Part II: Shri Ganesh for realisation of our ‘natural intelligence’

In the Vedic tradition, there is an understanding of the program on which the Universe works. The systems and energy centres that function in the program, with different potential and qualities, are corresponding to hierarchies of gods and energies in the ancient practices. They are given personal attributes and names and their interactions are described. This is because they are entities and are also manifest within the human being. Through their names and relationships, we can remember and understand the system of how the Universe functions. In fact, their various principles are apparent in our machines, equipment, laws and social processes that help to make us a successful society and economy. For example, the modern computer is analogous to Ganapati and functions on the very same concepts. 

Any system needs constant servicing and upgrades to function properly. Like the power grid needs regular maintenance so that it can supply energy to your home, the Gods within and in the outer universe, need worship, and we need to be charged by them, for us to be able to use their energies. It is unsurprising that some gods have a particular time, in accordance with natural energy cycles in the year when we can ‘reach’ them easily and in the given time cycle.

Shri Ganesh has two such natural times in the year when his energy is high. Lord Shri Ganesh’s festival occurs twice a year. Once around February or eleventh Indian month Magh, and once around September, or during the sixth Indian calendar month of Bhadrapad. In February we worship the more un-expressed conceptual, non-manifested or Swayambhu Lord Ganesh. The festival in September is for the materialised form of Ganesh, son of Shiva-Parvati, which is on the human plane. 

There is a popular story about Shri Ganesh and how he received his elephant head.  Aadi Maya Shakti, i.e. Parvati, had created Shri Ganesh as a loving son who would protect any unauthorised entry to her private quarters. This was done through a mystic or metaphysical process of transforming or imbibing material into energy. Even Lord Shiva, her husband, the masculine expression of Aadi Shakti, was rejected entry without prior permission, leading to a conflict between Shiva and Ganesh. In the interaction, resistance and fight, the head of Ganapati was damaged. Naturally, to anger the universal mother would mean bringing a full stop to all life. So a special arrangement was made whereby the head of an elephant was implanted on to Ganapati. That’s how he then became Gajanan, the one with the elephant head. He was honoured and given authority to always be worshipped as the first, before all the other gods. Ancient tradition recommends that before beginning any project, work or spiritual process, it is essential to remember and worship Ganapati. Shri Ganesh is accepted by everybody including all cults and different religious divisions within the tradition.

Shri Ganesh is from the ‘Swayambhu’ category of Gods, like Shiva, Durga, Brahma, and some others, but unlike Shri Rama, Shri Krishna or Buddha who were incarnated and living a normal human life. Lord Shri Ganesh or Ganapati, earlier known as Brahmanaspati, is considered a Vedic God. He is responsible for powers of speech, communication and the ability to judge and decide things. Shri Ganesh is known by many names to indicate his various powers. One of His names, Ekadanta, represents His ability of speed of communication and transcription (he was the scribe to the Mahabharata dictated by Vyasa Muni). As Siddhivinayak, He is the controller of Siddhis (special powers), wealth and prosperity. As Vighneshwar, He is well known for giving guidance to overcome all kinds of obstacles. He is also known as Ganapati or Gananayak, i.e. leader of the masses and controller of the negative elements of the group. Given all the beneficial attributes represented by Lord Shri Ganesh, he is remembered for his blessings, for a favorable outcome at the beginning of proceedings, before the start of any important action or ceremony. 

Shri Ganesh is the deity of the first chakra called the ‘mooladhar chakra’. This is located at the base of the spine and is dominated by the earth element and the planet Mars or Angaarak. His vehicle is the mouse, which lives in the Earth element. It is mentioned that one may not have access to levels on either side of the earth element, i.e. towards the netherworld (Patal Loka) or towards heaven or space without receiving the grace of Shri Ganapati. As per yogic experience, the other location, more subtle, of Lord Shri Ganesh, is in the base of the brain. The Shastras say that one can understand, approach or realise every God i.e. all the different forms of energy, through Lord Shri Ganesh. In the Vedic hymn, Atharvasheersha, it is written that Ganapati is the sun, moon, fire, wind and even Indra, the king of heaven. These are all representative of the different energy centres in the brain. 

Since ancient times Lord Shri Ganapati has been worshipped all over the world. Therefore we find signs of his worship everywhere, like statues and temples dedicated to Him in many countries other than India. There are temples in Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Vietnam and so on.

During this Ganapati festival, besides prayer, meeting with friends, decorating the pandal, enjoying and serving prasad, we have the opportunity to deeply reflect on the concept of Shri Ganapati. When we listen to His mantras attentively and try to meditate upon them, it provides a greater effect and understanding of what Ganapati really is and leads to deep satisfaction and trust in the principle of God. In our times, we really need this energy principle to help us overcome the obstacles around us - disease, ecological devastation, economic instability, and psychological stress – and become a successful species and society again. 

To be continued…
The author is founder of Atmasantulana Village, a world-renowned holistic healing centre. ayurveda@dnaindia.net