Ganesha - Reviving the series - 10

The series cannot be completed without mentioning the reach of Lord Ganesha to cultures outside of India. In this last post for this year’s series, I shall try to present some more lesser known facts about the spread of the Lord Ganesha’s influence in Indian and non Indian cultures.

During the early medieval period, both Jains and Buddhists incorporated Ganesh into their pantheon. The Ganesha cult thus travelled with the Mahayana Buddhism to distant lands, including Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet, China, Mongolia and Japan. Ganesha’s worship spread in all the regions rapidly.

Manjangan (Ganesha) temple in Bali, Indonesia

Ganesha in Ta Prohm, Angkor

For the Jains, Ganesha appears to have taken over certain functions of Kubera. The earliest reference to Ganesha in Jainism is in the Abhidhanacintamani of Hemachandra. It refers to several appelations of Lord Ganesha such as Herama, Ganavgnesa and Vinayaka and visualizes him as elephant headed, pot bellied, bearing an axe and riding a mouse. According to Svetambara Jain work, Acaradinakara or Vardhamansuri (1412 AD), Ganapati is propitiated by gods to get desirable things. It is further mentioned that he is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious ceremony and new project. Though the Digamabara texts do not mention Ganesha in similar light, his figures are carved in the caves found in Orissa (Udayagiri and Khandagiri) and Mathura.

Ganesha appears in Buddhism as a Buddhist god Vinayaka. His image is found on the Buddhist sculptures of the late Gupta period. As the Buddhist god Vinayaka, he is often shown dancing, a form called Nritya Ganapati – popular in North India and was adopted in Nepal and Tibet. A dancing Ganesha is also evident in the Malay Archipelago temple of Candi Sukuh.

Tibetan representations of Ganesha show ambivalent views of him – he is shown as being trodden under foor by Mahakala( a popular Tibetan deity), and in other depictions he is shown as the Destroyer of Obstacles. Ganapati Maha Rakta is a Tantric Buddhist form of Ganesha and is related to Chakrasamavara cycle of Tantras. This form of Ganapati belongs to a set of three powerful deities known as ‘mar chen kor sum’ or the Three Great Red Deieties included in a larger set called ‘The thirteen Golden Dharmas’ of Sakya. The Tibetan Ganesha appears in the resplendent Thangka paintings alongside with Buddha. It is said in the Tibetan tradition that Buddha taught his disciples the “Ganesha Hridaya Mantra”.

Ganapati, Maha-Rakta

Vignantaka trampling Vinayaka

Dancing Red Ganapati of the Three Red Deities

Early Buddhists through China brought Ganesha worship to Japan. In Japan, the first Ganesha cult is mentioned in 806 AD. The doctrines, rituals and beliefs of the Shingon sect of the Japanese Buddhism have a lot of parallels with the cult of Ganapatya. Known as the Deva of bliss, Ganapati is invoked both for enlightenment and for worldly gains. Kangiten – Vinayaka is offered “bliss - buns” (made from curd, honey and parched flour), radishes, wine and fresh fruits. It is said that in 1832, there were 131 shrines dedicated to the goddess (Benzaiten) and 100 to Lord Ganesha in Tokyo. A 12^th centure temple of Ganesha in Asakusa suburb of Tokyo has been declared a national treasure of Japan.

Ganesha in Japanese temple

While there are more than thirty distinguishable forms of Ganesha in Japan, one of the most typical and famous form is dual – that of two images, known as Embracing Kangi. In this form two tall figures with elephant heads and human bodies, male and female stand in an embrace. Though this form did not develop in India, the Japanese Buddhism talks about at least three different variants of the Kangi figure and explains them.

Kangi Ganesha - Gansha and Ganshani

The Southeast Asia got the Ganesha influence through the maritime business routes. The forms of Ganesha found in the Hindu art of Java, Bali and Borneo also show specific regional influences. In Myanmar, the king of Brahmas called Arsi lost a wager to the king of Devas – Sakra (Thyaga Min), who decapitated Arsi as agreed, but put an elephant head on the Brahma’s body who then became Ganesha. In Thailand, Ganesha is called Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan and is worshipped as the deity of fortune and success, and a remover of obstacles. His shrines can be faound all over Thailand. In Indonesia, Ganesha is referred to as the god of wisdom. A Ganesha statue from the 1^st centure AD was found on the summit of Mt Raksa in Panaitan Isalnd, west Java. Also he is found in every Siva temple throughout the islands.

Ganesha statue at Sanggar Agung Temple, Surabaya-Indonesia, worshiped by the Chinese, Hindus, Buddhist and even the Kejawen

In 1806, Sir William Jones, drew a close comparison between Dwimukhi Ganesha and Janus – the two headed Roman god. Jones felt the resemblance between the two was so strong that he referred to Ganesha as the “Janus of India”.

Oh lord Ganapati, you are everywhere and in every form possible. I have tried my best to know a part of you. Yet, please do bless me with your divine and grant me the knowledge to understand you better. Even if the fragrance of your flower overpowers, please do shower it on me! - Nitin

Ganesha getting ready to throw his lotus. In the Mudgalapurāṇa, in order to kill the demon of egotism (Mamāsura) who had attacked him, Gaṇeśa Vighnarāja throws his lotus at him. Unable to bear the fragrance of the divine flower, the demon surrenders to Gaṇeśa.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 9

Just like the various stories of Ganesha’s playfulness the stories of his marriage are also a subject of fascination. While there are scholars who believe Ganesha to be a brahmachari, there are others who believe he has two wives – Riddhi (or Buddhi) and Siddhi and also has sons from them – Shubha and Kshema (or Labha).

 

In one of the stories that builds the case for his stay at the Kailasha, Parvati requested Shiva to marry the two sons – Ganesha and Karthikeya before returning to meditation. Shiva agreed on the condition – one who goes around the universe three times first shall get married first. Karthikeya with a slender form and a peacock as his ride immediately went of the task. Ganesha with his potbelly and a rat as his ride did not flinch. Karthikeya felt bad for his brother in his thoughts while travelling. Meanwhile, Ganesha mounted the rat and encircled his parents thrice and explained that to him they were the universe. Satisfied by Ganesha’s explanation, Shiva agreed that though young, Ganesha had reached the maturity level to be married. Instead Ganesha requested to live forever at the Kailasha with his parents.

In another story popular in Bengal, Ganesha was deparate for a wife. However, no one wanted to marry him given his physical appearance. Looking at his desperation and sadness, Parvati covered a banana plant in a saree and presented to Ganesha as his wife. The long leaves of the banana, when movd under the saree, lokked like a coy newly wedded bride. This form of Ganesha and the banana plant is popularly known as the Kola Bau. She is worshipped during the Dussehra time.

Interestingly, in parts of Maharashtra, during Ganesha Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped along with two female idols. Many mistake them for his wives – Riddhi and Siddhi. However, they represent the two forms of Gauri – Jyeshtha (Elder) and Kanishtha (Younger). The two dolls are identical. Per the folk lore, ne is poorer and the other is wealthier – thus representing Parvati and Lakshmi. However, some also believe they represent Gaur (Annapoorna) and Bhudevi (The mother nature), thus dressing them in green representing the new crop. As per the 13^th century manuscript – Haracharitachintamani – one of the dolls is Gauri and the other is her consort – Malini.

Stories depict the thoughtfulness and the central prevalent ideas of the society. In almost every story, the society tries to represent the god in a form that resembles itself. Thus spanning to the pan-indian or pan-hindu ideology and slowly becoming acceptable by larger societies. Stories not only convey the idea of the god and his activities, but also tell us a lot about the time in which they were prevalent. Let’s keep this tradition alive – may be we can achieve immortality this way.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 8

Lord Ganesha has been the subject for fascination of many over the time. Be it any period, any region or even religion his distinct form – elephant head and pot belly has attracted innumerable stories. Compared to other gods who are usually seen as handsome and well built, Lord Ganesha has always been a representation of accumulation. He has been associated with wisdom and knowledge – the two features that grant him fluidity even in moments of distress.

There are so many stories linked to Lord Ganesha displaying his prowess over others – even Lord Shiva and Vishnu. There are stories in the Ganpatya texts and Ganapati Purana that are full of Ganesha’s playfulness and supremacy over others. One such story goes like this –

Once Ganesha passed by the Kshirasagar – the abode of Lord Vishnu. Being a kid, he was fascinated by the ocean of milk. He decided to drink it and used his trunk to suck it all. Such was the force that he drank everything including Lakshmi, Sheshnag, Brahma and Vishnu himself. And then later just like a kid he spat out everything. Everyone was violently thrown to the ground when Ganesha spit the milk. Vishnu realizing his lost conch, approached Shiva to propitiate it for him from Ganesha. Shiva advised Vishnu to build a shrine for Ganesha in Kanchipuram to please him and get his conch back.

In yet another story, Ganesha follows the orders of his father – Shiva to persuade the ruler of Kashi – Divodasa to move out and make place for Shiva and Parvati. In many of the story versions, Ganesha utilizes the different ways to either curse or spread illusion amongst the people of Kashi. The people of Kashi and the ruler became so fearful of Ganesha that they vacated the city for Shiva and Parvati.

There is another story wherein Ganesha plays an important role in stopping Ravana from carrying the Shiva linga to Lanka. Ganesha conspired with Varuna, the god of water to force Ravana to hand over the idol to a little boy(Ganesha himself). The boy knowingly established the linga at a place causing Ravana’s wrath of fury. Ravana upon his return noticed the idol situated in ground, tried his best to pull it it out, thus giving it a longer shape that of a cow’s ear. This jyotirling is today known as Mahabaleshwar. Ravan in his fury tried to hit Ganesha, an attempt which caused a slight dent on the deity, which is still observable on the jyotirlinga today.

Ganesha is known to be an awesome scribe. He is known to be the fastest writer ever. When Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa approached Brahama with his wish to pen down the epic of Mahabharata and requested for a scribe, Brahma directed him to Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was pleased with Vyasa’s idea and prayers. However, he agreed on the condition that Vyasa must recite the verses without a pause. Vyasa having understood the trickery in this ask of Ganesha and realizing the speed of Ganesha as a scribe, agreed to bargain with an condition that Ganesha would write the verse only when he understood the meaning fully. To slow down Vyasa introduced couplets that have as many as 108 or more meanings. These couplets can still be found in the epic. The duo – Ganesha and Vyasa took over three years to complete the epic with over 100,000 verses.

It is also said that while reciting the Mahabharata, Vyasa realized that the epic needs to be broken down into various sections and possibly led to creation of the puranas. Yet while pulling his thoughts together he often lost track of them. Vyasa remembered Brahma for help who pointed out that vyasa had missed to recognize Ganesha at the start of every section. Thus, Vyasa started every section with “Om Shri Ganeshay Namah”. And leter created the Ganesha Purana.

In one more story, Ganesha was once having fun playing his mridagam. In his fun, he was loud and thus disturbed Shiva’s meditation. Shiva – known to be angry and happy in no time, was angry at Ganesha and broke his mridangam with the trident. Did it stop Ganesha? Ask yourself – NO. Ganesha thus invented the world’s first split tabla!

Ganesha’s stories are infinite and have been around forever. They will increase with time and people. Every mind deciphers them to their ability and spreads what’s important to them. This is probably the first and foremost reason for the ever-increasing popularity of our beloved Ganesh. Love him like a kid or pray to him as a mighty god or even invoke him to remove all obstacles – Ganesha is to be found everywhere.

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 7

We have all heard so many names for Lord Ganesha. Each name signifies the form and a particular characteristic of the god. Some times, the god is referred to by a name that connects with the culture and the mindset of the people. Hence the demographics of the devotees plays an important role in naming the god himself who is above and beyond the divisions of the human mind. This is mostly done for the sole reason of being able to connect with him and internalize him within ourselves.

A small synopsis of 108 names of Ganesha and their meaning is thus provided below to be able to understand a little more - 

1. Akhurath: One who has mouse as his charioteer
2. Alampata : Ever eternal lord
3. Amit : Incomparable lord
4. Anantachidrupamayam: Infinite and consciousness   personified
5. Avaneesh: Lord of the whole world
6. Avighna: Remover of obstacles
7. Balaganapati: Beloved and lovable child
8. Bhalchandra: Moon-crested lord
9. Bheema: Huge and Gigantic
10. Bhudhividhata: God of knowledge
11. Bhupati: Lord of the gods
12. Bhuvanpati: God of the gods
13. Buddhinath: God of wisdom
14. Budhipriya: Knowledge bestower
15. Chaturbhuj: One who has four arms
16. Devadeva: Lord of all lords
17. Devantakanashakarin: Destroyer of evils and asuras
18. Devarata: One who accepts all gods
19. Devendrashika: Protector of all gods
20. Dharmik: One who gives charity
21. Dhoomravarna: Smoke-Hued lord
22. Durja: Invincible lord
23. Dvaimatura: One who has two mothers
24. Ekaakshara: He of the single syllable
25. Ekadanta: Single-Tusked lord
26. Ekadrishta: Single-Tusked lord
27. Eshanputra: Lord Shiva’s son
28. Gadadhara: One who has the mace as his weapon
29. Gajakarna: One who has eyes like an elephant
30. Gajanana: Elephant-Faced lord
31. Gajananeti: Elephant-Faced lord
32. Gajavakra: Trunk of the elephant
33. Gajavaktra: One who has mouth like an elephant
34. Ganadhakshya: Lord of all Ganas (Gods)
35. Ganadhyakshina: Leader of all the celestial bodies
36. Ganapati: Lord of all Ganas (Gods)
37. Gaurisuta: The son of Gauri (Parvati)
38. Gunina: One who is the master of all virtues
39. Haridra: One who is golden colored
40. Heramba: Mother’s Beloved son
41. Kapila: Yellowish-Brown coloured
42. Kaveesha: Master of poets
43. Kripalu: Merciful lord
44. Krishapingaksha: Yellowish-Brown eyed
45. Krti: Lord of music
46. Kshamakaram: The place of forgiveness
47. Kshipra: One who is easy to appease
48. Lambakarna: Large-Eared lords
49. Lambodara: The huge bellied lord
50. Mahabala: Enormously strong lord
51. Mahaganpati: Omnipotent and supreme lord
52. Maheshwaram: Lord of the universe
53. Mangalamurti: All auspicious lord
54. Manomay: Winner of hearts
55. Mrityunjaya: Conqueror of death
56. Muktidaya: Bestower of eternal bliss
57. Mundakarama: Abode of happiness  57
58. Mushikvahana: One who has mouse as charioteer
59. Nadapratithishta: One who appreciates and loves music
60. Namasthetu: Vanquisher of all evils and vices and sins
61. Nandana: Lord Shiva’s son
62. Nideeshwaram: Giver of wealth and treasures
63. Omkara: One who has the form of OM
64. Pitambara: One who has yellow-colored body
65. Pramoda: Lord of all abodes
66. Prathameshwara: First among all
67. Purush: The omnipotent personality
68. Rakta: One who has red-colored body
69. Rudrapriya: Beloved of lord Shiva
70. Sarvadevatman: Acceptor of all celestial offerings
71. Sarvasiddanta: Bestower of skills and wisdom
72. Sarvatman: Protector of the universe
73. Shambhavi: The son of Parvati
74. Shashivarnam: One who has a moon like complexion
75. Shoorpakarna: Large-eared Lord
76. Shuban: All auspicious lord
77. Shubhagunakanan: One who is the master of all virtues
78. Shweta: One who is as pure as the white colour
79. Siddhidhata: Bestower of success and accomplishments
80. Siddhipriya: Bestower of wishes and boons
81. Siddhivinayak: Bestower of success
82. Skandapurvaja: Elder brother of Skanda (Lord Kartik)
83. Sumukha: Auspicious face
84. Sureshwaram: Lord of all lords
85. Swaroop: Lover of beauty
86. Tarun: Ageless
87. Uddanda: Nemesis of evils and vices
88. Umaputra: The son of goddess Uma (Parvati)
89. Vakratunda: Curved trunk lord
90. Varadavinayaka: Bestower of Success
91. Varaganapati: Bestower of boons
92. Varaprada: Granter of wishes and boons
93. Veeraganapati: Heroic lord
94. Vidyavaridhi: God of wisdom
95. Vighnahara: Remover of obstacles
96. Vighnaraja: Lord of all hindrances
97. Vighnarajendra: Lord of all obstacles
98. Vighnavinashanaya: Destroyer of all obstacles and impediments
99. Vignaharta: Demolisher of obstacles
100. Vigneshwara: Lord of all obstacles
101. Vikat: Huge and gigantic
102. Vinayaka: Lord of all
103. Vishwamukha: Master of the universe
104. Vishwaraja: King of the world
105. Yagnakaya: Acceptor of all sacred and sacrificial offerings
106. Yashaskaram: Bestower of fame and fortune
107. Yashvasin: Beloved and ever popular lord
108. Yogadhipa: The lord of meditation

Ganesha - Reviving the series - 6

There have been multiple rather innumerable incarnations of Lord Ganesha. However, as per the GaneshaPurana, there is an important incarnation in every epoch.

In the Treta yuga or the golden age, Ganesha is known to be golden-hued and ten-armed mounted on a lion.

In the Dwayapa yuga associated with silver, Ganesha appeared as white-colored and six-armed riding a peacock. 

In the copper age or the Dwapara yuga which is the cosmic age prior to the present Kaliyuga, Ganesha defeated the red demon Sindura. The copious outpouring of blood turned the elephant headed deity red, daubed with the essence of Sindura. 

The fourth manifestation that is yet to come in this present Kaliyuga or iron age. The form of Ganesha, expected to return as a black two-armed horse rider to destroy the confusion, terrorism, negativity and all dark powers. His name will be Dhumraketu. 

Despite his many names and forms, Ganesha is regarded above all as an aspect of the only God. Each of his manifestation is said to represent a particular aspect of the absolute godhead. He is a luminous statement of unity in diversity. 

And in every form and incarnation, Ganesha addresses the broadest and deepest issues of the human condition.

In addition, eery form of Ganesha has a color attached to it as well - an idea for another day!

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.