Get the Blessing of Goddess Lakshmi

The divine mother, Goddess Lakshmi, “Ma Lakshmi” is known by everybody. She is the shakti(the force or power) behind all materialistic wealth. Lakshmi is mainly understood as the goddess who endows money and wealth. There are 16 sanskars in Hindu culture and every ritual demands money in the form of prasad, offerings and donations. In fact, every step of life requires money.

But there is much more to Lakshmi’s identity; it is not only wealth but there are as many as eight points of distinctiveness associated with Goddess Lakshmi. She is the powerful, divine consort of Lord Vishnu. She helps and assists Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of this universe. She has thousands of names and is endowed with enormous powers. She is the deity who creates a pathway to success and attainments in life. Ma Lakshmi is often referred as “Shrii”.

Significance of the Churning of the Sea and Lakshmi

The churning of the sea constitutes an important aspect of Hindu mythology. it offers a deeper meaning: it is related to a person’s consciousness. The churning of the sea symbolizes the churning of the sea of one’s consciousness. It’s a transformational process in which we experience spiritual growth.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. The appearance of Lakshmi in the churning of the sea reveals that if we churn the sea of our consciousness, we will get spiritually enriched. Sooner or later, we will experience spiritual growth, the true wealth in our life.

Lakshmi in our Consciousness

In researches on meditation, it has been observed that Lakshmi exists in the heart holding ten qualities. These are food, royal power, mystic power of manifestation, universal sovereignty, noble rank, holy lustre, kingdom, fortune, bounteousness, and beauty. Lakshmi can release these ten qualities in us. Lakshmi has a connection with a powerful shakti sitting at the base of spine.  

The best way to attract financial abundance in our life is by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Shri Sukt is a good mantra to please Goddess Lakshmi.

Where does Goddess Lakshmi live? 

The Vishnu Purana gives a list of the places, homes and among people where the goddess of prosperity and abundance,

Lakshmi, resides.

•  The place where animals and birds reside.
• Those who respect their visitors/guests.
• Those who control their senses/behaviour.
• Those who speak politely and softly.
• Those who respect food.
• Those who are not proud and arrogant.
• Those who understand others sorrow.
• Those who bathe daily.
• Those who wear clean clothes.
• Those who offer flowers to God without inhaling the fragrance.
• Those who donate.
• Those who always remain in a festive mood.
• Those who offer agarbattis to God.
• Those who are respected by their wives
• Those who don’t have a dishonest wife.
• Those women who don’t eat while cooking.
• Those who don’t blame their wives unnecessarily.
• Those who respect their wives.
• Those who keep their feet clean and soft.
• Those who eat less than required.
• Those who do not indulge in sex on pious days.
• Those who do not have bad body odour.
• Those who eat in silence. 
• Those who fast on ekadashis.
• Those who offer awala to Lord Vishnu.
• Those who remember God both in the morning and evening.
• Those who face the north when urinating during the day and face the south when  urinating at night.
• Those who do not use shabby, run-down furniture.
• Those who do not touch fire and elders with their feet.
• Those who do not sleep during the day.
• Those who do not have sex during the day.
• Those who do not look upon their body as a musical instrument.
• Those who do not use tables and utensils as musical instruments.
• Those who keep their house well lit.
• Those who do not chew their lips and nails.
• Those who take care of their physical appearance, their body and hair

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Why Shiva is worshipped as Linga

The word lingam has many meanings. In the word Shivalingam, “linga” actually means sign, mark or symbol. The Shiva Purana, source book of Shiva’s divinity, tells us that “Linga is the distinctive sign through which the nature of an object is recognized”

Lord Shiva is universally worshipped as a lingam. One should not look upon it is the male reproductive organ, and emotions should always be pure while worshiping the Shiva Lingam. The Padma Purana tells us that once Rishi Bhrigu visited Shiva’s abode at Mt. Kailash. As he was about to enter, he was stopped by the ganas who informed him that at that moment Shiva was with Parvati, united in divine sexual union,and was not be disturbed. Bhrigu waited but after some time his patience ended.Furious, he shouted aloud to Shiva, cursing him that since he had kept him, a rishi, waiting at his door for so long unattended, people would henceforth worship him in the form of a lingam. Since then, people worship the Shivalingam.

Although Shiva has thousands of names, a few of his names are very popular. 

• Neelkanth – The Blue-throated 

• Mrityunjaya – The One who take Control over Death

• Gangadhara – He who has Ganga in his Hair

• Mahakala – The Great Time

• Trymbaka – The Three-eyed

Shiva Ratri: Shiva Ratri is celebrated to mark Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. It is celebrated on the fourteenth night of the dark half-moon in the month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February). 

There is a legend behind the celebration of Shiva Ratri. Once, a hunter lost his way in the forest and decided to spend the night on a bael (bilva) tree. Upset and worried that he wouldn’t be able to reach home that night and provide food (whatever he had hunted) to his family, he was unable to sleep and was in tears,plucking the leaves and dropping them on the ground below. A Shivalingam stood at the foot of the tree, upon which fell the leaves of the tree, as well as his tears. This unintended and unknown offering pleased Shiva, who blessed the hunter. Since then, Shiva Ratri festival has been celebrated in the honour of Lord Shiva.

Offerings to Lord Shiva

In worshipping Hindu gods, devotees offer a variety of flowers, and worshipping Shiva is no different. Flowers are offered to Shiva too, to propitiate him and seek his blessings. But different flowers produce different results and these have to be kept in mind. 

• Those seeking Goddess Lakshmi, should worship Lord Shiva with the lotus, Baelpatra, Shutpatra,flowers. 

• Those who want name and fame should worship Shiva with Dhatura.

• People seeking luxuries and moksha should worship Shiva with the Tulsi flower, and   red and White Aaks.

• Those seeking a good vehicle (what is meant by “good vehicle”?) should worship Shiva  with Chameli.

• Those seeking a good wife should offer bael flowers to Shiva.

• Worshipping Shiva with juhi flowers gives abundant granary to the devotee.

• Those who worship Shiva with harshingar are blessed with sheer joy and happiness and full prosperity.

• Rice, shrifal (coconut), til, jou, wheat, moong, aromas and fruits please Shiva               tremendously.

• If you are suffering from depression, sadness, problems in all spheres of your life and   bitter and strained relationships, offer pure milk to Lord Shiva .

• If one offers Gangajal to Shiva and read the Rudrasuktha, you’ll be blessed with all       comforts of life. 

• Do not offer Champa and Kewra flowers to Lord Shiva.

Shiva should be offered a deepak with five lights. At the time of aarti, remember to offer aarti to his feet four times; twice to the navel area; once to the face; and seven times to the whole body.

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Lord Shiva’sMarriage

Shiva was married to Sati, the daughter of King Daksha. Although Daksha disliked Shiva and did not consider him a worthy son-in-law, he gave in to his father’s – who was Brahma – insistence and solemnized the wedding between his daughter Sati and Shiva. One day, Sati saw all the deities going towards Daksha’s palace. Every deity had been invited to a sacrificial yagna (ceremony) by King Daksha himself. 

Daksha resented Shiva, and therefore did not invite him to the ritual. Daksha felt that his son-in-law did not respect him, that he roamed about in cemeteries, that ghosts and ghouls were his friends, that he was always half-naked and wore a garland of skulls.

Daksha deeply resented Shiva because once, in a gathering of deities, Shiva had continued to be seated when other gods had risen to show their respect to Daksha. This was because in the hierarchy of gods, Shiva held a higher position than Daksha, and had he stood up, Daksha would have been adversely affected.

Shiva knew about the ritual and why Daksha hadn’t invited him, but Sati was tremendously hurt by this act of her father’s. She went to her father and tried to persuade him to call Shiva as a guest. Initially, Daksha refused politely, but when Sati kept insisting, he passed insulting comments on Shiva. Furious with her father for humiliating her husband and her in such a manner, Sati voluntarily immolated herself (At the time of immolating herself, Sati announced that she would reunite with Shiva only when she would be born to a father she could be proud of. She was reborn as Parvati, daughter of King Himavat, and married Shiva after she won his love, after severe penance. This time, her father happily gave her away in marriage to Shiva.Meanwhile, Shiva, who was furious when the news of Sati’s death reached him, sent his hordes to kill Daksha, to destroy his kingdom and to cause mayhem in the gathering. He ordered Virbhadra to cut Daksha’s head. Shiva came later, and his grief turned to anger, and taking Sati in his arms, he sought to destroy the world. Since no one had the courage to face him and stop him, Vishnu eventually sent his Sudarshan Chakra flying after Shiva-Sati, and Sati’s body was dissected into 51 pieces. Thereupon, Shiva came to his senses. On the advice of Vishnu and other gods, he attached a goat’s head on Daksha’s body, and blessed him with life as the yagna had to be completed. Still grieving, Shiva then retired to the mountains to mourn his wife, and sank into deep meditation.

Vishnu cautioned all those present that whosoever treated Shiva differently will be banished and surrounded by problems and difficulties.

Daksha then started worshipping Lord Shiva and his daughter Sati.

Nataraja, Lord of Cosmic Dance

Nataraja or the Lord of Cosmic Dance is a popular manifestation of Lord Shiva

The dance of Nataraja resembles the movement of the Universe. Sound in atmospheric ether also represents the primeval outburst of creation. Sometimes, an asur (named Tripurari) is also seen under his feet. Shiva punishes this demon by dancing upon his body. This act warns us that Shiva punishes sinners at regular intervals.

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The saga of Lord Shiva

Birth of Shiva

The Vishnu Purana narrates the story behind the birth of Shiva.

Lord Shiva is said to have sprung from the forehead of Brahma. Later, he separated himself into assume male and female forms. This legend is the forerunner of Shiva’s another manifestation, the Ardhanareshvara. In this manifestation, he is half-male and half-female, signifying that he is the combination of the energies of both the sexes written in shastra(books). It symbolizes that Shiva is the unison of Substance and Energy, the life Principal and Shakti.

Shiva’s Appearance

·         The third eye on his forehead

·         Trishul, Shiva’s weapon

·         He sits on/wears a tiger skin

·         Cobras adorn his neck and shoulder

·         Long matted hair, part of which is partially piled atop his head

·         Crescent-shaped Moon on his hair

·         River Ganga flowing down one side of his head

·         Bull, the vahana (vehicle) of Shiva

·         The mendicant’s bowl

Shiva’s Third Eye: Because of his third eye, Shiva is also known as Trinayana, Tri-netra, Tri-ambaka. Shiva’s third eye is the eye of higher perception. In Sri Shiva Tattva, it is mentioned as the “Frontal Eye” or the “Eye of Fire”. When this eye is directed upwards, it burns all that stands in its way. Many of us have read how Kamdev, God of Love, was once burnt to ashes by Shiva’s third eye, when he had broken Shiva’s meditation.

As “The Destroyer”, Shiva is also responsible for the periodical destruction of the Universe.

Trishul: Shiva’s trishul (trident) represents three functions of the Supreme Soul:  Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. It also stands for the punishments of sinners in all the three planes: spiritual, subtle and physical.

The Tiger Skin: The tiger is the vahana of Shakti, Goddess of Power. The tiger is also the symbol of power, and the tiger skin symbolizes that Shiva is beyond all power and is the victor of all force.

Cobras: Cobras are often synonymous with death. Cobras around Shiva’s neck symbolize that he is beyond the reach of death; he is encircled by death, yet death is powerless against him . The cobras are also symbols of Kundalini -- the dormant energy Researches.

Matted Hair (Jata): The matted hair represents him as the lord of wind. Vayu is the lord of wind who is a subtle form of breath.

Crescent: The crescent-shaped Moon is the Moon on its fifth-day. The crescent represents the power of the Moon (Soma). When the sea was churned for the Nectar of Immortality, many splendid and amazing things rose from the sea, the Moon being one of them. Shiva took the Moon as his ”share” from the churning of the sea.

Ganga: The Holy Ganga represents purification. Ganga is the holiest of all rivers in India. The Ganga is immensely powerful and has the capacity of causing untold damage and destruction if allowed to move at its own pace and fury. Shiva controlled both the power and the force of Ganga by imprisoning Ganga in his hair, and allowing a small stream to flow through the Earth so as to purify mankind from all sins.

Shiva’s Vahana: The bull is Shiva’s favourite animal; Nandi is his vehicle or vahana, and is always seen with Shiva. Shiva’s devotees also worship Nandi along with Lord Shiva. 

VISHNU:-The Lord Of The Lords

Vishnu created Rudra or Lord Shiva to destroy life.

 He created Vishnu as the preserver of this universe.

“But the Supreme Lord is only one, irrespective of whatever people address him by: Vishnu, Brahma or Shiva

“He, Lord Narayana, is the only authority behind the working of this life system. Vishnu resides in every creature; every life has an ansh (part) of Vishnu within it, him or her. He is the Essence; He is the Conscious, the only Joy.”

(The relation between and/or the identities of Vishnu and Narayana is not clear. If Narayana is the Supreme God, he created Vishnu along with the Shiva and Brahma; but in places it has been said that Lakshmi is Narayana’s spouse, and that Lakshmi is Vishnu’s spouse, then this makes Vishnu and Narayana one and the same.

The Master of the universe, Lord Vishnu who is always in peace, who has a serpent bed; He is the one from whose navel blooms the lotus; He is an authority on gods, whose form consists of the entire universe; He pervades the sky, the hue of cloud and is a beauty; He is the lord of Lakshmi; He is lotus-eyed; He is always liked by yogis and can be reached by meditating on Him;

He is the destroyer of all fears prevailing in this world.”

Vishnu’s Appearance

The blue-complexioned Vishnu is depicted in illustrations as a four-armed deity, with Rishi Bhrigu’s feet marked on his chest. A garland of flowers and the Kaustubha jewel encircles his neck; it is said that Lakshmi, his consort, dwells in the Kaustubha jewel. He wears a crown on his head and earrings. Virtually every aspect of Vishnu represents something unique, and has a deeper meaning to it:

His blue complexion again reiterates his omnipresent quality, as blue is commonly regarded as the colour of the infinite space and ocean, where he lives.

The crown adorning his head is indicative of his absolute power. In some illustrations, a peacock feather decorates his crown, reflecting his reincarnation as Krishna.

The earrings correspond to the innate opposites in creation:  knowledge- ignorance, pleasure-pain, etc.

Vishnu;s four arms are synonymous of his omnipotent and omnipresent nature. In each hand, Vishnu holds a chakra, a conch, a gada (mace) and a lotus.

His upper left hand holds a shankh (conch) known as the "Panchajanya". The conch is indicative of Vishnu's power in creating and maintaining the universe. The Panchajanya symbolizes water, fire, air, earth and sky or space; these are collectively known as the five elements or Panchabhoota. It also represents the five airs or pranas that are within the body and mind. The conch also symbolizes that Vishnu himself is the “Om”.

His upper right hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra, a discus, which symbolizes a purified, spiritualized mind. The chakra stands for the annihilation of one's ego, of spiritual ignorance and delusion, and developing a superior spiritual revelation and insight, thereby recognizing the presence of the Almighty.

Vishnu holds the Kaumodaki", a gada by lower left hand, symbolizing that he the power behind all spiritual, mental and physical force. The Kaumodaki represents the divine power that exists within us to release ourselves from all materialistic bonds.

The lower right hand holds a lotus, which represents spiritual release and the unfolding of spiritual consciousness within us. 

Vishnu is shown as either standing straight and tall on a lotus, with Lakshmi beside him,Lakshmi seated near his feet, Brahma sitting on a lotus that has emerged from his navel, or riding on Garuda, an eagle, his vahana.

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The Dus Avatars of Vishnu

It is believed that there are Dus Avatars or ten incarnations of Vishnu. Religious texts tell us that whenever the world has been endangered or beset with grave trouble, Vishnu has taken birth either in the form of a creature or as a mortal to relieve the world of such problems. Nine such incarnations have already occurred since the world began, while the tenth incarnation is yet to take place.

The First avatar is Matsya Avatar, in which Vishnu took the form of a big fish. Once a demon stole all the four Vedas and hid these in the deep sea. To retrieve the Vedas, Vishnu reincarnated as a matsya (fish), found the Vedas and restored them.

TheSecond avatar is Kurma where Vishnu is seen as a tortoise. He took this form to assist in the churning of the ocean to enable the demons and deities acquire  Amrit or the Nectar of Immortality. He dedicated himself as the base of Mount Mandar.

TheThird avatar is Varaaha or wild boar, when Vishnu as varaaha dived into the ocean to save Bhoomi Devi, who had sunk into the depths of the ocean. The temple of Varhamurthy can be visited at Tiruvidandai, which is quite close to Chennai.

The Forth avatar is in the form of half-man half-lion-Narasingha Avatar  in which he killed the demon king Hiranyakashyap.

The Fifth avatar is Vamana  . In this form, Vishnu came as a vamana (midget or dwarf) to destroy the demon Bali.

The sixth avtar is Parashurama, Vishnu singlehandedly annihilated egotistical kings and kshatriyas who routinely disturbed saints and sages. Parashurama was an arrogant rishi who was a master in warcraft and weaponry.

The  seventh avataris Shri Rama Chandra, a prince of Ayodhya. This avatar is said to be the model of the ideal man, who is honest, and dedicated to dharma and truth. As Prince Rama Chandra, Vishnu, along with his younger brother Lakshman fought and killed demons and their king Ravana of Lanka, who had abducted his wife Sita. Ramayana, the holy scripture, details the life and activities of Prince Rama Chandra. Rama is worshiped all over India with tremendous fervor and piety, and Deepawali or Diwali, the festival of lights too is celebrated with passion and gaiety as it marks the day when Rama returned home victorious to Ayodhya after having defeated Ravana, King of Lanka, as well as completing 14 years of exile in forests,

The eighth avatar is Krishna which portrays divine romance and superior intellect. Krishna displayed innocence, romance, power of karma, and power to decide what is wrong and right. He dictated the Bhagwad Gita, the holy book of Hindus, which discusses the type of life one should lead, what duties to perform, and what one should abstain from. Krishna’s life story and the Gita, and battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas are narrated in the epic, Mahabharata.

The Ninth avatar is Balram as that of the elder brother of Krishna. This form was taken simultaneously along with that of Krishna. It is believed that gods can take multiple forms at the one and same time, if required.

The tenth avatar is Kalki, who hasn’t taken birth as yet. The Bhagvata Purana says that when the world will face a turbulent time, Vishnu will incarnate as Kalki and destroy all evils. He will redefine humanity and bring kindness in every human being.

THE HINDU TRINITY - VISHNU, BRAHMA & SHIVA

BRAHMA

Brahma may be regarded as self-born as he was born in the lotus that emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu at the beginning of the universe. Prajapati Brahma worked towards the lesser creation, in that he created Essences, Sin and Darkness, and out of these three characteristics, the powerful Ego arose. In turn, out of Ego arose the five elements of Agni, Vayu, Akash,Earth After this, he created gods, nature, humans, animals and all other living creatures. Thus, he can be regarded as the lord of progeny. Brahma fathered the first man, Daksha.

Generally, he is represented in the Puranas, as a man with four heads, dressed in white and mounted on a goose. Illustrations of Brahma depict him seated on a lotus, with four heads and four arms. His four faces represent the four Vedas, and it is said that he continually recites each of the Vedas with each face. Unlike the other gods, Brahma doesn’t hold weapon in any of his four hands; rather, he is shown as holding beads, Vedas or a lotus, and water-pot and a spoon-like sceptre. Brahma’s wife is Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom; she generated the Devnagari script which is used in Sanskrit.

One school of thought believes that Brahma actually had five heads. There is an interesting story behind this. When Brahma saw his first female creation, he fell madly in love with her, even though, technically speaking, she was his daughter as he had created her. As he continued to stare at her, Satrupa (the hundred-point beauty), on her part, felt shy and uncomfortable, and tried to evade Brahma. But Brahma, who couldn’t stop himself from staring at her created a second head on the left side of his main head and a third head on the right side of his head so that he would be able to see her wherever she went. When Satrupa fled behind him, he created a fourth head at the back of his head, and a fifth head on the top of the four heads when she went up in the sky, so that he could see her from all directions and angles. So, Brahma has five heads but in illustrations depicting him, generally four heads are seen. According to another legend, Shiva disapproved of Brahma’s lust for Satrupa and not only did he cut off his fifth head, but also cursed him that he would never be worshipped anywhere on Earth for such despicable behaviour.

VISHNU

 Vishnu, who is often synonymous with Narayana, is the Preserver of the universe. He is the supreme purusha (being), who is approachable, and cares for the welfare of all. He is the lord of the world, he is endless. He is Shri Maha Vishnu.

In the Narada Purana, Sanakji, a sage, tells Brahmarishi Narada the story of the creation of the universe by Lord Narayana (Vishnu).

He said, “O Brahmarishi, Lord Narayana is Immortal, Never-ending, Omnipresent (who is present everywhere), Defectless. He is the only one who has filled this whole universe by his creatures.

“The lord of the universe, Shri Maha Vishnu chose a wide array of different characteristics and qualities and created three identities to start the universe.

SHIVA

Lord Shiva is the third supreme god in the Hindu Trinity. In order to complete the life system, he was given the job of Destroyer. Lord Shiva can also be called a Recreator as in Hindu terminology the death of a body is not the death of the soul. In the Indian Vedas, Shiva is often termed as Rudra. Religious texts tell us that he lives the life of an ascetic, roaming in forests and mountains.

Well it is literally impossible to describe the connections and different stories

 In Vishnu Puran it is mentioned that a boy was manifested in front of Brahma  he started crying, Lord Brahma asked him “why are you crying?” This boy was crying non stop.. The boy then said I am not given any name, give me a name, Prajapati said you are alike Agni, you shine like agni, Agni is Rudra so your name is Rudra. This is also mentioned in Markandeya Purana. 

TALES OF GANESHA

Modaka and Ganesha

Once, all the deities visited MountKailasha and brought modakas as a gift. The modakas were tempting and both Ganesha and Kartikeya wanted to have them, and be the first at that. They went to their mother, Parvati, for a favourable decision. Parvati replied that both of them must take a round of the universe, and the one to return first will get a modaka.

Kartikeya set off on his journey right away, covering the whole universe, visiting each and every pilgrimage to earn punya or blessings. Ganesha, on the other hand – the epitome of intelligence and wisdom – chose to circumambulate his parents, Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that the one who is dedicated to his parents and respects them, receives more punya (blessings) than the one who undertakes pilgrimages and does pujas.

Thus, Ganesha was awarded the modaka! This tale is a lesson for all of us, that we should respect our parents and in turn be blessed by them, which will be our reward.

Tulsi and Ganesha

Wandering near about the banks of River Ganga one day, Tulsi, the daughter of King Dharmraja, came across an ashram abounding with beautiful flowers, its environs filled with the fragrance of these flowers. She caught sight of Lord Ganesha, who was lost in deep meditation. She became infatuated with Ganesha and proposed to him. Ganesha refused, as he was not at all interested in a married life. However, Tulsi refused to take no for an answer, and kept insisting, telling him that a day will come when he will readily marry her. Annoyed, Ganesha cursed her: she would be married to an asur (demon), and thereafter be born as a plant. Dismayed, Tulsi repented and begged for mercy. Ganesha relented, and told her that her leaves would have great medicinal value, and she will be offered in the form of leaves to all gods and will be especially preferred by Narayana, the Supreme God. But, she will never be offered to him by any devotee – and if anyone did so, that person would have to bear the brunt of such misdoing. And that’s why tulsi leaves are not offered to Lord Ganesha.

Ganesha’s Marriage

There are two quite different tales regarding Ganesha’s marriage. According to one school of thought, which is popular in South India, Ganesha is a bachelor. The belief goes that Ganesha considered Goddess Parvati as the most beautiful and ideal woman in the universe, and that she was the perfect wife. Consequently, he expected a wife who would be exactly like Parvati but realized that there wasn’t any woman who would measure up to Goddess Parvati. Therefore, he preferred to remain single.

However, in North India it is believed that Lord Ganesha married two women: Siddhi (goddess of success) and Buddhi (goddess of wisdom).

Ganesha and Kuber

It is generally accepted that human beings are never satisfied; the desire for materialistic things never ends. But once self-realization and enlightenment with divine energy takes place, needs automatically get satisfied and reduce.

Once, Lord Kuber invited Ganesha for dinner. Ganesha was delighted at the food spread out before him and started feasting happily. Soon all the food that there was to be had was finished, but since he still felt hungry, he started eating utensils, furniture, etc, but even then his hunger was not satiated. Then, Lord Shiva offered Ganesha a handful of baked rice, and his hunger was satisfied. The moral of this story is that if we bake our vasanas in the heat of divine power and self-realization, we will be satisfieds

MAJOR DEITY OF HINDU CULTURE

GANESHA

The bestower of good luck, peace, success, prosperity and remover of all hurdles, Ganesha is perhaps the most popular of all gods in the Hindu pantheon. Figurines and statuettes of Ganesha in a playful mood are quite common in people’s homes that are kept along with the more traditional posture of the seated Ganesha staring ahead with a benign expression. Mythologies, religious texts and legends abound with Lord Ganesha’s charismatic and cheerful personality. Before undertaking any project or beginning any new task, big or small, Hindus seek the blessings of Ganesha to achieve success in their endeavours.

Birth of Ganesha

Once,the gods got together to discuss a common problem: the demons caused problems and difficulties whenever they performed holy rituals and acts. After considerable brainstorming, they came upon a solution: a superior god who would defeat and control the demons and ensure an environment of peace in heaven. The deities approached Lord Shiva, requesting him to create a celestial power against all evils.

The divine union of Lord Shiva and Parvati created a child who was elephant-headed: the controller of all obstacles was born and was named Vighaneshwara –  “Vighan” means obstacles – or the “One who Removes all Obstacles”. This story can be found in the Linga Purana.

The Shiva Purana gives another version of Ganesha’s birth. Once, Parvati went to a large water pool to bathe. To ensure her privacy, she asked Nandi, the chief of ganas (Shiva’s attendants), to stand guard at the gate of the pool and not let anyone enter the area. A little later, Lord Shiva himself came along and was about to enter the pool area when Nandi, as instructed by Parvati, stopped Shiva. Extremely annoyed at Nandi’s behaviour, Shiva ignored him and continued walking and, needless to say, Parvati was not pleased to see Shiva the in the pool area.

Soon after, on an impulse, Parvati rubbed some dust off her body and created a male child, a young, handsome boy. She breathed life into his body, and blessed him with all her powers, and instructed him to obet only her orders. She asked him to stand outside the pool gate and not let anyone enter the area.

After some time, Shiva came along and walked towards the pool entrance. At the gate he saw a handsome young boy, who immediately stood in his way, and advised him not to enter the pool precincts. Angered by the attitude of this unknown boy, Shiva severed the child’s head from his body.

When shouts and cries of anguish reached Parvati’s ears, she came out and seeing her son lying dead on the ground, started crying. She told Shiva about the creation of her son.

Shiva repented his act of anger and consoled Parvati, assuring her that he would get the child back to life. He instantly sent for his ganas and instructed them to set forth and return with the head of the first living being they come across. The team trooped out and the first animal they came across was a baby elephant; the ganas cut his head and presented it to Lord Shiva. He then fixed the head to the child’s body and invoked life in him. The boy immediately came back to life and resumed all powers that his mother had bestowed on him, and he became an elephant-headed god. Ganesha is also known as Gajanan.