Ganesha's birthday

[Guest guest]

In a little over two weeks from today, it will be

Maha-Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of the Remover of

Obstacles.

 

Is this holiday much observed at the Devi Mandir? Can

Shree Maa and Swamiji suggest a practice to bring Lord

Ganesha more effectively into our lives?

 

I've been wanting to learn the Atharva Shirsha/

Ganapati Upanishad, a mantric prayer singing Ganesha's

praises. Does the Devi Mandir have a transliteration

of the Sanskrit, for those of us still struggling with

Devanagari letters? Maybe a recording, so we can

learn the melody?

 

I began my sadhana way back in 1980, when I lived in

Flushing, Queens, and discovered the beautiful Ganesha

Temple on Bowne Street. I walked in, took off my

shoes, and was drawn to the central altar containing a

large black stone image of Ganesha. I "lost" about 15

minutes of my life, leaving my body (though remaining

standing). When I regained consciousness, my face was

wet with tears, and I had the feeling of finally

coming home.

 

Ganesha sharanam, sharanam Ganesha!

 

-- Len/ Kalipadma