ज्येष्ठज्येष्ठाय ते नमः
namo gaṇapate tubhyaṁ jyeṣṭhajyeṣṭhāya te namaḥ

This mantra is fully protected on both sides, a technical term called saṁpuṭa, by the word नम (nama). This word is means obeisances or bowing with complete humility and is of neuter (napunsaka) gender. The mantra brings humility in children and they learn to bow to the teacher, elders, books and the knowledge. Just as water flows from a higher level to a lower level, so also the knowledge and good qualities will flow from a head in the higher level to the bowing head at a lower level.

Karya Siddhi Mantra


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How many times have you said or heard ‘if only I had persisted’ or ‘I should have been stronger’? Strength of mind and body to achieve is a rare gift seen in the great achievers. This is called Parakrama bala or the ability to drive themselves towards the goal and become great men.

The third house has the energies that can be used for sexual activity (in fact the third house is called maithuna bhava implying sexual union), fighting or any physical action. The fifth house is the seat of the thought that causes this action and the tenth house indicates the action itself. A mantra that takes the energies of the third house to the tenth (or other) house is the best for daily practice as it reduces the sexuality and bestiality in men helping them to focus better on the work at hand. The following is a three word (takes energy from the third house), ten syllable (deposits the spiritual energy into the tenth house) mantra where the deity sits in the fifth house. This mantra finds mention in the Mahā Nārāyaṇa Upaniṣad.

Siddha Mantra: ॐ महागणपतये नमः
om mahāgaṇapataye namaḥ

Labha-Siddhi mantra

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If every thought which is the seed for action is successfully concluded, we would be the happiest people in the world. Alas this does not happen and we are left wondering as to the cause of the obstruction and spend money, material and other resources trying to achieve the objective.

A mantra that takes the energies of the fifth house to the eleventh house would be the best as it converts the knowledge (fifth house) to gains (eleventh house). Such a delightful mantra that helps us to achieve objectives is given in the Shiva Purana. It is said that Ganesha has two śaktī – (1) Siddhi devī giving all abilities and accomplishments and (2) Buddhi devī – giving supreme intelligence and sharp mind. They have two children (1) Lakṣa (goal attainment) which comes from Siddhi and (2) Lābha (gains of hopes and desires) which comes from Buddhi devī. Both these objectives are in the 10th (Lakṣa) and 11th (Lābha) houses. In the natural zodiac these houses are ruled by Saturn – Capricorn and Aquarius, making them difficult to achieve due to various weaknesses that people possess. This mantra removes the ills of Saturn that plague mankind and makes the sādhaka very competent and brilliant. It is strongly recommended if Saturn is either ātmakāraka or aspects the Lagna (or Lagneśa) in the chart. No doubt that the Śiva Purāṇa gives much emphasis to this mantra.

Purāṇa Mantra: ॐ लक्षलाभयुताय सिद्धि-बुद्धि-सहिताय गणपतये नमः
om lakṣalābhayutāya siddhi-buddhi-sahitāya gaṇapataye namaḥ

 
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on February 05, 2013, 07:20:05 AM

(http://www.nayasal.com/festivals/Ganesh_Chaturti/images/JaiGanesh.jpg)
Agajaanana Padmaarkam
Gajaananam Aharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam
Ekadantam Upaasmahey

Meaning:I worship day and night that elephant faced Lord Ganesha who is like sun to the lotus face of Mother Parvati. Giver of many boons, the single tusked Ganesh, I salute Thee to give e a boon.
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on February 12, 2013, 07:09:15 AM


GANESH

For the divine Ganesh who removes every obstacle
There is no problem too big to tackle.
Lord Ganesh listens to men’s prayers for knowledge
He enlightens the minds discarding their excess baggage.
Siva’s son wears an elephant’s head as disguise
He sharpens the meditation of the spiritually wise.
The trunk of Ganesh blows the Aum sound
Dancing within the heart until God is found.
Ganesh is the lord with the swinging trunk
His blessings reach both the householder and monk.
Ganesh is the god with the huge ears
So that every prayer of distress he hears.
Ganesh is the deity with the large belly
He contains everything as if it were jelly.
Ganesh is the king who makes obstacles dissolve
His wisdom tests man with challenges to solve.
Ganesh teaches man how to solve every problem
His help becomes like a wish fulfilling gem.
Those in trouble turn to him in prayer
Finally man finds a god who will care.
The elephant headed god is easy to reach
Devotion opens man for what he will teach.
Ganesh shows seekers how to hear Aum's sound
He reveals within how eternal bliss is found.

Source: unknown
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on February 19, 2013, 08:25:47 AM

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg88CknV1zY[/youtube]

Jai Sai Ganesh
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on February 26, 2013, 07:43:55 AM

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCq8e4m9iAc[/youtube]

Jai Sai Ganesh
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on March 05, 2013, 07:08:51 AM

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM3lokTrWJ8[/youtube]

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on March 12, 2013, 11:21:11 AM


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbGardTzzA8[/youtube]
Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on March 19, 2013, 06:01:42 AM


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB-i8M6DO0Q[/youtube]

OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAHA
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on March 26, 2013, 09:43:06 AM


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZaXubuQJCg&playnext=1&list=PL47C0D9CF598068A6&feature=results_main[/youtube]

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: SS91 on April 02, 2013, 06:12:02 AM


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2KA-2YSz98&playnext=1&list=PLC348EDCE6F75330A&feature=results_main[/youtube]
Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: spiritualpreeti on July 16, 2013, 07:50:14 AM
WOW ! What a detailed information on Ashtavinayak 8 ganeshas ...
Keep on the good work! God bless you
Title: Re: Lord Ganesha -the remover of Obstacles
Post by: spiritualpreeti on July 25, 2013, 07:35:04 AM
I was so engrossed in reading this post that i read the whole post in detailed
Ganpati bappa Morya :)
I am planning to go to Ashtavinayak Yatra next month as it is our everybody's fav Lord's festival.



 Ashtavinayak Yatra Holy Book  (http://www.yatra2yatra.com/hinduism/vinayak)