Uncover the meaning of Ganesha

Meaning of Ganesha

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in a clearly recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors. The meaning of Ganesha and his popularity rose quickly, and he was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism in the 9th century.

Lord Ganesh is a Hindu deity who is quite easy to identify with his elephant head. When Lord Shiva in his ire removed the head of his own son, the inconsolable Devi Pārbati threatened to annihilate the world. In order to placate the grief-stricken Parvati,Shiva immediately asked his envoys to bring back the head of any living creature that facing north. After much searching the ganas, as they were called, found an elephant’s head. Shiva took the head and attached it to ganesha’s body. And so the loyal, loving son was returned to his mother’s lap happy and alive albeit a bit altered.

There is a lot behind the meaning of Ganesha and the symbolism inherent in the way mythology has conjured up the image of Ganesha. In order to uncover the meaning of Ganesha one must look beyond the obvious and understand the symbolisms behind Ganesha. First of all let us take a look at the trunk itself. It is really a versatile appendage. Not only is it all-powerful with the ability to wreath destruction in its worst form but it can also get on with delicate tasks with finesse.

The extra-large ears of Ganesha are for hearing with any problems everything that his devotees ask. Besides his trunk and his large ear, there are four hands holding separate items. There is a lotus, a hatchet, a Modak and the fourth hand is held up palm forward in the form of a blessing. The vahana or vehicle of Ganesha is a rat. By riding a rat, Ganesha shows himself as a wise man who has been able to control all his senses and has emerged victorious. Ganesha the elephant equals dignity and maintaining a cool head in any situation. When we gradually uncover the meaning of Ganesha a lord with calm and even happy disposition comes to mind, with wisdom and intellect shining through.

Wives of Ganesha

Wives of Ganesha

In Indian mythology there are so many stories about Ganesha that determining his proper marital status is quite difficult and may easily be considered as a subject eligible for scholarly reviews. There are some myths that depict Ganesha as a confirmed bachelor – a bramhachari without any consort. While there are also some stories that show Riddhi and Siddhi as the wives of Ganesha – known as the goddesses of prosperity and spiritual powerrespectively.

As per Mudgala Purana and Ganesha purana the wives of Ganesha, Riddhi and Siddhi are born from the mind of Bramha – the creator of the universe and were offered to Ganesha as his consorts by the creator himself. Ganesha accepted them as his wives and in many part of north Indiathey accompany Ganesha but there is actually no rituals associated with Shakti worship to worship them. The story that relates Riddhi and Siddhi as lord Ganesha’s wife is quite interesting and fascinating at the same time.

As Ganesha has an elephant head on his shoulders no girl was ready to marry him and the absence of a consort made him really angry. Out of frustration Ganesha started to create problems in the marriages of other demigods and asked his rat to dig up the path though which their marriage procession will pass. The demigods faced innumerable hardship to reach their bride’s houses and ultimately complained to Brahma who took the responsibility of solving the problem. To bring the situation under control Brahma created two beautiful women Riddhi and Siddhi to become the wives of Ganesha and Ganesha was ultimately satisfied with the offerings.

In Hindu pantheon Riddhi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Siddhi stands for intellectual and spiritual powers – the ultimate goal of this mortal world and the means of achieving that. Anybody who satisfies Ganesha with his devotion and prayer are also blessed by the wives of Ganesha and can attain every success in their life. in Riddhi and Siddhi Ganesha had two sons – Subha the auspicious and labha, the profit. Ganesha has also one daughter – Santoshi Mata or the goddess of satisfaction.

There is another story describing the wives of Ganesha and their marriage and that is both Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya were rivals for marrying Siddhi and Riddhi. In order to decide who will get their hands a race was arranged in which both of them were to circle the globe and who comes first will get the twin girls. Promptly Kartikeya went away riding his peacock. But instead of following him Ganesha started circling round his parent lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi and when asked why he did so he said that his parents were the universe in themselves and by circling around his parents he has circled around the universe. No one even the great scholar Narada had any answer to this and thus there was no other way but to marry him with the twin girls Riddhi and Siddhi. When Kartikeya returned home Ganesha was already married and Kartikeya had to satisfy himself by listening to stories of how he lost to greater wisdom and intelligence.

Lord Ganesha Mantras

Ganesha Mantras

Shree Ganesh Ashtottaram is the stotram that tells us the 108 Ganesha Mantras to invoke the Lord of Wisdom. It is believed that this ashtottaram is very dear to Lord Ganesha and by reciting this ashtottaram one can get the desired results. The remover of all obstacles and all problems, the one who gives the phalam (results) of all the work done, the one who gives all types of siddhi (wealth); I bow to the Lord who is the Leader of those who cannot be led by anyone.

Ganesha is the Lord of wisdom and prosperity. He gives boons to his devotees and fulfill their desires. He is also known as the remover of all obstacles. Ganesha is the Lord who can be easily pleased with devotion and love. He will ward off all your problems and all evils that are in your life. To please Ganpati there are many Ganesha Mantras in all Upanishads,Puranas and Vedas (Holy scriptures of Hindus). Many of them are easily accessible, but here we are giving those mantras which are also called as Ganesha Sarvabhishta Siddhi Mantram). These Ganesha Mantras give prosperity and fulfill all your desires. Lord Ganesha blesses his worshippers with all the amenities and prosperity:

The Lord among all who are born in the mountains. The one who holds lotus flowers in his hands. The one who is considered to be the God among elephants. The one who is the slayer of elephants, The one who stays at many places. Pause. The one who is for his devotees. The one who is one tusked. I worship and pray to him. The one who uses the mouse as his chariot. The one who holds modakas (sweet delicacies) in his hands. The one who has pitch black ears. The one who wears Janeu (holy thread). The one who is dwarfish in his appearance. The son of Lord Shiva. The remover of obstacles and problems. I offer my sincere namaskaram (prayers) to you.

Uchishtha Ganesh Sadhna is often called as the Quintessence of all Ganesha Mantras . We can pray to the Auspicious deity any time, no particular Lunar day or propitious time is needed. Rishi Munis (sages) had written in many Ganesh Scriptures, that Ganesha’s worship is to be done while eating fruits or his favorite modaks (laddoos). This chanting of mantras is also known as “Mantra Japa”. To gain Siddhi (prosperity) or desired results from this mantra Japa, one should at least chant these 16,000 times. The influential Ganesha Mantras that can help everyone to achieve success in life is as follows.

Viniyogah

This “Ganpati Uchchishtha Mantra” as per the rishis (sages and saints) is the one which allows us to be free from our troubles and will make us happy. These Ganesha Mantras are used to invoke Lord Ganesha in order to give one the fruits of all my desires.

The person who does the recitation of Atharva Shirsham becomes an exceptional orator. The person who fasts on the fourth lunar moon becomes a learned and knowledgeable person. These are the words of the famous saint Atharva. The illusion of the most divine power of the world will make one fearless and strong. 

Pillayar temple

Ucchi Pillayar koil, Pillayar temple, is a 7th-century Hindu temple, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh located a top of Rockfort, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. Mythologically this rock is the place where Lord Ganesh ran from King Vibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam.

The RockFort temple stands 83m tall perched atop the rock. The smooth rock was first cut by the Pallavas but it was the Nayaks of Madurai who completed both the temples under the Vijayanagara empire.

Pillayar temple is mystic in its nature with an awe-inspiring rock architecture. The Ganesh temple is much smaller with an access through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichy, Srirangam and the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam. Due to its ancient and impressive architecture created by the Pallavas, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological department of India.

The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a collection of three temples – the Manikka Vinayaka temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill in the most prominent landmark in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy); reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillaya temple.

Pillayar temple is located on the peak of the Rock Fort hill. The shrine is at a height of 273 ft and you have to climb over 400 steps to reach the pinnacle. One has to cross Sri Thayumanavar temple, which is located half way to the peak. Though the climb is a bit difficult, the soothing cool breeze gears up our energy to climb without much strain. A panoramic view of the entire Thiruchi and Srirangam Temple from the Uchi Vinayakar temple is just amazing.

Ganesha Purana

Ganesha Purana is a Hindu religious text dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is an upapurāṇa that includes many stories and ritualistic elements relating to Ganesha. 

The Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana are core scriptures for devotees of Ganesha, known as Ganapatyas. These are the only two Purana that are exclusively dedicated to Ganesha. Ganesha Purana asserts its status as one of the eighteen upapuranas in its opening lines. 

The Purana specifies many methods of worship, key beliefs, and philosophical positions of the Ganapatya sect. The contents of the Ganesha Purana are difficult to summarize because they include a variety of stories and devotional material.

The general purpose of the work can be inferred from this set of questions that Vyāsa puts to Brahmā in the tenth chapter of the first Book Ganesha Purana four Ganesh incarnations came on earth during the different yuga’s, in order to fight the demons.They are : 

Mahotkata with ten arms, seated on a lion, shining like the sun, came during the Krita Yuga to kill the demons Narântak and Devântak White-colored Shri Mayureshvar with six arms, riding the peacock, faced the demon Sindhu during the Treta Yuga

Red-colored Shri Gajânana with four arms, mounted on his rat, destroyed the demon Sindur during the Dwapara Yuga Dhûmraketu is the form of Ganesh who will come in the future; we are now living in the Kali Yuga. 

Two-arms and smoke-colored Dhûmraketu will ride on a blue horse; he will fight all the devils to restore peace and harmony in the world. 

Ganesha Purana is divided into two sections. 
1. The Upasanakhanda or “section on devotion” has 92 chapters 
2. The Kridakhanda or”section on the divine play” has 155 chapters

What is the Origin and meaning of Ganesha’s artefacts?

Many stories float about the origin of Ganesha’s head but little is known about the artefacts that Lord Ganesha carries.They are an important part of Ganesha's symbolism. Some of the most common artefacts he is seen with are four hands,a lotus,an axe, a modak and a rope.

Ganesha carries artefacts each of which holds a symbolic meaning. Take a look of the origin of the main artefacts that tell the story of Ganesha’s triumph on vices and also his humility.

> Origin and meaning of Ganesh’s artefacts

What's the Importance of the Ganapati Mantra?

Mantra has significant importance in a devotee’s life.The Ganapati mantra is recited not just in honour of Lord Ganesha but also for overcoming obstacles, attaining prosperity, wealth and knowledge. 

Overcoming obstacles, attaining prosperity, wealth and knowledge through this mantra

> Ganapati mantra

How people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi around the world?

The Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world. It is marked as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. 

The date of Lord Ganesha's birthday usually falls between 19th August and 20th September. 

The universal celebration of Lord Ganesha's birthday illustrates the popularity of this deity the world over. 

Take a look of the way people celebrate it in different parts of the country, like in France 

> Ganesh Chaturthi

What are the philosophies of Lord Ganesha to over comes obstacles?

Lord Ganesha is known as the The remover of obstacles, the Lord of wisdom and knowledge. The teachings advocated by Lord Ganesha are not just preached to act upon but also attained with rigorous meditation. Lord Ganesha embodies wisdom and over comes obstacles. Learn his philosophies.

> Philosophies of Lord Ganesh

What is the modern interpretation of Lord Ganesha?

Known as the God of wealth,success and prosperity, Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular and beloved gods in the Hindu mythology.In the modern world, he has great relevance. Each of his features have great symbolic significance.

He symbolically represents success and prosperity. Known by many divine names like - Vigneshwar, Lambodhara, Vinayaka,Gajanana, ModakaPriya etc. he also represents supreme spiritualism...

> Elephant Head God

Skanda and Ganesha

Skanda or Kartikeyan is an extremely popular Hindu deity among south Indians. He is the brother of Lord Ganesha. In south he is also known as Murugan. Riding the peacock, popularity of Skanda has spread across the globe like his family members. In places with Tamil population his reputation is that of an important deity. He is also worshiped by Buddhists.

Continue reading this article here > Skanda and Ganesh

What are the Positions of Ganesha?

World, as we know it, is a collection of organism made from a compilation of molecules. These molecules in Sanskrit are known as “Ganas”. The name Ganesh hence means the Lord of all Ganas.

Several idols of Ganesha exist all over the world. These depictions may vary in different countries but each one holds a meaning. Many craftsmen have worked meticulously on the details of the idols. The details not just lie in the artifacts or the features of Lord Ganesha, but also the positions he rests in. Every position of rest has a symbolic meaning associated to it.

Continue reading this article here> Positions of Ganesh

Be aware of your actions- Learn from Ganesha

Several stories of Ganesha’s childhood and adulthood are depicted in the scriptures. These help in learning important lessons in life that may be implemented. One of the stories that goes back to the childhood of Lord Ganesha teaches us to take onus of our action and try to control them lest the actions cause harm to someone.

To Continue Reading go here > Be aware of your actions- Learn from Ganesha

Places of Worship of Lord Ganesha

A lot of temples of Lord Ganesha exist in India. This is because he is an extremely popular deity in the Hindu culture. Some of them are more famous because of their historical significance, their structural genius or their architectural design.

To Continue Reading this Article go here >  Worship of Lord Ganesh

Holy Secrets of Ganpati: A route to success

Lord Ganesha is perhaps the most cultivated god in the Hindu pantheon and has been subjected to the maximum number of scholarly arguments. There is an interesting ambiguity that surrounds him and this kind of dual existence is extremely rare in any other god.

This dual nature of his appearance is quite significant in more than one way.It hales us understand the dual visions of what is real and what is an illusion in our worldly existence

Continue reading the article here > Holy Secrets of Ganpati

Learn the Secret of Ganesh and Ride Success

Ganesha teachings depict that in order to achieve success in life a man must overcome his personal ego. There are a number of secrets of Ganesha which we shall elaborate on this page.Learn those secrets and transform your personal, professional and spiritual life at theganeshaexperience



Continue Reading the Article here > Lord of auspiciousness

Ganesh Chaturthi: A Festival of God Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of lord Ganesh. This was the day when, according to the mythology of India, lord Ganesha was created from the dirt of Parvatiy’s body to guard her bathing place. Lord Ganesha was given the elephant head by lord Shiva on this very day too. The birthday of lord Ganesha is celebrated by millions of Hindus, especially by the people of Maharashtra, where Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the largest festivals of the year.

To Read more about Ganesh Chaturthi go here > Festival of Ganpati

Ganesha Stories: Rise of the Indian God

The number of mythological anecdotes associated with Ganesha is overwhelming, but there is a striking fact noticeable quite easily and that is though there are numerous stories about this elephant headed god of Hindu religious pantheon all those stories are concerned with a limited number of incidents like his creation, his acquisition of his elephant head and his broken tusk. 


To Read more about Ganesh Stories go here > Indian God Ganesh

Unravel the mysterious secrets of Ganesha

In Hinduism Ganesh is the incarnation of that formless divinity that has been encapsulated to a most magnificent form by his devotees and ardent followers. The word ‘gan’ stands for groups and ‘esh’ or ‘ish’ is the ruler. Lord Ganesha is the ruler and presiding deity of every single group of atoms or energy that constitutes this universe.

To Read more about Ganesh's secrets go here > Ganesh Secrets

Ganesha Mantra: Chanting the Name of the great god

The mantras for worshiping Ganesha are also known as Siddhi Mantra, that is, the perfect mantras. The enormous power and energy of all the mantras praising lord Ganesha are capable of inspiring a devotee to his spiritual best. Whenever a devotee chants these hymns and mantras by completely surrendering his/her soul and with proper devotion, it is sure to yield the best possible results.

To Read more about this go here > Ganesh Mantra