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<strong>GANESHA</strong>’S BROKEN TUSK<br />
Sage Vyasa approached Lord Ganesha to help him write the Epic,<br />
Mahabharata. Ganesha‘s condition was that Sage Vyasa should continue to<br />
recite without a break. Ganesha said he would stop the moment Vyasa<br />
paused. Vyasa agreed to the condition. Then He came up with his own,<br />
saying that Ganesha should not write anything without understanding the<br />
meaning.<br />
Ganesha agreed too and they began. Sage Vyasa began narrating at a great<br />
speed. Ganesha noted it all down at an equally fast pace.<br />
Soon Ganesha‘s pen broke. It could not keep up with the pace of Vyasa‘s<br />
recital. Ganesha realised that he had been too proud and had<br />
underestimated the sage‘s intellectual powers.<br />
Quietly, Ganesha broke off one of his tusks, dipped it in the ink pot and<br />
began to use it as a pen to continue writing Mahabharata.
Sage Vyasa would dictate a difficult stanza when he got tired. Ganesha<br />
would take a few seconds to understand before writing it down. Sage Vyasa<br />
would get his rest then.<br />
This is how the Mahabharata epic was written down. It took them three<br />
years to write it all down. The poem is 100,000 stanzas long. Several<br />
stanzas are said to be lost in the years.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND GAJASURA<br />
According to the Hindu Mythology, the name Gajasura is given to a demon<br />
(asura) who takes the form of an elephant (Gaja).
Gajasura gets a boon from Lord Shiva that Shiva will stay in Gajasura's<br />
womb. With Shiva not being seen, Parvati goes to Lord Vishnu to save Lord<br />
Shiva like he did before ( as in the case of Bhasmasura). Vishnu realizes that<br />
Shiva is in the womb of Gajasura . So he goes there with a retinue of Gods<br />
in different forms and the Shiva's Nandi. The expedition results in Gajasura<br />
seeing the light. So Lord Shiva gets freed. Thereafter Lord Shiva himself<br />
praises Lord Vishnu. Vishnu has the parting word of advice to Lord Shiva<br />
namely not to entertain "Dushtaas‖, the ones who with crooked thoughts !!<br />
Another story regarding the origins of Ganesha and his elephant head<br />
narrates that, once, there existed an Asura (demon) with all the<br />
characteristics of an elephant, called Gajasura, who was undergoing a<br />
penitence (tapas). Shiva, satisfied by this austerity, decided to grant him, as<br />
a reward, whatever gift he desired. The demon wished that he could<br />
emanate fire continually from his own body so that no one could ever dare<br />
to approach him. The Lord granted him his request. Gajasura continued his<br />
penitence and Shiva, who appeared in front of him from time to time, asked<br />
him once again what he desired. The demon responded: "I desire that You<br />
inhabit my stomach." Shiva agreed.<br />
Parvati sought him everywhere without results. As a last recourse, she went<br />
to her brother Vishnu, asking him to find her husband. He, who knows<br />
everything, reassured her: "Don't worry, dear sister, your husband is Bhola<br />
Shankara and promptly grants to his devotees whatever they ask of him,<br />
without regard for the consequences; for this reason, I think he has gotten<br />
himself into some trouble. I will find out what has happened."<br />
Then Vishnu, the omniscient director of the cosmic game, staged a small<br />
comedy. He transformed Nandi (the bull of Shiva) into a dancing bull and<br />
conducted him in front of Gajasura, assuming, at the same time, the<br />
appearance of a flutist. The enchanting performance of the bull sent the<br />
demon into ecstasies, and he asked the flutist to tell him what he desired.<br />
The musical Vishnu responded: "Can you give me that which I ask?"<br />
Gajasura replied: "Who do you take me for? I can immediately give you<br />
whatever you ask." The flutist then said: "If that's so, liberate Shiva from<br />
your stomach." Gajasura understood then that this must have been no other<br />
than Vishnu himself, the only one who could have known that secret and he
threw himself at his feet. Having liberated Shiva, he asked him for one last<br />
gift: "I have been blessed by you with many gifts; my last request is that<br />
everyone remember me adoring my head when I am dead." Shiva then<br />
brought his own son there and substituted his head with that of Gajasura.<br />
From then on, in India, the tradition is that any action, in order to prosper,<br />
must begin with the adoration of Ganesha. This is the result of the gift of<br />
Shiva to Gajasura.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND ANALASURA<br />
A demon by the name Analasura caused trouble and havoc in the heavens.<br />
This demon emitted fire from his eyes and destroyed everything in his way.<br />
Ganesha‘s help was sought by the terrified demi-gods. He assured the Devas<br />
that he would defeat the demons and bring back peace to the abode.<br />
During the battle, the Asura began to attack Ganesha with fireballs, trying to<br />
gulp him down. At this moment, Lord Ganesha took his original form of the<br />
virat roop and gulped down Analasura.<br />
After this, Ganesha became extremely restless. This was because of the heat<br />
inside his body that was caused by devouring Analasura. Many efforts were<br />
being taken to cool down Lord Ganesha.<br />
The Moon came to help Lord Ganesha by standing on His head. Thus he<br />
received the name, Balachandra. Lord Vishnu gave His lotus to Ganesha to<br />
bring down the heat. Lord Shiva tied his Cobra Snake around the belly of<br />
Lord Ganesha.
In the end, a few sages arrived with twenty one Durva grass blades and<br />
placed it on Lord Ganesha‘s head. The heat vanished.<br />
Thus the Durva grass became a favourite of Lord Ganesha. He declared that<br />
blessings would be granted to those who prayed to Him with the Durva<br />
Grass. No Puja is ever complete without offering the Durva Grass to the<br />
deity.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND THE SNAKE AROUND HIS BELLY<br />
Ganesha was invited to Lord Kubera‘s home for a feast. Lord Ganesha<br />
started to go home and was riding on his Vahana, a mouse. That night was<br />
a full moon. His mouse saw a snake and hid behind a bush. Lord Ganesha<br />
fell to the ground and his stomach split open. The food fell onto the ground.<br />
The moon, who was passing by, saw this and started laughing loudly. The<br />
moon, very handsome, was proud of his appearance. Seeing a big-bellied<br />
Ganesha sitting on a rat amused him.<br />
This angered Lord Ganesha. He cursed the Moon saying ― Oh Moon, your<br />
handsome looks have made you vain. How dare you laugh at me when the<br />
entire world worships me? You shall now receive the fruits of your foolish<br />
pride. Your beauty will vanish because of your vain and ignorance. From<br />
today, who ever sees you on the 4th day of the Bhadrapada month will<br />
suffer because of unjust accusations. You shall always be black and shall<br />
never be seen by anyone again‖.
The moon was frightened by this curse. He begged Lord Ganesha to forgive<br />
him. Lord Ganesha relented and said ― The curse cannot be lifted. You have<br />
realised your fault. Those who have been subjected to such accusations shall<br />
be saved. They will regain their good name when they see you on the<br />
second day of the bright fortnight. You shall be changing from new moon to<br />
full moon and back‖.<br />
Ganesha put the food back in his stomach, took the snake and tied it around<br />
his belly and went home.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND KUBERA<br />
A vain and proud Kubera once invited Lord Shiva for lunch. Lord Shiva,<br />
deciding to teach the king of wealth a lesson, sent his son, Ganesha for the<br />
feast. He warned Kubera of his son‘s enormous appetite. Kubera looked at<br />
the boy with contempt.<br />
At the feast, Lord Ganesha arrived and ate all the dishes that were served to<br />
Him. He was still not satisfied. Soon, He emptied the kitchen and was still<br />
hungry. ―Is this all you can give me?‖ Ganesha asked Kubera. ―I thought this<br />
was a grand feast. I am still hungry‖. Kubera rushed to Kailash and and<br />
appealed to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva responded saying any food served<br />
with love and affection will gain satisfaction.<br />
Kubera borrowed some roasted rice from Goddess Parvathi and offered it to<br />
Lord Ganesha with humility and devotion. Ganesha accepted the food and<br />
stated that he was satisfied. Thus Kubera learnt humility.
THE BIRTH OF LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong><br />
`<br />
It is believed that once while Parvati was bathing, she created a human<br />
figure from some unguent and balm, gave him life and asked him to guard<br />
the door while she bathed. After a long period of meditation on Mountain<br />
Kailash (Lord Shiva‘s abode), Shiva chose that very moment to drop by to<br />
see his better half, but was abruptly stopped by the man-god Parvati had<br />
posted at the door. Outraged by the cheek of this stranger, Shiva cut off his<br />
head only to discover moments later that he had killed Parvati‘s son! For fear<br />
of enraging his wife, Shiva immediately dispatched his ganas (attendants) to<br />
get him the head of the first living creature they could find. Well, the first<br />
living creature happened to be an elephant. As instructed, the head was<br />
chopped off and brought back to Shiva, who placed it on Parvati‘s son‘s<br />
body, bringing him back to life.
This elephant-headed god was welcomed into the first family of the Hindu<br />
heavens and named Ganesha or Ganapati, which literally means the chief of<br />
the ganas, or the attendants of Shiva. Ganesha is the foremost god of the<br />
Hindu pantheon. This brave guardian of the door to Parvati‘s bath is beheld<br />
today as the most auspicious God of new beginnings. He is worshipped<br />
during every festival and before people undertake a journey or embark upon<br />
a new venture. You will also see him carefully guarding entrances to temples<br />
and homes, peeping out of calendars and happily gracing marriages and<br />
other such occasions.
THE ELDER ONE<br />
Ganesha and His brother Lord Subramanya (Kartikya) once had a dispute as<br />
to who was the elder of the two. The matter was referred to Lord Shiva for<br />
final decision. Shiva decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole<br />
world and come back first to the starting point had the right to be the elder.<br />
Subramanya flew off at once on his vehicle, the peacock, to make a circuit of<br />
the world. But the wise Ganesha went, in loving worshipfulness, around His<br />
divine parents and asked for the prize of His victory. Lord Shiva said,<br />
"Beloved and wise Ganesha! But how can I give you the prize; you did not<br />
go around the world?" Ganesha replied, "No, but I have gone around my<br />
parents. My parents represent the entire manifested universe!" Thus the<br />
dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha, who was thereafter<br />
acknowledged as the elder of the two brothers. Mother Parvati also gave<br />
Him a fruit as a prize for this victory.
THE STORY OF GANESH CHATURTHI<br />
Why do we celebrate Ganeshotsav for 11 days?<br />
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the arrival of Ganesha on earth. Legend tells us<br />
that Parvati or Gauri, Lord Shiva‘s wife and Ganesha‘s mother, was a<br />
daughter of the mountain king, Himavaan. Earth, was therefore her<br />
homeland, and as the story goes, she came for a visit, leaving her husband<br />
and son behind. Shiva couldn‘t bear to live without his wife, and so he sent<br />
his son right behind her to bring her back. Ganesha thus came down to<br />
earth where he was welcomed with open arms, and his stay extended to 11<br />
days. Finally, remembering the duty on which he had come, he went back,<br />
taking his mother with him.
LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong> AND RIVER KAVERI<br />
This Lord Ganapathi story is a favorite one among kids. Once upon a time,<br />
Sage Agastya sought the blessings of Lord Brahma and Shiva.<br />
The sage wished to create flowing river in a suitable location to offer water<br />
to the southern lands. The Gods, listening to his prayers, had his kamandalu<br />
filled with sacred water.<br />
The Sage then reached the Coorg Mountains. On his way, he spotted a small<br />
boy and requested him to take good care of his pot containing water as he<br />
needed to go to toilet.<br />
The small boy was none other than Ganesha and he placed the small pot on<br />
the ground as he felt that location was perfect for a river.<br />
Then a crow landed on this pot and Sage Agastya shooed off the bird. The<br />
crow flew off tipping the pot to the ground and spilled off some water.<br />
This water formed River Kaveri and is considered as a sacred river.
LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong> AND GODDESS PARVATI<br />
This Bal Ganesha story for kids would teach them that they have to take<br />
care of animals in a gentle way. One day child Ganesha was playing with a<br />
cat and was tormenting the animal by pulling his tail and throwing him on<br />
the ground.<br />
He left the cat and went to Mount Kailash to meet his mother Goddess<br />
Parvati. He was shocked to see her wounded. When he asked her about it,<br />
his mother replied that it was his action that caused the wound. As she was<br />
playing with him as cat.<br />
She also said that it is unfair to treat animals cruelly and Ganesha was sorry<br />
for injuring the cat.
LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong> AND LORD SHIVA<br />
When Lord Ganesha was born, Lord Shiva made a rule that Lord Ganesha<br />
must be worshiped first to ensure success in any endeavor.<br />
However, Lord Shiva forgot about his own rule and left for a war with the<br />
demons in Tripura. He did not worship Lord Ganesha before doing so!<br />
While he was on his way in his carriage, the wheel peg got damaged.<br />
It was only then Lord Shiva remembered that he forgot to offer prayers to<br />
Lord Ganesh before departing for the war.<br />
He offered his prayers to Ganesha and proceeded to the battle ground. Lord<br />
Shiva won the war!
LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong> AND LORD VISHNU<br />
One day, Lord Vishnu‘s Valampuri Shankh (conch) was missing, which<br />
annoyed him greatly.<br />
Later he heard the sound of his conch at a distance and it was coming from<br />
Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.<br />
He sought the help of Lord Shiva and requested him to ask his son Lord<br />
Ganesh to give back his conch.<br />
Lord Shiva asked Vishnu to perform a puja to please Lord Ganesha.<br />
Lord Vishnu performed the puja immediately and Ganesha was happy with it<br />
and returned back his conch.<br />
After this incident, Lord Ganesha was known as Valampuri Ganesh which<br />
means Ganesha with a trunk facing the right side.
A VAHANA FOR <strong>GANESHA</strong><br />
Bal Ganesha or baby Ganesha was a naughty child, unlike the<br />
quiet Kartikeya. Little Ganesha was always up to mischief, doing things he<br />
should not be doing and driving his mother Parvati crazy.<br />
She was constantly running around Mount Kailash in search of her son, who<br />
she would find hiding behind a snow covered tree or hill. The angry mother<br />
would drag the little one back home. Then she would make him sit beside<br />
her while she completed her chores. Her eyes would frequently stray to her<br />
elephant-headed son.
Bal Ganesha was fond of sweets, especially laddoos. Whenever Parvati<br />
prepared a special meal for her family, she would keep a strict watch over<br />
her son who would happily eat up most of the laddoos from the large<br />
platters, leaving very few for his father and brother.<br />
Quiet Kartikeya was no trouble. He was an obedient child. He seldom<br />
needed supervision. Sitting astride his peacock, Kartikeya travelled<br />
everywhere, often taking his father‘s messages to the gods.<br />
―I too want a vahana (vehicle),‖ Ganesha tugged at his mother‘s sari. This<br />
had been his frequent request for the past one month.<br />
―You are not ready for it Ganesha,‖ his mother answered. A vahana for<br />
Ganesha would mean more work for her. She would end up looking after her<br />
baby and whichever creature he chose as his vahana. It had been no<br />
problem getting the self-reliant Kartikeya a vahana, for he looked after<br />
himself and his peacock.<br />
―I will get you a vahana when you grow a little older. You have to take care<br />
of your vahana,‖ she explained, cradling her son in her lap.<br />
Stomping his foot, little Ganesha pouted. ―No, I will not wait. I want a<br />
vahana right now,‖ he said loudly, shattering the peace and disturbing his<br />
father who was meditating.<br />
Shiva opened his eyes. Kartikeya and Parvati shivered. An angry Shiva was a<br />
fierce sight. Mother and son stared at Shiva in shock. Seeing the fear in their<br />
eyes, he<br />
smiled.<br />
―Come here,‖ he beckoned little Ganesha, who trotted up to his father on<br />
chubby legs, munching a large peda. Gathering his son close, Shiva ruffled<br />
Ganesha‘s hair.<br />
―I have the perfect vahana for you,‖ he said, winking at his wife and<br />
Kartikeya. They were stunned.
Over the last week, Shiva‘s meditation had been disturbed by the constant<br />
squeaks of a scampering mouse. Not just that, the mouse had chewed up<br />
his meditation mat! Ganesha too was proving troublesome. It was time to<br />
bring two naughty creatures together, decided Shiva.<br />
With his cosmic eye, Shiva saw the little mouse hiding in a corner of the<br />
room. With a brisk snap of his fingers, he brought the mouse out. The tiny<br />
creature obeyed Shiva‘s silent command and scurried towards him.<br />
Lifting the mouse, Shiva dropped it into baby Ganesha‘s hands. ―Henceforth<br />
this will be your vahana,‖ he said.<br />
Thrilled with his vahana, Ganesha went down on his haunches and stared<br />
delightedly at the furry little mouse.<br />
The moment the mouse was placed on the ground it darted away to safety.<br />
Ganesha, who taken by surprise, chased the pesky creature all over the<br />
house. Parvati smiled. Her clever husband had once again solved her<br />
problem. Now her little Ganesha would not trouble her, as he would be too<br />
busy keeping his mischievous vahana under control. It would take Ganesha<br />
years to learn to control his mouse, and by then he would have outgrown his<br />
mischief!
THE FIRST PRAYERS<br />
Saivite saint Sundarar, while visiting Seraman Perumal Nayanar, a devotee<br />
of Lord Siva, sang of his desire to sever worldly ties.<br />
And Lord Siva responded to the cries of His devotee at once. He sent a white<br />
elephant to fetch Sundarar to His abode, Kailasa, and the saint departed<br />
immediately for Kailasa, said K. Sambandan.<br />
Hearing that his friend had left for Kailasa, Seraman Perumal Nayanar too<br />
left at once on a horse-back. But how would he be able to reach Kailasa?<br />
Seraman Perumal Nayanar whispered ―Om Namah Sivaya‖ in the ears of the<br />
horse and it started flying towards Kailasa.<br />
Poetess Avvaiyar, through her gnana, sensed that the two men were leaving<br />
for Kailasa. She too wanted to accompany them. So she said her prayers in
a hurry. Lord Ganesha told her not to rush through her worship of Him. He<br />
would make sure that she reached Kailasa even before the other two did.<br />
Avvaiyar followed Lord Ganesha‘s directive and did her usual worship in an<br />
unhurried manner.<br />
Pleased with her worship, Lord Ganesha lifted her with his trunk and put her<br />
in Kailasa, well before Sundarar and Seraman Perumal Nayanar reached the<br />
holy abode of Lord Siva.<br />
Thus by worshipping Lord Ganesha, Avvaiyar could fulfil her wish speedily.<br />
This showed that worshipping Lord Ganesha first and foremost would lead<br />
one to success in all ventures.<br />
Avvaiyar sang 72 lines in praise of Lord Ganesha to show her gratitude.<br />
Though her work was not lengthy, it was significant in its meaning. Just as a<br />
banyan tree, which can shelter an army, could grow from a small seed, the<br />
small work of Avvaiyar had within it many facets of bhakti and philosophy.<br />
Avvaiyar praised Lord Ganesha as the One who rids us of the results of our<br />
actions and quells our pride.<br />
She pointed out that He makes us realise that we should ponder<br />
philosophical truths, use the knowledge gained to dispel doubts and we<br />
must resort to meditation.<br />
Also, making us realise the path to salvation, He liberates us from births and<br />
deaths.
MOOLADHARA & MANGAL (PLANET MARS)<br />
Shri Ganesha resides in the Mooladhara (or Muladhara) Chakra. It is the<br />
base centre of the subtle system. Mula means root or origin – a reference to<br />
the Kundalini, which is the Root of the Tree of Life, and the origin of the<br />
Creation. Dhara means support, thus Shri Ganesha is the supporter of the<br />
Kundalini, His Mother. This indicates that Innocence, the quality of Lord<br />
Ganesha, is necessary for spiritual ascent.<br />
The red planet corresponds to the Mooladhara Chakra in the subtle system,<br />
wherein Shri Ganesha resides. Mars gets its reddish hue from iron oxide, a<br />
mineral associated with Ganesha Swyambhu sites around the world.<br />
Astrologers often refer to Mars as a ‗malefic‘ (unlucky) planet, because of<br />
the obstacles they have observed in connection with it, over the centuries.<br />
However, in India, Mars is given the name Mangala, which means<br />
‗auspicious‘. The reason for this apparent contradiction is that Shri Ganesha<br />
is the Lord of Obstacles – He removes them for the Innocent, but lays them<br />
in the path of those whose motives are selfish or impure.
A SCHOLAR DEITY<br />
Once Ravana performed a sadhana and received as reward<br />
a jyotirlinga from Shiva himself. Shiva told Ravana to carry the jyotirlinga to<br />
his land with the caveat that wherever Ravana would place it, it would<br />
remain stuck there forever.<br />
So Ravana carried the jyotirlinga with great care. He held back every<br />
physical urge such as eating or attending to calls of nature and walked<br />
almost 4,000 kilometres from Kailash to a place called Gokarna in Karnataka.<br />
Since he had been walking without food or rest, he felt weak and he wanted<br />
to ease himself. Unable to eat any food, he must have sustained himself on<br />
water alone and his bladder must have been bursting. But he would not<br />
keep the jyotirlinga down either. And he would not be able to make water —<br />
an unclean act — while holding the jyotirlinga with his hands.<br />
Presently, he saw a cute and innocent-looking cowherd boy. Ravana said to<br />
the boy, ―Hey you, come here.‖ The boy came. Ravana said, ―If you hold<br />
this for five minutes, I‘ll give you a pearl necklace. Just hold it, don‘t keep it<br />
down. Understand?‖ The boy agreed. Ravana gave the jyotirlinga to the boy<br />
and turned around to ease himself. His call of nature done, he turned
around to look. What did he see? The boy had kept the jyotirlinga down<br />
and, of course, it had sunk into the earth as per the caveat. Then Ravana<br />
looked up. In place of the cowherd, it was Ganapati standing there, in his<br />
true form with a grin on his face.<br />
Ganapati did not want Ravana to take the jyotirlinga to Lanka, because if he<br />
did, he would have become superhuman. Even today if you visit Gokarna,<br />
you will see a small hole in the rock through which you have to put your<br />
finger and feel the jyotirlinga. Ravana got so furious he knocked Ganapati on<br />
the head so hard that his head was dented. That is why you will also find a<br />
Ganapati statue with a depression in his skull at Gokarna.<br />
For these thousands of years that day of Ravana-Ganapati encounter has<br />
come down to us as Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganapati, one of the most popular<br />
gods from India, is the one who mastered all the knowledge that was in the<br />
land. Even today when a child commences his education, the first thing<br />
parents do is invoke Ganapati, the scholar-deity. He is believed to like food.<br />
Usually scholars are skinny, but Ganapati is a well-fed, smart scholar, who<br />
outwitted Ravana.
GOD <strong>GANESHA</strong> VS. PARSHURAM – A DIVINE BATTLE<br />
Another legend involves sage Parshuram (meaning ‗Rama with an axe‘) who<br />
is considered to be one of the many incarnations of Lord Vishnu.<br />
It is said that Parshuram had once embarked on a journey to Mount Kailash<br />
to visit and pay respect to Lord Shiva who he revered as his holy teacher.<br />
Parshuram always carried with him an axe which was a divine weapon that<br />
had been given to him by Lord Shiva. As Parshuram adamantly tried to reach<br />
Lord Shiva, his path was blocked by Ganesh who said that Lord Shiva had<br />
not given anybody permission to enter Mount Kailash.<br />
Offended by Ganesh‘s actions, Parshuram angrily asked to be let through but<br />
Ganesh refused. Soon, a fight ensued between the two and Parshuram<br />
attacked Ganesh with his axe. The axe severed one of Ganesh‘s two teeth as<br />
he was unable to defend himself against the weapon which had been<br />
blessed by his father Lord Shiva himself.
At this point Goddess Parvati noticed her son‘s severed tooth and in a fit of<br />
rage took the form of Goddess Durga to punish Parshuram. Realizing what<br />
had happened, Lord Shiva decided to intervene and restore peace between<br />
Ganesh and Parshuram while calming his wife Goddess Parvati.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND TULSI<br />
Tulsi is the daughter of Dharmaraja (god of righteousness). In her youthful<br />
days she was a great devotee of narayana (lord vishnu). Once she was<br />
walking along the banks of ganges. She came across beautiful ganesha<br />
sitting in deep meditation to lord krishna. Being son of ma parvati, ganesha<br />
is very beautiful. Moreover any person in deep meditation state looks more<br />
beautiful. So you can visualize the beauty of Lord Ganesha in that meditative<br />
state. Like tulsi ma, ganesha was also in his prime and of marriageable age<br />
plus both were devoted to forms of lord vishnu. So tulsi ma immediately fell<br />
in love with lord ganesha, she asked Ganesha to marry her.<br />
at that time lord ganesha was a bachelour (brahamchari) which is natural for<br />
any meditator. Because in meditation one has to be aloof and meditator tries<br />
to explore oneself rather than going in a relationship. So lord ganesha was<br />
not looking for marrying anyone. Moreover he only wanted to marry<br />
someone who possesses the same divine qualities like her mother parvati.<br />
so Ganesha politely refused tulsi ma for marriage. This broke her heart. tulsi<br />
took this as an insult and she became very angry. In her anger tulsi ma<br />
cursed ganesha that one day he will get married against his wish of not<br />
getting married.
Lord Ganesha also in turn cursed tulsi that she will be married to an asura<br />
(demon) and then under the blessings from the sages (or gods) will become<br />
a plant.
VAKRADHUNDA VINAYAGAR<br />
When Basmasuran was killed by Siva & Vishnu (Vishnu in the form of<br />
Mohini), Duraasadan, Basmasuran's son was angry and upset. He did tapas<br />
& got boons from Siva that he should never die and that all the devas should<br />
be under his control, etc. As usual Siva gave him the varam & there was<br />
total chaos for some time. All the Devas ran into hiding & even Brahma &<br />
Vishnu ran out of their Brahma Logam & Vaikundam. All of them rushed to<br />
Kasi which was ruled by Viswanathar. On hearing of this, Duraasadan came<br />
to Kasi. All the Gods and Devas rushed away to Kedaram, because the time<br />
was not yet right to kill Duraasadan. Soon, on the prayers of the Devas, an<br />
avataram of Lord Ganesha came out of Uma Devi's face. (with five faces, 10<br />
hands, Jada magudam with moon). Uma Devi named him Vakradhundar and<br />
gave him her Simha Vahanam (lion). There ensued a heavy fight between<br />
Vakradhundar & Duraasadan.
Finally Ganesha took a huge form (Viswa roopam) & placed his feet on<br />
Duraasandan's head. Since Ganesha is the form of Gnanam, all evil thoughts<br />
& the effects of his evil deeds rushed out of Duraasadan. Lord Ganesha gave<br />
him the job of destroying all evil in Kasi. He remains under Vakradhundar's<br />
feet doing his duty.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> AND GAJMUKHA
STORY OF <strong>GANESHA</strong> AS GAJANANA AND LOBHASURA<br />
Gajanana is one of the eight avatars of Ganesha as per the Mudgala Purana.<br />
It is stated in the Mudgala Purana that one of the mission of the Gajanana<br />
Avatar was to annihilate Lobhasura – the demon greed. Kubera, the<br />
treasurer of wealth, once visited Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pleased with<br />
the devotion of Kubera, Shiva blessed him with the vision of the divine<br />
couple whenever he wanted. After the blessing Kubera made it a point to<br />
have the vision of divine couple daily. Soon Kubera was enamored by the<br />
beauty of Goddess Parvati and he gazed Her with lustful thoughts. Goddess<br />
Parvati who realized this gave an angry look at Kubera. Kubera was<br />
trembling in fear at the look of the Goddess and from the fear was born the<br />
demon named Lobhasura. Lobhasura did penance and propitiated Shiva. He<br />
was granted the boon of fearlessness. The spiritual strength and lack of fear<br />
made Lobhasura powerful and he became to the ruler of the three worlds.<br />
Power made the asura corrupt and he led a demonic life killing and looting<br />
innocents. Fed up with Lobhasura, people approached Sage Raibhya. He<br />
instructed them to offer prayers to Ganesha in Gajanana form. Gajanana
was pleased with the devotion of the people and decided to annihilate the<br />
demon. Ganesha did not want war and destruction.<br />
So He asked Vishnu to apprise Lobhasura of the strength of Gajanana.<br />
Vishnu was able to convince Lobhasura about Gajanana‘s strength and the<br />
futility of opposing him. Lobhasura who also had a spiritual side realized that<br />
he did not have the power to stand before Ganesha. The demon<br />
surrendered before Gajanana without a fight. Symbolically, the story<br />
indicates that those who are overpowered by the demon of greediness can<br />
overcome it by surrendering before Gajanana.
LORD <strong>GANESHA</strong>’S MARRIAGE<br />
It is said that Lord Ganesh was unable to find a suitable mate because of His<br />
unique appearance. This bothered Him and He summoned the rats to<br />
burrow deep holes in the path of any God who were on their way to get<br />
married. The potholes made the journey of the grooms and their marriage<br />
processions extremely difficult. Frustrated, they went to Lord Brahma to<br />
complain. Lord Brahma created two beautiful girls Riddhi (Abundance.<br />
Opulence, Wealth) and Siddhi / Buddhi (Intellectual and Spiritual Prowess)<br />
and they were married to Him. With His two consorts, He had sons Shubha<br />
(Auspiciousness) and Labha (Profit) and a daughter named Santoshi<br />
(Goddess of Satisfaction / Contentment).The Shiva Purana states that King<br />
Prajapati had two daughters - Riddhi and Siddhi. He approached Shiva and<br />
Parvati for the marriage of his girls to Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikeyan /<br />
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<br />
said that if one has Riddhi but doesn‘t have Siddhi / Buddhi then it is<br />
worthless. Possessing only Siddhi without Riddhi is also futile. Lord Ganesh<br />
bestows both these blessings to His ardent devotees. If we delve into<br />
ourselves we will realize that we are all Ganapatis (Gana is our body made of<br />
the Pancha-Mahabhuta (Five elements), Pati stands for master or owner).<br />
Thus He shows us the way to achieve both intellect and wealth to enjoy a<br />
rewarding life.
WHY VIGNESHWARA?<br />
Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara because his devotees believe Ganesha<br />
roots out obstacles and difficulties from their lives and ensure success.<br />
Eshwara is the embodiment of all riches – physical beauty and strength,<br />
knowledge, wisdom, material wealth, spiritual enlightenment.<br />
Vighna translates as an unforeseen obstacle or impediment.<br />
Abhinandan, king started a Yagya in order to fulfill his goal of becoming the<br />
Indra (or King of Heaven). When the news of the yagya spread, Lord<br />
Brahma tried to block King Abhinandan‘s overweening ambition of ruling the<br />
heavens and decided to create obstacles in the his path. He summoned<br />
Kalapurush and asked him to destroy the Yagya.
After killing Abhinandan and destroying the yagya Kalapurush acquired the<br />
name Vighnasura, the creator of obstacles.<br />
But Vighnasura, ran amok himself and and destroyed all Vedic practices on<br />
earth. He could be thwarted by none, except Ganesha who in those days<br />
was at the ashram of Sage Parashar.<br />
Gajanan took birth as Parshwaputra and Deepvatsala son and fought<br />
valiantly with Vighnasura, who had to except defeat. He abdicated himself to<br />
the Lord and asked to be blessed. Ganesha spared Vighnasura‘s life, on the<br />
condition that the demon would not appear in any place where Ganesha was<br />
worshipped. Before disappearing, the demon extracted a promise from<br />
Ganesha, that he incorporates his name with that of the Lord. Thus,<br />
Ganesha acquired the name Vighneswara or Destroyer of Obstacles. Legend<br />
also has it that the very same Devtas installed an image of Vigneshwara at<br />
Ozar on Ganesh Chaturti and offered worship.
<strong>GANESHA</strong> RESTORES CHINTAMANI<br />
Gananayaka is the lord of Ganas or one who defeats Ganas. A nice son<br />
named Gana was born to the King Abhijit and queen Gunavati. He was very<br />
bright and strong. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord<br />
Shiva, pleased with his devotion granted him some boons.<br />
However, this increased Gana's ego. He soon fell into bad company. One day<br />
he visited sage Kapila's ashram. Kapila had a gem called Chintamani that<br />
was wish fulfilling and could provide food for thousands. When Gana saw<br />
this, he wanted to possess the gem. Kapila did not want to give it to him.<br />
But Gana forcibly took it away from him. Kapila prayed to Lord Ganesha.<br />
Ganesha appeared in Gana's dream and cut off his head. Gana, on waking<br />
up, did not repent but became angry and took his army to finish Kapila.<br />
Gana's father, Abhijit, pleaded with Gana to give Kapila back his gem but<br />
Gana did not heed the advice.
However, on reaching Kapila's ashram he found that Ganesha<br />
had assembled an army. In a fierce fight, Ganesha killed Gana and Ganesha<br />
restored the "Chintamani" to Kapila.<br />
Kapila, however, gave it back to Ganesha saying that even a small gem like<br />
this could cause trouble, as wealth is the root of many problems in this<br />
world. Kapila requested Ganesha to stay back. From then on, this place<br />
(Theur near Pune) was called 'Chintamani Vinayaka'.