Ganesha - Reviving the series - 5

When we talk about Lord Ganesha, how can we miss the multitude of stories linked with his birth?

I did touch upon the same topic in my last series on Ganesha, but the interest just keep growing with the day and the stories associated with the same.

There are multiple stories putting Shiva and Parvati in different situations resulting in the birth of Lord Ganesha. Some stories indicate that Shiva and Parvati were in such compassion that the entire universe was afraid. Due to their fear, they allowed the offspring to have a mixed feature set - a human and an elephant. The other story says that Parvati was so moved by the elephants that she requested Shiva to take the form of an elephant and this lead to Ganesha. In yet another story, Pavati is said to be attracted to her own son - Ganesha and hence Shiva punishes him just like Brahma by chopping his head off, later replacing the same with that of an elephant at the behest of Parvati. In another version, Parvati yearns for a baby and requests Shiva for the same. Shiva creates a doll out of clothes that comes to life with the love from Parvati.

All of these stories have a little diversion from the popular stories we all have heard of Ganesha being created as a doll and brought to life by Parvati. Shiva cut Ganesha's head unknowingly, while the latter was only following his mother's orders.

All in all, every text iterates that Ganesha was his mother's son and has more resemblance to her. The different stories have one central idea - Ganesha was born out of Parvati's yearning, compared to Shiva's compassion. Parvati wanted the child more than Shiva and even offered him to get back to his mediation but leave the child for her. The lack of compassion from Shiva, is probably the reason for Ganesha's other name - Vinayaka = Vin + nayaka - without the nayaka.

The very idea of Ganesha being only Parvati's child opens up a pandora's box in today's social structure. The idea hints towards a matriarchal society at the same time, converts Parvati into Maa Gauri and Shiva into Shankara. The idea transforms a sanyasi into a grihastha or a householder emphasizing the role of a householder in propagating the mother nature. The idea also propentiates the importance of engagement with the nature to understand it. While Shiva withdrew himself from the confines of the household, Parvati tied him in the form of Shankara. And Ganesha is a reminder of the same fact.

To resolve a problem, one must involve themselves with it rather than looking at it from outside. Only when you imbibe the issue into yourself, will you realize the way to get out of it. Ganesha helps in both ways and hence is also known as Vighnharta.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 4

On the fourth day of the celebration and the series, I want to reflect upon the symbolism emanating from the form of Ganesha.

Of all the gods, Ganesha has been adored like a baby, respected as a king and is also revered as a great scribe. Lord Ganesha has so much to offer that the various philosophers have deduced different ideas for him.

The above image, though displays quite a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of Ganesha in our lives.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 3

While we are all celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada, there is another festival - Ganesha Jayanti which is celebrated much in the same way int he month of Magha. Both the festivals fall on the fourth day of the waxing moon. India being an agricultural land, all the festivals have a relation with the cultivation seasons. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the start of the new vegetation - Kharif, and the Ganesha Jayanti marks the start of the other season - Rabi.

In addition to the Ganesha Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi, a their important season for the Ganesha devotees was established recently in 1985 as a Hindu alternate to Christmas and Jewish Hannukah in the month of December. The festival known as Pancha Ganapati is celebrated from December 21 to December 25. The festival was initiated by  Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (born Robert Hansen), a Western convert to Hinduism who founded the magazine Hinduism Today and the Saiva Siddhanta Church, headquartered in Hawaii.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, the entire family focus on a special spiritual discipline, or, sadhana. Because of the festival’s importance as a new beginning and mending of all past mistakes, a shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in the spirit of this festive occasion. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati.

 

Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added. Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange. These are the colors of His five powers, or shaktis.

December 21 (Golden Yellow)
The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other’s good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality changing one’s self to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.As the family writes on the doorstep, they pray for well being in the house.

December 22 (Royal Blue)
Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released.

December 23 (Ruby Red)
The sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes.

December 24 (Emerald Green)
The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home.

December 25 (Brilliant Orange)
The family sadhana for the final day is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha’s grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 2

Yesterday's post had a few images of Lord Ganesha. And it is well known that Ganesha has taken so many forms on his own and through the minds of the people who adore him. We realized that the reasons for such fluidity and shape-shifting nature of Ganesha comes from the very form of his own body -

• The firm and large head displaying the highly developed mind
• The large rather huge potbelly displaying the abundance and prosperity. At the same time, the roundness of the belly signifies the pot beholding water or nectar of life. Any science student shall tell you that the liquid takes the form of the vessel it is kept in.

Thus with just the two ideas above, people have created various forms of Ganesha. 

 

The Mudgala Purana mentions 8 forms of Lord Ganesha - 

1. Vakratunda (God with a curved trunk) - rides a lion to kill Matsara, the demon of Jealousy
2. Ekdanata (God with one tusk) - rides a rat to kill Mada, the demon of vanity
3. Mahodara (God with large belly) - rides a rat to kill Moha, the demon of attachment
4. Gajanana (God with elephant head) - rides a rat to kill Lobha, the demon of greed
5. Lambodara (God with pot belly) - rides a rat to kill Krodha, the demon of rage
6. Vikata (God with deformed body) - rides a peacock to overpower Kama, the lord of lust
7. Vighnaraja (Master of obstacles) - rides a serpent to kill Mama, the demon of self indulgence
8. Dhumravarna (Smoke colored god) - rides a rat to kill Ahamkara, the demon of arrogance

Looking at the demons who are killed or overpowered by the different forms of Ganesha, we realize that these are the ones that have always been condemned in our scriptures. These are the feelings that one must detach from to lead an ascetic life or to get closer to God. These feelings are in everyone and are part of nature. They are the distractions from the path of knowledge. We need to be able to find our path even while being entangled into their web. And we pray to Lord Ganesha to help us see the way and cut each web with his power.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Ravana when he was questioned by Maharaja Bali. Read my post on Ravana's ten heads.

In the 19th century, a Wodeyar king of Mysore, ordered the court scholars to make a comprehensive list of all the images of gods known at that time. The compilation was known as Sri-Tattva-Nidhi and was written in Kannada. This compilation has 32 forms of Ganesha - 

1. Bala Ganapathi: The child-like Ganesha
2. Taruna Ganapathi: The youthful Ganesha
3. Bhakti Ganapathi: The devotion-worthy Ganesha
4. Veera Ganapathi: The valiant Ganesha
5. Shakti Ganapathi: Ganesha with his strength seated in female form on his left lap
6. Dvija Ganapathi: Twice born or student Ganesha
7. Siddhi Ganapathi: The accomplished Ganesha
8. Ucchishta Ganapathi: The Ganesha who accepts offerings
9. Vighna Ganapathi: The obstacle-removing Ganesha
10. Kshipra Ganapathi: The quick acting Ganesha
11. Heramba Ganapathi: The fierce Ganesha
12. Lakshmi Ganapathi: Ganesha with the goddess of wealth
13. Maha Ganapathi The great Ganesha
14. Vijaya Ganapathi: The triumphant Ganesha
15. Nritta Ganapathi: The dancing Ganesha
16. Urdhva Ganapathi: The restrained Ganesha
17. Ekakshara Ganapathi: The single syllable Ganesha
18. Vara Ganapathi: The boon bestowing Ganesha
19. Tryakshara Ganapathi: The three syllable Ganesha
20. Kshipraprasaada Ganapathi: The hastily benevolent Ganesha
21. Haridra Ganapathi: The golden Ganesha
22. Ekadhanta Ganapathi: The one-toothed Ganesha
23. Srishti Ganapathi: The cosmic Ganesha
24. Udanda Ganapathi: The disciplinarian Ganesha
25. Ranamochana Ganapathi: The debt-redeeming Ganesha
26. Dundi Ganapathi: The desired Ganesha
27. Dvimukha Ganapathi: Two-headed Ganesha
28. Trimukha Ganapathi: Three-headed Ganesha
29. Simha Ganapathi: Lion-riding Ganesha
30. Yoga Ganapathi: Ganesha as yogi
31. Durga Ganapathi: Invincible Ganesha
32. Sankatahara Ganapathi: The problem-solving Ganesha

I request you all to be cognizant and try to see the Ganesha idol in one of the above forms.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 1

Reposting this article from 2015!

Lord Ganesha and his different forms amaze me all the time. So many songs, hymns have been written to worship him - and many of them are laced with fondness. Let's explore some of the forms and their meaning together.

Last year about the same time, I posted a series of blog posts focussed on Lord Ganesha. Looking at his various aspects and the infinite limitless ideas that he signifies. I mentioned that I could never do any justice in talking about Lord Ganesha who is so fluid and so dynamic. there is much more than meets the eye. As is written in our scriptures that the eternal truth lies confound within the infinite myths or ideas or stories. To discover the eternal truth amongst all the stories, Varuna has 1000 eyes, Indra has a 100 eyes, where as I have just 2. (So says my teacher). Hence please do forgive my confusing and abstruse thoughts. I shall attempt as much I can, yet without a promise to display pansophical knowledge. I may still not know infinite stories linked to Lord Ganesha as my two eyes limit the perspective I can see.

Lord Ganesha as seen earlier embodies infinite wisdom - material as well as intellectual. In a way he is considered as a complete God (notice the capital G in god). The devotees of Lord Ganesha adore him and worship him. Many treat him as a son or a friend. However, most of them treat him as a "Vighnaharta" - someone who demolishes all the roadblocks. At the same time, the tantrums embodied Ganesha into a fearful character who is all set to clear off the roadblocks through his angry, fearsome, ferocious looks.

Understanding from the various forms of Lord Ganesha's worship multiple ways have been known to occupy the society predominantly. Each of these are considered as a path of Yoga -

• Gyan Yoga - The intellectual approach to knowing Ganesha
• Karma Yoga - The mechanical, ritualistic approach to Lord Ganesha
• Bhakti Yoga - The emotional approach to Lord Ganesha
• Tantra Yoga - The Tantrik or the occult approach to the knowledge of Lord Ganesha

Just one god and so many different forms. This is what adds to Lord's popularity.

mrignayani

मृगनयनी, चांदनी 

अविरल प्रेम संचायनी 

मधुरिमा जीवनदायिनी 

दुःख हरिणी,

चपल चितवन मानिनी 

सर्वत्र तिमिर भंजिनि

हे प्रेमिका

मेरा ह्रदय है सिर्फ आपका 

चरण ध्वनि अनुसारिणी 

 

Understanding Shivling

Resuming to write after a long break!

A few weeks back we celebrated the Sharad-Navratri or the Navratri leading to Dussehra. This is also the time for Durga Puja and Golu. We are fortunate to have friends from different parts of the country. This helps us to understand the different cultures as well. This year, we had visited many of our friends to see their Golu and their own depiction of the stories.

(DISCLAIMER – Please add Lord or God when reading the names – Shiva, Vishnu or Brahma. I mean no disrespect, but find myself lazy. Being a programmer at heart – consider this as my Global Declaration!)

A very coherent theme everywhere was the theme around Shiva. Some had decorated their Golu with the dolls displaying the family of Lord Shiva. While some had taken to next level with many stories being narrated through the Shiva dolls. Even when many houses had dolls displaying the Dashavatars of Vishnu, presence of the theme with Lord Shiva at its center was very prominent. I have been wondering this affiliation of Golu with Shiva’s themes. I believe, since Golu is celebrated as the celebration of the Goddess Adishakti who is most closely related with Shiva in forms of Sati or Parvati or Kali or Chinnamastika, Shiva theme is a logical inclusion.

At one house they had a scaled model of Mt Arunachalam which is an embodiment of Lord Shiva himself and also the abode of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Around the same, they had displayed 8 Shivling – the most common and popular form of Lord Shiva depicting the 8 temples on the route used by devotees while circumambulating.

My interest was piqued by the display at yet another home where they had 12 different Shivlings – each one had a distinctive color and form. Each Shivling was supposed to symbolize the 12 Jyotirlingas around India. There were a few questions in my mind by now – What are the 12 Jyotirlingas? Does the color of Shivlinga play any role? What is the significance of the Shivlinga shape? And what are the different forms of Shivlinga?

To be honest, there is a complete treatise written by many great scholars around the topics I had questions about. Also, there is a complete purana dedicated to the Shivlinga form of Lord Shiva. There is also a community – Lingayata in the Southern part of India – who wear a Shivling as a necklace. Without hurting anyone’s sentiments, I’ll try to shed some light on the questions that piqued me, and probably will interest many more!

Shivling – is a form of the formless. Lord Shiva is known to be present forever and everywhere. He is also referred to as “Anaadi Ananta”, meaning one without any end and timeless. There are multiple stories for this form of the God. Some of the most prominent ones are as follows –

1.       Once Brahma and Vishnu had a quarrel as to who of them holds the bigger stature. Just then a pillar of fire appeared in between them. The pillar was so big that they couldn’t see either ends. At this time, Brahma went to find the top end, and Vishnu tried to find the lower end. In this search, Brahma tried to lie to Vishnu of finding the end, when Vishnu returned empty handed. Shiva then appeared before them as embodiment of the pillar. This pillar is now signified in form of the Shivling.

2.       Shivling is an ellipsoidal form. This form has no corners. Thus, has the expandability in any direction. Thus, it can be imagined to be of any size! At the same time, it has the property of inclusiveness of everyone and every form.

3.       In the metaphysical interpretation of the things, one can understand the pillar part of the Shivling as the spiritual being, while the surrounding circumference as the material being. The union of the two is explained as the essence of the human life. It explains that the human life requires both the spiritual and the material aspects to lead itself. Knowledge of one without the other is insufficient and never be treated as complete.

4.       Shivling is also considered as a symbol of absolute power. Some scholars have tried to study the presence of the energy waves and their movement around the Shivling. One such example is seen as in the following image. The radiations coming from a Shivling are considered to be really powerful and have often been compared to that of nuclear energy with the Vishnu and Brahma particles analogous to protons(Vishnu) and electrons(Brahma). No wonder why, the nuclear reactors have a dome like shapes that resembles a large Shivling.

5.       The Shivling is also a depiction of the unity in the Trinity of the Hindus – Brahma, Vshnu and Mahesh. As seen in the following pictures –

As a follow-up from the radiation theory of the Shivling, it also explains why one must loo at the Shivling through the horns of Nandi – Shiv’s bull, who is always seated close to him. It is said that observing the Shivling through Nandi’s horns protects one from the various radiations that a human can not handle!

As I mentioned before there are 12 Jyotirlings that are considered the most special and auspicious for every Shiva devotee. Jyotirling is a hindi word which is made by the combination of Jyoti (Light) and Linga(Form of Shiva). As we saw in the point #1 in the prior section, when Shiva emerged as pillar of fire, it is said the same pillar was seen at 12 different places across India. This is how the Jyotilinga came into being. Each Jyotirlinga has its own story and importance. I shall try to cover these in next article. Till then stay tuned.

And to pique your interest, there is a peculiar form that is observed in the Shivling as one travels to different part of India. Can you identify them? Hint – observe the Jyotirling.