Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 Thank you shri Vidyanatha iyer ji for this wonderful artcle on tis auspicious day. Adi Sankara who has composed devotional songs of great beauty, packed at the same time with a true philosophical perspective, praising all the well-known forms of God worshipped by the Hindus, has sung five ``verse-gems'' in adoration of Lord Ganesa. According to the Puranas, Ganesha - the Lord of the Ganas - the attendants on Siva - is a unique manifestation of Brahman. His supremacy is clear from the fact that even the Trinity, the three primal manifestations of the Absolute, viz., Siva, Visnu and Brahma, are hampered in their work if they do not first pay homage to Ganesa. It is from Him that all other Gods derive power to bless and grant boons to devotees. Meaning of GANESH - PANCARATNA -STOTRA Mudaakaraatta Modakam sadaa vimukti Saadhakam Kalaadharaavatam sakam vilasiloka Rakshakam Anaayakaikanaayakam Vinaashitebha Daityakam Nattashubhashu Naashakam Namaami Tam Vinaayakam I prostrate before Lord Vinayaka who holds modaka in his hand with great joy, who bestows salvation, who wears the moon as a crown on his head, who is the sole leader of those who have no leaders, who destroyed the elephant demon named Gajasura, and who quickly destroys the sins of those who bow down to HIM. ---- Natetaraati Bhikaram Navoditaarka Bhaasvaram Namatsuraari Nirjaram Nataadhikaapa Duddharam Sureshwaram Nidiswaram Gjeswaram Ganeshwavaram Maheshwaram Samaashraye Paraatparam Nirantaram I resort to that Lord continuously who is frightening to those who are not his devotees, who shines like the rising sun, to whom all the Gods and demons bow, who removes the great distress of his his devotees, and who is the Best among the best. ---- Samasta Loka Shankaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram Daretarodaram Varam Varebhavaktra-maksharam Kripakaram Kshamaakaram mudaakaram yashaskaram Manaskaram Namaskritam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram I bow down to the shining Ganapathi who brings happiness to all the worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, who has a big belly, beautiful elephant face, who in Immortal, who gives mercy, forgiveness and hapiness to those who bow to Him, and who bestows ame and a well-disposed mind. ---- Akimchanaartimaarjanam chiramtanokti Bhaajanam Puraripurva Nandanam Surarigarva Charvanam Prapanchanaasha Bhishanam Dhananjayadi Bhushanam Kapoladaana Vaaranam Bhaje Puraana Vaaranam I worship the ancient elephant god who destroys the pains of the poor, who is the abode of "Om", who is the irst son of Lord Shiva (destroyer of the Triple Cities), who destroys t5he pride of the enemies of the Gods, who is frightening to look at during the time of the world's destruction, who is fierce like an elephant in rut, and who wears Dhananjaya and other serpants as his ornaments. ---- Nitaatankaanta Dantakaantim Anthakaanthakaatmajam Achintyaroopamantaheenam Antharaaya Krinthanam Hridantare Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginaam Tamekadantameva tam Vichintayaami Santatam I constantly feflect upon that single-tusked god only, whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful, who is the son of Lord Shiva the god of death, whose form is immortal and unknowable, who tears all obstacles, and who dwells forever in the hearts of the yogis. ---- Mahaa Ganesha Pancharatnam AadareNa yonvam Prajalpathi Prabhatake Hridi smaram Ganeshwaram Arogataam Adoshataam Susaahitim Suputrataam Samaahitaayurashabhutim Abhyupaithi Sochiraat He who recites every morning, with devotion, these five gems about Lord Ganapathi, and who remembers in his heart the great Ganesha, will soon be endowed with a healthy life, ree o all blemishes, will obtain learning, good sons, longevity and spiritual and material prosperity. www.geocities.com/srisankarajayendrabalavihar/ganesha_pancharatnam.htm www.adishakti.org/miracle_photo/flame_in_modka.htm - 123k - Cached - Aum Gam Ganapathaye namaha! to be continued -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 Shri Ganesha: Saguna and Nirguna Brahman "No other religion offers such insight into the intricate workings of our universe than Hinduism. More importantly, no other religion offers the grace of a God that is within us as well as within all things outside of ourselves, that is both within form as Saguna Brahman and beyond form as Nirguna Brahman and that may be known my the devout seeker even in this life. Little wonder that the Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Path, has withstood the ravages of time and stands today as the most advanced system of philosophy and devotion on the earth. It is fully in accord with, and in fact its sages clearly anticipated, the advances of 20th Century science. Hinduism today stands as the religion of the village community as well as the urban family - an enlightened faith for all men in all times. The single most unifying force within Hinduism is Lord Ganesha, son of Siva/Sakti, beloved Deity of over 600 million Hindus. It is an incontrovertible fact that Lord Ganesha is real, not a mere symbol. He is a potent force in the universe, not a representation of potent universal forces. Of course, Ganesha belongs to all mankind, not to Hindus alone, though not all men on the planet call Him by our name, Ganesha. ... To some Chinese He is Kuan-shi t'ien or Ho Tei, the large-bellied God of Happiness. To the Polynesians He is God Lono. The Tamils call him by the affectionate term Pilliar, Noble Child. The Tibetians know Him as ts' ogs-bdag, and the Burmese worship Maha-Pienne. In Mongolia His name is Totkhar-our Khaghan. Cambodians offer worship to Prah Kenes, and the Japanese supplicate Vinayaksa or Sho-ten. By some He is envisioned as the feminine Mother Nature, and even non-believers seek to understand Him through personifying His great powers as Fate, Destiny or Numen, The Greeks called Him Janus and sought His blessings at the outset of any new venture. ... In one form or another, Lord Ganesha is honored throughout the world. Hindus worship Him at countless pujas performed daily on every continent. In temples and home shrines Ganesha is worshipped today in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malayasia, Java, Bali, Borneo, Tibet, Burma, Siam, China, Indo-China, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, Africa, Europe and North America. Abundantly built. Lord Ganesha is said to contain within Himself all matter, all mind. He is the very personification of material existence. We look upon this physical world as the body of Lord Ganesha. Hindus do not believe that God is in heaven, aloof from His creation. We believe in the divine immanence of God, that He is non- different from the world that He has created. In seeing and understanding the varied forces at work in the physical universe, we are seeing and understanding the powers and the being of Lord Ganesha. God is everywhere. Lord Ganesha is everywhere in this physical universe. In looking upon the world and all that happens in it and in our daily lives, we are learning to see God everywhere. There is nothing that exists apart from God. If we know that, then life becomes a joy, for we know that all that happens, whether it brings sorrow or happiness, whether we personally wanted it to happen or not, still we know that all that happens is right and good. This is a wonderful spirit for all Hindus to carry into our daily lives - a complete trust that all that happens is for the best, a full knowing that God's Will prevails everywhere. Symbols of Lord Ganesha SWASTIKA The swastika is a sign of auspiciousness, a lucky cross associated with the good fortunes given by Lord Ganesha. It is said that the swastika has the crooked arms due to the fact that the path toward our objectives is not always straight, but filled with change and indirection. NOOSE The noose, usually held in Ganesha's left hand, is unlike the more warring weapons of the other Deities. It is a gentle implement, used to capture and then hold obstacles or difficulties, to direct us along the right path much as a rider guides his steed by the use of the bridle and reins. MODAKA The modaka is a sweet, round cake made of rice and sugar, and offered in Ganesha worship, The modaka is looked upon as the sweetest of all things sweet: as Siddhi, the gladdening fulfillment or joy hidden within everything. TUSK The single broken tusk held in Ganesha's fourth hand is considered the symbol of sacrifice. For the elephant the tusks are beauty and pride and strength. But, in order to save the Mahabharata, Ganesha broke His own tusk. Thus He teaches us the noble principle of personal sacrifice." Shri Ganesha: Saguna and Nirguna Brahman www.hinduismtoday.com ********************************************************************** 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. Alampata - The Eternal By whose puissance this world of illusion is manifest, whose creation is this universe, who is the Lord of all gods and creation, he is the Eternal, Lord Ganesha. Amit - One Who Has No Comparison Ganesha is the embodiment of 'OM', the symbol of the Great God. He is the Eternal Sprit, the Beginning of all beginnings, beyond comparison. 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. 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. 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. Balaganapati - The Beloved Child Lord Ganesha is adored by all the gods, even by the four-faced Brahma, and Lord Indra. As the elephant- faced child, he is the colour or the rays of the rising sun. Bhalchandra - Sporting The Moon Crest A moon crest adorns the forehead of Lord Ganesha. It denotes a pot of nectar, providing divine coolness to the wearer. It is also denotes intelligence and mental enlightenment, the moon being the symbol of mind and peace. 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 reposes the moon. He is four armed, has a single tusk, a trunk askew, a pot belly and he is gigantic. 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. 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. 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. 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 life force to take him to the Divine Light. 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. 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, Vaishys and Shudra, symbolically indicating his divinity. 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. Devantakanashakarin - Destroyer of Demons Lord Ganesha, the destroyer of evils, slew the powerful demons, re- establishing righteousness and peace in the three worlds. 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. 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 tranquility - the giver of peace to all. 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. 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. Durja - The Invincible Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced, pot-bellied Lord is Infinite Strength and Power personified. He is deathless, has no beginning or end - he is invincible. 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. 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. Ekadanta - He Of Single Tusk The round, 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. 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. 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 trunk that is askew. He is the delight of them. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ganadhakshya - Lord Of The Celestial Hordes Lord Ganesha is the Chief of the group of gods, the celestials. He is the Lord of all he surveys, the Master of the earth, the universe, the cosmos, all creation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Yagnakaya - Accepter of Sacrificial Fires The clam 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. 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 light. 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 light of a million suns. Kshamakaram - Adobe Of Forgiveness Constant and regular chanting of Lord Ganesha's name is a sure path for atonement of sins. He is the adobe of forgiveness, the seat of compassion, and most forgiving. Repose faith in him and he will protect you. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Maheswaram - 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. 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. 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. 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. Mudakaram - Abode Of Joy Lord Ganesha is the home of Siddhi and Buddhi, the repository of knowledge and the adobe of joy. He bestows happiness and welfare to all. 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. Musikvahan - He With The Mouse As His Vehicle Lord Ganesha, with 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. Nadapratithista - Lover Of Music Lord Ganesha is symbolic of the music and rhythm of the cosmos. He loves music and some times a veena is one of the attributes seen in his hands. He is the patron of music and dance. Namasthetu - Destroyer Of All Sins Lord Ganesha is the sea-fire to end the sea. He purges the devotees of all sins by and impieties by his holy fire. 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. 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. 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. Pitambar - Wearer Of Yellow Clothes Lord Ganesha, who wears clothes of white and yellow, personifies purity and uniqueness. With a deep knowledge of the self, he is the eternal sprit who is changeless yet causes change all around. 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. 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. Purush - The Supreme Authority Lord Ganesh is Purush, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Savatman - 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. Shoorpakarna - 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. 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. 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. Shwete - 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. 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. Siddhipriya - Bestower Of Boons Siddipriya 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. 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. Skandapoorvaja - Older Than Skanda Ganesha is the older son od 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. Sumukha - Of Auspicious And Pleasant Visage His strange visage is in the form of 'OM' the sound symbolic of the cosmos in its entirely. He is the symbol of auspiciousness. Sureshwaram - Lords Of All The Gods Sureshwaram is Lord Ganesha as Head of the ganas or celestials. He is the Being, the Foremost Being, the very cause of the creation of the cosmos Lord Almighty. 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. Tarun - The Youthful The youth Ganesha, ever youthful, is Wisdom personified. His huge body takes on the colour of red like the noonday sun, depicting the strength of youth. 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. Umaputra - Son Of Uma Uma, another name of Pravati, 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. Vakratunda - Askew-Trunked Lord Ganesha, the single-tusked one, is attribute with an askew proboscis or trunk, which symbolises power, capable of destroying all obstacles and evil. 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. 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 of spiritual liberation. Varadavinayaka - Bestower Of Bounty And Success The massive Ganesha, the granter of boon 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. 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, good, noose, battle- axe, sword and shield all signs of a valiant warrior. Vidyavaridhi - respository 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. Vignahara - Destroyer Of Evils Vignahara is Lord Ganesha, who like a vigorous wind, scatters away and destroys the dark clouds of evils. His name's ever recollection removes all sins. Vignaharta - Destroyer Of Obstacles Lord Ganesha is a veritable scepter that destroys all obstacles. He is the destroyer of multitudes of obstacles, destroyer of all afflictions. Vighnanashin - Destroyer Of Obctacles The askew-trunked Ganesha, also called vighnanashin, is the destroyer of all impediments. He is the destroyer of darkness created by obstacles. Vighnaraja - Lord Of All Obstacles The veritable scepter 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. Vighnarajendra - Lord Of All Obstacles The noble Ganesha is the king of all factors causing obstacles. He causes obstacles for the demons and enemies, causing them to stumble and be vanquished. 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. 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. 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. 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. Yashaskaram - Giver Of Frame 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. 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. 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." www.adishakti.org/miracle_photo/flame_in_modka.htm - 123k - Cached Today is a very Auspicious Day ..... Life itself is Meditation. Begin your day with prayers to your ISHTADEVATA and end your Day with prayers to your ishta-nishta. In between, dedicate everything you do to the Lotus feet of the god/ess. AUM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 Dear All: What could be the real reason why "chartrythi" must have been chosen for GaNesha, rather than aShTami, pancami, ekaadashi, paurNimaa or any other day for that matter? Any thoughts other than the internet cut & paste would be appreciated. Thanking you in advance for sharing your thoughts. Dr. Yadu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 well, yadu-ji! was that a trick question ? we all know about 'Purusharthas' ? don't we? so why is Sri Rama Navami held in the month of Chaitra? Chaitra is the first month of our Hindu Calendar and Dharma is the first Purushartha and of course, Lord Rama is synonymous with Dharma and when do we celeberate Ganesha Chaturethi ? in the month of Bhadrapada . what is the leading principle in this month? ARTHA ... and it falls on the fourth day of full moon fortnight (shukla paksham chaviti) which means though man seeks means of enhancing livelihood without hurdles (vighnyaas) the end is to seek salvation (the purity of full moon fortnight and the fourth day stands for the fourth principle of moksha). Any worldly pursuit perceived with purity of mind leads to salvation. and believe it or not, i got this explanation from THE HINDU DAILY!!! WHY should i not believe the Hindu daily which is one of the leading dailies of South india ? or may be you have some 'original' explanation... i am waiting with 'baited' breath!!! regards -- In advaitin, "ymoharir" <ymoharir> wrote: > Dear All: > > What could be the real reason why "chartrythi" must have been chosen > for GaNesha, rather than aShTami, pancami, ekaadashi, paurNimaa or > any other day for that matter? > > Any thoughts other than the internet cut & paste would be appreciated. > > Thanking you in advance for sharing your thoughts. > > Dr. Yadu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Greetings Yaduji! You always have unusual perspective on many things specially connected with our scriptures ... why don't you come right out and share what you know about vinayaka chathurthi instead of posing such 'teasers' ? spirituality is not about one 'upmanship'... it is about sharing what you know with others !!!! that is why i enjoy reading the messages posted by Sri Vaidyanathan iyer from the hindu daily!!! they may be 'cut and paste' but they have their value and significance rather than long winded messages which only exhibit the 'debating' skills of the poster or the short cryptic messages that you post sometimes!!! smiles!!! i myself am guilty of posting 'cut and paste ' messages but at least i am happy these messages are coming from great acharyas like Kanch periyavaal and not some self styled pundits on the internet. sorry, this is my honest feeling!!! regards advaitin, "ymoharir" <ymoharir> wrote: > Dear All: > > What could be the real reason why "chartrythi" must have been chosen > for GaNesha, rather than aShTami, pancami, ekaadashi, paurNimaa or > any other day for that matter? > > Any thoughts other than the internet cut & paste would be appreciated. > > Thanking you in advance for sharing your thoughts. > > Dr. Yadu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 advaitin, "adi_shakthi16" <adi_shakthi16> wrote: >> > and believe it or not, i got this explanation from THE HINDU DAILY!!! > > WHY should i not believe the Hindu daily which is one of the leading > dailies of South india ? > > Nameste adi-Ji: Answer to your above question was given by our seers in the concluding mantra of yajurveda, which was incorporated in iiShopanishad. hiraNmayena paatreNa satyasyaapihitataM mukham | Thus it is up to the saadhakaa to evaluate the validity of all that is perceived. If the is not practiced then all the efforts regardless of the subject matter/knowledge has little of no meaning. That is why aacharya emphasided "ca anta siddhaH svaanubhuuti pramaanam". AchArya Madhva explains pramaaNa as follows - "shAstrArtha yukto anubhavaH pramANam uttamam. Meaning – Best reliable pramANa, is the experiential pramaana that is in line with shAstrArtha. samartha raamadaasa swaami says in the manobodha (also known as manaace shloka) (advise to his own mind) - aviddya guNe maanavaa umajenaa | bhrame cuukale hiita te aakaLenaa || prixeviNi baandhale druuDha naaNe | pari satya mitthya ase koNa jaaNE || Meaning - It is due to our ignorance that we cannot understand the truth. It is the bhrama (illusion) that leads us away and prevents us from realizing our own good. Accepting the counterfeit currency without evaluation can only lead to "aj~naana". My teacher us to say, "You are cleaver if you believe in only half of what other person is saying, however, you can become genius if you can figure out which half to believe." How does this relate to our the topic of this month? If bhakti is not coupled with knowledge then it becomes and remains as "blind faith" which need no further elaboration. However, every saadhakaa has a choice he/she desires to practice. If the knowledge is sever on a platter all the time, especially without any efforts from the receiver, then it falls into the category of "easy come easy go". IMHO - internet resources are just a good starting point and should not be the end point that gets carved in stone. Just my cryptic thoughts of 1 & 1/4 Cents. Regards, Dr. Yadu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Thank you Yadu-ji ! This is the kind of messages i like to read from you- not one liners!!! smiles!!! you are absolutely right about Blind Faith ... if you had read my message that i had posted a few days ago , i also said Jnana without Bhakti is Lame and Bhakti without Jnana is Blind . However, the question arises who to believe, what to believe and how to believe. i agree that 'internet' is a good starting point ... but of course , it is not the only source of knowledge ! that is why practical 'sadhana' becomes so important!! but there again, we differ what constitues real 'sadhana' .... there is no one Path to reach the Mountain top! is there ? You still have not answered your own question and that is why is Vinayaka Chaturthi celeberated on Chaturthi? Another explanation that i read on the internet is that the planetary constellations resemble an 'elephant' during the 4th day of the Bhadrapada fortnight! anyway, these things are not important ... my request to you is this ... please be willing to share your knowledge and expertise and experience ( just like our sunderji does among Others ) and please do not offend 'cut and paste' artistes like me!!! smiles!!! by cutting and pasting, one day i will become the guru's guru!!! To cut and paste also requires a certain degree of skill and research abilities!! btw, i luved youer explanation of 'bhaaratiya' in my group! that was awesome!! love and regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 2004 Report Share Posted September 26, 2004 Namaste and greetings to all in this season of festivals. advaitin, "adi_shakthi16" <adi_shakthi16> wrote: About Ganesa - >even the Trinity, the three >primal manifestations of the Absolute, viz., >Siva, Visnu and Brahma, >are hampered in their work if they do not >first pay homage to Ganesa, >who tears all obstacles, and who >dwells forever in the hearts of the yogis. To recall what happened in the case of Siva- Siva's(Brahman's) attempt to enter into the abode of the Goddess whose gate-keeper was Ganesa, without first allowing for purification that was going on, ended rather in a tricky way... Indeed...it is wonderful that even Siva has to first pay homage to Ganesa. We have a series of festivals now... ...first Vinayaka Chathurthi, then of the Goddess(Dassera) and then followed by the festival of lights (Diwali). This sequence could be a sheer coincidence or with a purpose... Spacing of days between each could also be a coincidence or with a purpose.... (a)Removal of obstacles...(b)purification...©light... Is there is a purpose in this sequence...? Best Regards to all, Raghava ______________________ India Matrimony: Find your partner online. http://.shaadi.com/india-matrimony/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 2004 Report Share Posted September 26, 2004 Dear Raghava, i am flattered that you found something meaningful on my Cut and paste message of Adi Sankara's verses on Sri Ganesha! YES! i also found something very divine in Shri Vaidyanathan's cut and paste message from the Hindu Daily on Vinayaka chathurthi! He mentioned something about Vinayaka Agaval!!!! Do you all know how Avvaiyaar under what circumstances She composed this great hymn to Lord Ganesha? Avvaiyar , was a great devoee of Lord Ganesha . One day, she was performing Puja to her Ishta-Nishta Vinayaka! Avvaiyyar then heard that Sundarar, another shiva devee was proceeding towards Mount Kailash, THE ABODE OF SHIVA-SHAKTI! AVVAIYYAR DID NOT WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND. She wanted to complete her Puja to Lord Ganesha in a hurried manner ... but Sri Ganesha appeared before her and assured her that he will personally take hher to Kailaash before Sundarar reached there and to perform the puja with full devotion, faith. and one - pointed concentration! Avvaiyyar did as the Lord told her to do! At the end of Puja, SRI GANESHA LIFTED HER UP and she reached Kailash before anyone else ! In gratitude, she rendered the Vinayaka Agaval! There is an esoteric meaning to this story !!!! For ordinary devotees, it takes forever to reach the Sahasara chakra ; they are stuck in the Muladhara chakra!!! For *uttama* devotees , it is as easy as as 123!!! kailash here reprsents the 'sahasra' chakra- the UNION of divine shiva-shakti! i think your explanation has a lot of validity! First remove all the obstacles... through Niyamas etc... Then atma-shuddhi through Parayanam of Devi Mahatmyam during the nine days of Navaratri ... YES! the demons that Devi slew are the internal demons in all of us ... 1) chanda-munda - Greed and coveteousness 2) shumbha-nishumbha - anger and attachments 3) Raktabija - lust -seeds of desire 4) Mahisasur - stubborn 'e-go' etc etc .... by constantly praying to Devi we are asking her to purify our mind in those nine days! and then comes Deepavali ! Yes- light signifies - knowledge! and whenver you do deepa-ARADHANA, YOU ARE ASKING THE lORD TO REMOVE THE IGNORANCE! ( 'the ' is important - only ignorance is you are not the self) TAMASO MA JYOTHIRGAMAYA! i bow down to you shri raghava! although an advaitin is not supposed to bow down to another! but i am a devi bhaktin first then only an advaitin! love and regards advaitin, Raghavarao Kaluri <raghavakaluri> wrote: >> ..first Vinayaka Chathurthi, then of the > Goddess(Dassera) > and then followed by the festival of lights (Diwali). > This sequence could be a sheer coincidence or with a > purpose... > Spacing of days between each could also be a > coincidence or with a purpose.... > > (a)Removal of > obstacles...(b)purification...©light... > Is there is a purpose in this sequence...? > >/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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