Happy new year 2021

 In the last few days of 2020, I watched the recently released Disney movie – Soul with my family. It was an amazing enriching experience. The movie had a great message – find your purpose in life, and don’t let your life be governed by the goals you set forth for yourself. The goals are stepping stones towards your purpose and not the final destination themselves. This came in just handy as we were preparing for our goals for the new year and setting our resolutions. It is always important to work towards your goals but not let the purpose of life slip away from your view and thoughts.

In this regard, I would like to take a slight spin on the story of Yayati. Please indulge with me in this story and the message I looked upon for myself.

A long time ago, there used to be an Asura king Vrishaparva and his main advisor as well as teacher was the rishi Shukracharya. Their daughters Sharmishtha (daughter of Vrishaparva) and Devyani(daughter of Shukracharya) were good friends. They used to play and pass all their time together. However, once due to some misunderstanding, Sharmishtha got angry with Devayani and in her moment of rage and pride asked her soldiers to throw Devayani in a well. Devayani cried for help and another king – Yayati happened to pass by the well and hear her prayers. Yayati helped Devayani out of the well. Devayani was smitten by the good looks, well built and the helpful nature of Yayati. Yayati too fell in love with Devayani’s beauty. When Yayati escorted Devayani to her father’s ashram, he asked Shukracharya’s permission to marry Devayani. Meanwhile, Shukracharya was very angry with Vrishaparva and Sharmishtha for Sharmishtha’s act towards Devayani. Vrishaparva, knowing his teacher’s anger and importance, pleaded for forgiveness. Sharmishtha too filled with guilt over her actions, pleaded for forgiveness. While Sharmishtha’s rage was over, Devayani was filled with the similar rage and the thirst to prove herself superior. She demanded Sharmishtha to serve as her servant. In the same order to prover might, she took Devayani as her servant even after marriage to King Yayati’s kingdom. What she did not realize was that the same  Devayanai could become her challenge later. Yayati fell in love with Sharmishtha later on seeing her princess like beauty and took her as his new wife. When Devayani found out about this relationship, she became angry and complained to her father. In his fit of anger, Shukracharya cursed Yayati to loose his virility and youth. Yayati later regained his lost youth when his own son Puru accepted Yayati’s curse.

Picture credits - Yayati symbol inspired from Netflix's Sacred Games show

In this story, multiple points happen –

1.        Actions are taken in fit of rage and anger – These actions led to other issues and much more twisted tail of events than initially envisioned by the actors

2.        Yayati’s lust for youth and virility – Yayati set his goals on the youthfulness and enjoyment. In this goal setting, he forgot the purpose of life and tried to govern the nature. He forgot that everything that rises, must fall down. For his own selfishness, he destroyed his own son’s youth

3.        Yayati’s clan – Yayati’s sons later become the forefathers of the famous Kuru clan which fought the Mahabharat war. If only Yayati had controlled his lust and selfishness, the Mahabharat war could have been avoided.

4.        Every action has a reaction – Call it Newton’s law or Karma – no act goes unnoticed and has a repercussion. Devayani’s act of proving herself superior costed her husband!

5.        Do not try to control the nature or the flow of events – Whenever the natural phenomenon or circumstances are controlled, unexpected results are seen. Will talk in detail in many more articles to come…

6.        Yayati's story is a also a classic example of a pessimistic / optimistic view of life. The trick is in maintaining the balance. And that is something you shall achieve when you have the goals and purpose properly set for yourself!

Let’s start the new year with the proper thoughts and the learnings from Yayati’s story – not to let the selfishness or anger overpower you and never to loose the purpose of life. It may not be an easy task to determine your purpose, but keep looking for it!

 

Love for Sri Krishna

Sri Krishna is probably the most loved figure and beloved god for many. Sri Krishna’s disciples can be found all over the world and their devotion is unmatched. Srimad Vallabhacharya’s Pushtimarg, ISKCON, BAPS, and every other sect has been preaching the love for Sri Krishna and spreading his stories everyday. 

Sri Krishna is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a complete human in every aspect. He is one who is aware of his being, yet indulges in the activities of the human life. He is the one who despises the social restrictions yet upholds the ways of the principles. He is the one who teaches us to transform with time and always remember to do what is right. He is who teaches us that one must perform their duties and inaction is not a solution. 

We recently celebrated the same love for Krishna in form of Govardhan Pooja & Annakoot. In our capacity to explain the one who is beyond all expletives, we humbly try to portray five different forms of love that has become symbolic with Krishna – Radha, Rukmini, Meera, Brijvaasis (People of the sacred land of Vrij – where Sri Krishna lead his early life) and us. 

Govardhan Pooja & Annakoot Celebration

Radha & Krishna

Sri Radha Krishna is the most prominent figure that one finds in temples and folklores. This couple has been known as an epitome of love and an example for couples for many generations. Immense and unconditional love that not only mesmerized the people but even the nature that witnessed them is a forever story that shall live till eternity for its purity and compassion. 

Set in Vrindavan, the story of Krishna and Radha started in their young age when Sri Krishna would wander around the entire Vrij (Land mass close to the city of Mathura) while tending to his cows. Krishna’s playful and caring nature attracted Radha and other ladies towards him. Krishna and Radha were inseparable. It is said that their togetherness was even celebrated by the nature that blossomed when they were close and took a different turn, when they separated. The modern day Vrindavan is full of small temples and places that depict the various actions of Sri Krishna and Sri Radha. Nidhi Van in particular is known as a place where Sri Radha Ji & Sri Krishna Ji descend on earth every night. 

Radha and Krishna are never considered separate from each other. They are considered two sides of the same coin. Sri Krishna and Sri Radha have always been together and will always be. Their separation as seen in the stories is just a mere semblance to uncover many more truth of the human life. However, there are some stories and views that she was also an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi who descended upon the earth, when God Vishnu took the form of Sri Krishna. 

It is said that once Rukmini wanted to see Radha – the soulmate of Krishna. When she went to meet Radha, she expected a heavenly beauty considering Radha’s maids and Krishna’s love for her. Instead on meeting Radha, she found that Radha had developed burns all over her body. Upon inquiring, Radha explained that by mistake Rukmini gave hot milk to Krishna previous night that he drank. Since Radha lives in Krishna’s heart always, the burns appear on her body. 

At the same time, it is said that Sri Krishna stopped playing flute when he separated from Radha while leaving for Mathura. Though he kept his flute with him forever as a memory of Radha, he never played it. The only time he played his flute was when he decided to leave his body on earth and ascend to the Vaikuntha – his abode. 

Radha’s love for Krishna is seen as unconditional yet strong, mental bond that could never have been explained in words. The strength of her love is seen as it changed both herself and Krishna. They both acted out of turns to appease each other and be with each other. They were complete with each other and by themselves. Their love is beyond the social norms and the devotion seems mutual. 

Today we find many temples, poems and songs dedicated to the love between Sri Krishna and Radha. It is also said that Sri Krishna used to dress up like a girl and Radha as a boy to appease Radha and experience the feel of love. Such purity and poignancy can’t be described in words. 

Rukmini & Krishna

Rukmini, the princess of Vidarbha, is considered to the be the first and chief consort of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna marries Rukmini after he kidnapped her and eloped with her saving her from an unwanted alliance. 

Rukmini’s father Bhishmaka, king of Vidarbha and her brother Rukmi wanted to marry Rukmini to Shishupala – King of Chedi. Rukmini was in love with Sri Krishna and defied her father and brother. Her prayers and confession of love to Sri Krishna won his heart. Sri Krishna always loved Rukmini and accepted her as the chief queen of his kingdom Dwarka. 

Rukmini ji is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi herself hence denoting the prosperity and beauty. Her character, charm and greatness was famed in far off regions as well. 

Her devotion for Sri Krishna is seen in many stories. In one of the story, when Sudama visited Sri Krishna in Dwarka, Krishna welcomed his friend and serviced him like a devoted servant. Rukmini followed Sri Krishna’s footsteps and performed her duties accordingly. She left no stone unturned in welcoming Sudama despite of his poor condition.

Similarly, Sri Krishna’s love for Rukmini is seen in many stories where Rukmini and Satyabhama have a dispute. In one story, Rukmini and Satyabhama had a challenge to donate gold which weighed equal to that of Sri Krishna. Satyabhama was a rich princess, she had a lot to give away, yet could not match Sri Krishna’s weight. Rukmini on the other hand, was comparatively poor since she was kidnapped. When her turn came, she gave away all har jewelry and put a leaf of Tulsi to match up Sri Krishna. She always knew what Sri Krishna preferred. 

Her love for Sri Krishna is seen as a following, unquestioning, doting wife who loves Sri Krishna and is ready to give up everything for him. Her love is devotion and well defined in the social norms. 

Meera & Krishna

Meera or Meerabai was a 16^th century poet and devotee of Sri Krishna. Her devotion for Sri Krishna was so strong that she left her family and all social bonds to find Krishna through the songs and poetry. 

Meera was born in a Rajput family in Rajasthan and was married to Bhoj Raj – crown prince of Mewar. However, Meera had considered Sri Krishna as her husband since childhood and hence denounced all worldly relationships. This caused a lot of challenges for herself as her in-laws tried to kill her through various means. 

Meera’s devotion for Krishna is world known and she is an epitome of the Bhakti movement (devotional trend). Meerabai composed innumerable devotional songs and almost all of them have a philosophical connotation. One of her most popular compositions remains "Paayoji maine Ram Ratan dhan paayo". Meera's poems are lyrical padas (metric verses) in Rajasthani language.

It is said that Meera left her home in Mewar and went on a pilgrimage to Vrindavan and Dwarka in search of Krishna. At last she disappeared by merging into an idol of Krishna. Her temple in the Chittor Fort still stands tall, telling the world about her. 

Meera’s love for Sri Krishna was pure devotion. A submission into someone who you have not seen but heard of and considered by your side. She expected nothing but gave up everything for the feeling of love she had for Sri Krishna. 

Brijvaasi & Krishna

Braj, also known as Brij or Brijbhoomi, is a region in Uttar Pradesh of India, around Mathura-Vrindavan. The people born in this land had an extraordinary opportunity to have lived with Sri Krishna and enjoy the charisma of the God himself. 

All the people of Brij whether male or female had an association with Sri Krishna himself. While all males enjoyed his companionship, the females enjoyed his charisma as their son, brother or a friend. 

The people of Brij gave their unconditional love and followed Sri Krishna’s voice in every matter. It is then they listened to him and decided to worship “Govardhana” and abandon the prayers for Indra. Sri Krishna in turn, lifted the Govardhana on his finger and saved all the residents of Brij and their belongings from the wrath of Indra.  

Brijvaasis were very privileged that they were born in the holy land of Brij and were able to witness the various playful acts of Krishna while he was growing up from a kid to a mature youth. They vowed to follow Sri Krishna forever and devoted everything on him. When Krishna moved to Mathura and later to Dwarka, the people of Brij remained in Brij at the behest of Sri Krishna. They lived their lives with the blissful memories of Sri Krishna. 

Event today, Brij is considered a holy land and it is a privilege to have been born there. It is said that it is a result of good karma that you get this privilege. However, as Sri Krishna says, the privilege is not forever, one must continue with their duties in the world to be able to prove worthy for the continued privilege. 

Us

We love Sri Krishna for everything. For our being and all that he has graced upon us. We would love to sing for him, dance in his ecstasy and praise him for the way of life Sri Krishna has shown us. Though a Yogi himself, Sri Krishna has become popular with the masses through the Bhakti parampara – The ways of devotion. 

In his praise we celebrate the Govardhan Pooja and Annakoot. Upon his insistence and grace on us we humbly offer to him what he has given us, empowered us and enabled us. May his blessings be always upon us all and we continue to follow his path with utmost devotion. 

रावण की विनती

कोदंड संभाले राम ने
आज फिर शर साधा है।
सामने अश्रुपूरित रावण ने
आज एक विनती कह डाली है।

विनिर्बन्ध, विनय, विवेकी, शील,
दयालु, नम्र, स्नेही, आशान्वित,
धैर्य और निगृह
यह सभी गुण तो तुम्हारे थे राम।

क्रोध, लोभ, मोह काम,
ईर्ष्या, दम्भ, भय, दुःख
द्वेष, आवेश
गुण, अवगुण सभी हैं यह मेरे।

बहिन का प्रतिशोध लेने को,
कुल का उद्धार करने को,
अनेकानेक असुरों को मुक्ति दिलाने को,
अधर्म की राह चुनी मैंने।

मायावी तो मैं था हे राम ,
अकेला मैं अनेक बन, मचाता था कोहराम।
फिर आज क्या हो गया?
एक ही हूँ मैं, पर अनेक हैं राम?

फिर यह कैसे हुआ राम?
एक से अनेक तुम कब हुए? मायावी तुम कब बने?
रूप है राम का, कार्य हैं रावण के?
यह कैसे हो गया राम?

उठाओ तीर,
भेद दो मेरा ह्रदय,
काट दो मेरे हाथ मेरे सर,
जला दो मुझे एक बार फिर।

पर,
बोलो तो,
अपने अंदर का रावण कब मारोगे?
लोभ, मोह, काम को
कब तुम अंकुश लगाओगे?
स्वार्थाचार को कब तुम आग लगाओगे?

अंतःरावण को मिटा सको तुम,
सदाचार की अग्नि में जल सको तुम,
सद्भाव का ज्ञान समझ सको तुम,
सत्यपरायणता का पालन कर सको तुम,

तो,
उठाओ तीर,
भेद दो मेरा ह्रदय,
काट दो मेरे हाथ, मेरे सर,
जला दो मुझे एक बार फिर।
और मनाओ दशहरा एक बार फिर।

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