"The world has many exemplary
leaders, but none like Vinayaka. He is also called Vigneswara,because he is regarded
as the presiding deity for obstacles. Even as Yama is the presiding deity for
births and deaths, the grace of Ganapathi removes all obstacles.
Ganapathi
means the Lord of Ganas. He is the Lord of Sound and has the form of Om (Pranava).
What is the esoteric meaning of
Ganesa's elephant head? The elephant is noted for its acute intelligence.
Ganesa's elephant head symbolises sharpness of intellect and the highest power
of discrimination. Because of the purity of his intellect, Vinayaka is also called
the giver of Buddhi (intellect). He responds to the prayers of devotees and
hence he is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka who grants what is sought).
Once
Vyasa embarked upon writing the Mahabharata. Because of immensity of the task
of writing down millions of verses, Vyasa sought the help of Brihaspati, the
preceptor of the Devas, for a suitable scribe. Brihaspati told Vyasa that none
but Vinayaka could carry out the work.Vyasa appealed to Vinayaka for aid. Vyasa
stipulated that everything that was written should be understood by the scribe.
Ganesa, in his turn, laid down a condition that Vyasa should not pause in
dictating the verses so that the stylus with which he would be inscribing the
verses on the palm leaves should have no rest.
Vinayaka could write down the entire
Mahabharata because he was the embodiment of all knowledge. Vyasa could accomplish
his prodigious task with Ganesa’s aid.
The mouse is Ganesa's vehicle. The mouse is a clever and lively creature. As a symbol it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions.
There is special significance in placing Vigneswara in the forefront before embarking on any undertaking. In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesa, the path is cleared for our undertakings. The elephant's foot is so large that when it moves, it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal. Here again, the symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesa is accorded the place of honour. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesa.
On Vinayaka Chaturthi day, students place books in front of the Ganesa idol and offer worship. They pray to the deity to illumine their minds. Hence Ganesa is known as "Buddhi Pradayaka", one who grants intelligence. No one should regard Ganesa as uncouth because of his elephant head and his immense belly. Vinayaka is a deity who encompasses the universe within himself. He is a deity of infinite potency.
Vigneswara is described as one wearing a white cloth. His body is ash grey. He is depicted as having four arms and a cheerful countenance. The white cloth signifies purity of mind and heart. By worshipping Him, you must endeavour to achieve similar purity. Vinayaka always appears serene and calm. By his grace, the devotee must seek to achieve similar equanimity, whatever may be the ups and downs in life."
The mouse is Ganesa's vehicle. The mouse is a clever and lively creature. As a symbol it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions.
There is special significance in placing Vigneswara in the forefront before embarking on any undertaking. In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesa, the path is cleared for our undertakings. The elephant's foot is so large that when it moves, it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal. Here again, the symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesa is accorded the place of honour. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesa.
On Vinayaka Chaturthi day, students place books in front of the Ganesa idol and offer worship. They pray to the deity to illumine their minds. Hence Ganesa is known as "Buddhi Pradayaka", one who grants intelligence. No one should regard Ganesa as uncouth because of his elephant head and his immense belly. Vinayaka is a deity who encompasses the universe within himself. He is a deity of infinite potency.
Vigneswara is described as one wearing a white cloth. His body is ash grey. He is depicted as having four arms and a cheerful countenance. The white cloth signifies purity of mind and heart. By worshipping Him, you must endeavour to achieve similar purity. Vinayaka always appears serene and calm. By his grace, the devotee must seek to achieve similar equanimity, whatever may be the ups and downs in life."
~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba ~
(Divine Address at the Sathya Sai Institute Hostel - 4.9.89)
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