goradhika

[goradhika]

God Ganesh Vinayak real swaroop

Who is Ganesha

Being an ardent follower of Shree Ganesh it is my immense pleasure to present you the first article of this spiritual series dedicated to reveal the true nature of this universal deity.

Perhaps Ganesha is the only deity which is widely found outside India and extended his recognition in Buddhism and Jainism. Outside India Ganesh idols have been found in Sri Lanka, Fiji, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), Bangladesh and Nepal. Commonly known as the deity of Buddhi (intellect) he is worshipped at the onset of every pious work.

Contrary to the description of being elephant headed god, Ganesha is known as the Nirgun roopam( the one who is formless). As per the description in Veda at the genesis the formless Bramhan takes form in the shape of Omkar (ॐ). This Omkara is the first sound of Paramatma (Supreme God). Ganesha is known as sagun roopam( Visible form) of Omkar and therefore reverentially worshipped as the Aadyadev( The deity who got the right to be worshipped at the onset of every pious work).

Everyone knows the famous story of how Ganesha was born from the bathing paste of Godess Parvati and how he has been killed by Lord Shiva in the rage of anger. Many of us assumes that Shri Ganesh is the son of Godess Parvati and Lord Shiva returned his life by giving him the head of an elephant. The common misunderstanding among the masses still prevalent that Lord Shiva gave Ganesha the status of Aadyadev- the honour of being worshipped first among all other deities at every religious ritual. There is ample evidence found in the Ganapathya literature where the truth is revealed behind these symbolic stories.

Many ardent Ganesha devotee and scholars contributed their literature to describe the greatness of deity and his real nature behind the disguise of an elephant head story. The assumption of acquired status of Adi-dev from Lord Shiva is completely wrong according to the school of Ganapathya thoughts.

Across the 18 Mahapurana’s there are mixed version about the identity of Ganesha but in Mudgal Purana and Ganesh Purana we get the confirmed status of his Avatara at the Kailasa- the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Mudgal Purana and Ganesh Purana depicts the grandeur of Ganesha. According to these Purana God Ganesh is Adi-dev and superior amongst all. Ganesha is known as the creator of this universe. There is a famous story in Ganesh Purana where The Ganesha shown the infinite number of cosmos to Lord Bramha before Bramha could begin his work of creation. This reveals the another identity of Ganesha as the “Anant koti brahmand nayak” (The creator of galaxies). As per the Mudgal Purana Ganesha is described is kuldevata( The protector deity of race/family) of Lord Shiva. It was the immense wish of Lord Shankara and Parvati that Nirgun roopam Ganesha should be born as their son and therefore the duo performed prolonged penance in order to impress the Omkara. Delighted by their dedication Ganesha appeared before them and happily approved their prayer to be born as their son at Kailasa.

As the son of Godess Parvati and Shiva, Ganesha born twice in Treta era and Dwapar era respectively as Mayuresha and Gajanana for the purpose of killing the Demons known as Sindhu and Sindoorasura.

Ganesh Purana sings the glory of Ganesh/Gajanana by affirming that Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Shakti, and Surya these five deities worshipped Ganesha in order to defeat the demons and to perform their duties towards this universe.

In Indian mythological literature it is well known fact that Bhagwan Vyasa has composed 18 Mahapurana and 18 Upapurana. It is said by the sages that when one read and understand all 18 Mahapurana then he or she will able to read and understand the real meaning of Ganesh Purana. Ganesh purana is known to be one amongst 18 Upapurana. Here the meaning of “Upa” is meant as Mahat (the great). While reading Ganesha Purana and Mudgal Purana one could succeed to reveal the identity of this universal deity.

Undoubtedly devotees of Ganesha attains all the worldly pleasures, health, peace of mind, money and victory in all areas of their lives.

There are certain rituals which all devotees of Ganesha observes while worshiping him:

1) While uttering the name of Shri God Ganesh, one must put “Shendoor” (Orange colored stone powder) on his or her forehead as Tilak. Ganesha is described as “Sindurvadana”, (the one whose face is gloriously red). Across all the Purana’s as well as shruti and smriti the description of Ganesha come up as red bodied deity who has immense love for “Shendoor”. While Shendoor is his favorite almost all Ganesha temples follows the rituals of applying Shendoor paste upon the Ganesh idol. It is said that putting “Shendur tilak” on your forehead, will pleased Ganesha himself.

2) God Ganesh likes and becomes happy (Prassanna) with the offerings of Durva leaves, Shami leaves, Shweta Mandar flowers, (red flowers like Hibiscus Rose) and Raktta Chandana.

3) There are certain things which are forbidden in Ganesh pooja (Nishiddha things). They are Tulsi leaves, White Chandana, Marigold flowers, Henna perfume (Attar).

4) Every Ganesh devotee follows certain rules in his house to pay homage to the deity. It is advised that if there is an idol or picture of God Ganesha in your House, be sure that you dedicate at least two Durva leaves, Shami leaves, or Shweta Mandar flowers and put dry shendoor (Orange colored stone powder) on it. There should be separate shendoor box for the deity specially made and used for it.

The dried Durva’s or flowers we offer to the idol or picture frame in our house is called as “Nirmalya”. It is the practice followed almost all devotee that this “Nirmalya” shall be left in flowing river as a sign of respect.

Jay Jay Ganraj Samarth

Dr Radhika S Tambe

Ganpattya Pune