VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM

Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.The Hindu festival going by the name 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha, also called Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August.

Significance
Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Only a woman can sympathise with women. Lakshmi is a woman. So she will more readily sympathise with women. Hence this festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.

Legend
As the legend goes, this is a pooja that was pronounced by no other than Lord Parameswara to be performed by his consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the family. Thus it came to be emulated by married women who sought boons (varam) for the health, wealth and knowledge for the entire family. In some cases, women prayed for being blessed with children. The prescribed day for the pooja is the Friday of the month of Sravan in the fortnight known as Sukla paksha, preceding the full moon day.

Story
On one occasion, Parvati and Parameswara were engaged in a game of chess. Parvati was winning game after game, but Parameswara is said to have claimed the victory at each games, wantonly, to her intense chagrin. So Parvati wanted to have an umpire and one Chitranemi, a creation of Parameswara, was chosen. As an underling of Parameswara, he sided with him most unjustly. This provoked Parvati's anger and she cursed Chitranemi that he should become a leper for discharging his duty in most unfair manner.

When Chitranemi begged Parvati's forgiveness and Parameswara added his entreaties to it, she is said to have relented and modified the curse by adding that he would be cured of his leprosy by observing the Vara Lakshmi Vrata. By doing this Chitranemi was, it is said, rid of the loathsome disease. The history of the origin Of the Vara Lakshmi Vrata is rather interesting. Lakshmi is said to have visited a pious woman by name Sarmadi, living in the city of Kuntinapura in Magadha (Bihar), in in one of her dreams and expressed her satisfaction at her devotion to her children. When she woke UP from her sleep, she took a bath and worshipped Lakshmi to ensure her blessings. When the other ladies heard of her dream and her worship of Lakshmi, they too began to worship her, and the custom is then said to have spread everywhere throughout the land in course of time.

History
In the kingdom of Magadha of yore, there lived a brahmin woman called Charumathi in a town named Kundina. The prosperous town was the home of Charumathi and her husband. She devotedly served her husband and her parentsin-law. Impressed by her piety, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Vara-Lakshmi (literally, boon granting - goddess of wealth) and seek to fulfill her wishes. Varalakshmi is yet another form of Lord Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Thus was prescribed the Friday of Sravana month preceding the full moon day for the worship. When Charumathi explained her dream to her family, she found them encouraging her to perform the pooja. Many other women of the town also joined her in performing the pooja in a traditional way and offered many sweet dishes to the Goddess Varalakshmi. They prayed with deep devotion: "Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada" The well dressed women made offerings of delicious feast with utmost devotion. As they went round the deity in prayer, dazzling jewelry is said to have appeared as ornaments on the bodies of these worshippers and their houses filled with riches. They rewarded the priest who assisted them in performing the pooja and they all partook in the feast. The women expressed their gratitude to Charumathi who shared her dream and helped them become prosperous. This pooja came to be practiced year after year by women. Done with devotion, it is said that boons would be granted and thus many wishes would be realized. This pooja can be done with no restriction to caste or creed. To this day, the faithful of modern times observe this tradition.

The glory of performing the VARALAKSHMI VRATAM, narrated directly by Lord Shiva Himself, is elaborately discussed in theSkanda Puranam. This is a festival to propitiate Shri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi ) the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is the abode of all mangalam (auspiciousness) , prosperity and wealth. The Varalakshmi Vratam is to be performed on the shrAvaNa shukla shukra vAram , that is, the Friday immediately following the full moon day (Purnima) in the auspicious month of Shravanam (corresponding to August September). This Vratam is undertaken by the sumangalis (whose husbands are still living) for good progeny, good health, and wishing long life for the husbands. Lakshmi is symbolic of eight forces - wealth (shrI), earth (bhU), learning (sarasvati), love (prIti), fame (kIrti), peace (shAnti), pleasure (tuShTi), and strength (puShTi). Each of these forces is called a Lakshmi, and collectively they are known as ashTa lakshmi. Worship of Varalakshmi is rendered equivalent to the pUja for ashTalakshmi. Since She is ever ready to grant boons to her true devotees, she is usually referred to as "vara lakshmi". The Worship The rituals of worship during the Varalakshmi Vratam differ from region to region in south India, but they all have the same basic format. The performer begins the day with a holy purification bath, and wears clean clothes. The arena is decorated with kolam (rangoli). A geometrical design known as mandalam is then drawn on the clean surface of the floor (with the picture of a lotus upon it). A sacred pot (kalasham) is filled with pure water and rice (akshata), topped with a bunch fresh mango leaves, and a coconut (unbroken, with its kudimion) smeared with turmeric powder is placed atop. Also, sandal paste and kumkumam are applied to the kalasham, and a cloth is tied around it before placing it on the mandalam. Some people further beautify the kalasham with a picture of Varalakshmi drawn on it and decorated with jewels. Then, Goddess Lakshmi is invoked. Fresh flowers and grains are used in the worship, indicating growth and prosperity.

After performing the initial worship of Lord Ganesha (seeking removal all obstacles), prayers are offered to the kalasham. A toram (which consists of nine threads and nine knots) is tied to the Goddess. Then they worship the thread (raksha). Now the main worship of Lakshmi begins, with a second worship of the sacred Thread. Finally, it is tied around the right hand of the performer. Prayers in the form of Lakshmi Ashtottara shatanAma and sahasranAma are then chanted. Another sumangali is then chosen, and she is offered auspicious articles as gifts and food. The function concludes with the singing of several hymns and songs in praise of Varalakshmi. Legends There are several varied legends associated with this festival. Goddess Parvathi once asked Lord Shiva to recommend her a vratam, which would be beneficial for the womenfolk on earth who seek prosperity. Then, Lord Shiva preached her about Varalakshmi Vratam (as mentioned in Skanda Puranam). To illustrate the sanctity of this vratam, Lord Shiva then narrated the story of one Charumati (of Kuntinapura in the Maratha desham). Charumati was a true pativrata (devoted to husband in all sincerity). Pleased with her true and undivided devotion to her husband, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and advised her to undertake the Varalakshmi Vratam on the auspicious day of shrAvana shukLa shukRa vAram. Charumati performed this pUja with utmost devotion, the same day, in the dream itself (mAnasIka pUja). The next day she narrated this dream to her husband, and with his full consent, to all other women folk in town. On the auspicious day, she did not fail to perform Varalakshmi vratam as prescribed to her by Goddess Parvathi. Then some miracles took place. As the womenfolk stepped out of the house, they saw all houses decked with riches and gold, and a golden chariot awaiting them outside Charumati's house. Everything seemed bountiful! Ever since, this Vratam has been regularly performed in households. Another legend is that a person by name Chitranemi was once cursed (to become a leper) by Parvati for showing partiality toward Lord Shiva in a game, in which he was the judge. Chitranemi got shApa vimochanam (relief from this curse) when he watched with great attention, the Varalakshmi Vratam performed by some pious ladies. Legend also says that this Vratam was later conveyed by sage Suka to Shaunaka and other sages. There are numerous varying legends too. Songs on Varalakshmi In the attached PDF file we have a selection of nine beautiful Carnatic Compositions in praise of Goddess Lakshmi, that are rendered during this auspicious occasion. These songs are chosen from a variety of composers. The first three songs are by Muthuswami Dikshitar, the next two by Mysore Vasudevachariar, then two in chaste Tamil by Papanasam Sivan and finally two in Kannada by Purandharadasa. They are: 1. varalakSmIM bhaja re re, saurAShTram, Adi (muttusvAmi dIkSitar) 2. shrI varalakSmi namastubhyam, shrI, rUpakam (muttusvAmi dIkSitar) 3. mahAlakSmi karuNArasalahari, mAdhavamanOhari, Adi (muttusvAmi dIkSitar) 4. varalakSmi namostute gaurimanohari, rUpakam (mysore vAsudEvAcAriar) 5. shrI mahAlakSmIM bhajeham, paraju, Adi (mysore vAsudEvAcAriar) 6. varalakSmI nIyE vandarLvAyE, sAlaga bhairavi, Adi (pApanAshaM shivan) 7. mahAlakMi jagan mAtA, shankarAbharaNam, misra cApu (pApanAshaM shivan) 8. bhAgyadA lakSmI bAramma , madhyamAvati/shrI, Adi (purandharadAsa) 9. pAlise enna shrI mahAlakSmi, shrI, aTa (purandharadAsa)

Last year, during the Varalakshmi Puja uploads, Carnatica presented the text of the shrI rAga k.rti : "shrI varalakshmi namasthubhyam" by Muthuswami Dikshitar, with word-for-word meaning. The charaNam line of this song clearly mentions the Charumati legend, as well as the correct day for the performing the vratam ShrAvaNa paurNamI pUrvastha shukravArE ChArumatI prabh.rtibhiH pUjitAkArE The k.rti also features the beautiful gopucha yati sArasa padE rasa padE sapadE padE We recall that Dikshitar has used this type of "yati" (a figure of speech) in various other compositions (e.g. tyAgarAja yoga vaibhavam, mAyE tvam yAhi). In the saurAshtra rAga k.rti "varalakshmIm Bhaja re re mAnasa ", Dikshitar mentions that Lakshmi was worshipped by the King of Saurashtra (also suggesting the raga mudra for saurAShTram!). The mAdhava manOhari composition, "mahAlakShmI karuNArasalahari" is the only one in that ragam composed by Dikshitar in this beautiful janyam of shrI (asampUrANa melam 22). In fact, Professor S. R. Janakiraman remarks in his recent book that mAdhavamanohari is an Eka krti rAga (just one composition exists in this rAgam). However, there is a second version of mAdhavamanohari under mELam 57 (simhEndramadhyamam), and Muthaiah Bhagavathar has a composition in this version. The compositions in gaurimanOhari, and paraju by Mysore Vasudevachariar are in simple sanskrit, short and sweet! The Tamil composition "varalaksmi nIyE vandaruLvAyE", a simple song by Papanasam Sivan, has been popularized by Shri O. S. Thyagarajan. He invariably sings this piece in his concerts. Papanasam Sivan's shankarAbharaNa song " mahAlakshmI jagan mAta" is increasingly popular in concerts these days. The Purandhara dasa krithi "bhAgya lakshmi bAramma" (in madhyamavati/shrI) is another popular composition we often hear in the post pallavi segment, at the conclusion of carnatic concerts, as well as in south Indian Bhajans. It is a favorite of the instrumentalists. Saxaphone artist Kadri Gopalnath plays it regularly in his concerts. Flute artist K S Gopalakrishnan regularly uses this compostion as a Mangalam for all his concerts (instead of the traditional piece "pavamAna sududupaTTu" of Tyagaraja). Though we have not provided the lyrics, the song "lakshmi ravE ma indikE" is very popular for Varalakshmi celebrations. The composer of this beautiful song in mAyamALavagauLa is unknown. The rendering of the Varalakshmi songs usually conclude with a mangala krti, "lakshmI kalyANa vaibhOgamE", usually rendered in rAgam kura~nji. Commercial Recordings There are at least two commercial audio cassettes (perhaps more!) that are exclusively devoted to Varalakshmi Puja and Varalakshmi songs. They are:

Varalakshmi Songs (rendered by Sangita Kalanidhi R. Vedavalli, assisted by R. Abhirama Sundari - GITA GCT 4003). It has the following songs : lakshmi rAvE mA yinDike (mAyamAlavagauLa) pUja seika murAre (sahAna) gauri kalyana vaibhogame (kura~nji) shri varalakshmi (shrI) ninnu jUDe (shankarAbharaNam) mahAlakshmi karunalahari (mAdhava manohari) bhAgyada (madhyamavAti), mangaLam Another recording is: Varalakshmi Puja Vidhanam and Songs (Valuttor S. Rajagopala Sharma, songs by Bombay Sisters) containing the following songs: lakshmi rAve ma iniDike (mAyamALavagauLa) mahalakshmi (shankarAbharaNam) varalakshmIm bhaja (saurAShTram) varalakshmi namostute (gaurimanOhari) shri mahalakshmIm bhajeham (paraju) palisenna shri mahalakshmi (kamAs) shri varalakshmi namasthubhyam (shrI) mahAlakShmi Stotrams Stotrams on Vara (mahA) lakshmi too are very popular and chanted on this auspicious occasion. The Composition Bank has a few stotrams in praise of Maha Lakshmi. The following stotrams can be accessed from the Composition Bank (in the shlOka bank) : ashTlakShmi stotram http://www.scribd.com/doc/63954925 mahAlakShmi ashtakam http://www.scribd.com/doc/63954928 Both these prayers are sung melodiously by Carnatica's own Sowmya in a cassette/CD entitled "mahiShAsura marddani", which includes many other popular Devi Stotrams. for lyrics of Varalakshmi songs in Sanskrit and tamil. http://www.scribd.com/doc/63954963 for lyrics in diacritical English. http://www.scribd.com/doc/63954922

http://www.carnatica.net/nvr/vara_article.htm

Saraswathi Pooja

Place the Goddess Saraswathi's photo frame or idol facing the East or West besides, the books representing saraswathi. Musical instruments are also kept for the puja. Books are wrapped in a silk cloth. (Red or Pink)

As per the Hindu pantheon Saraswati is the consort of Brahma, the first among the trinity. Being the creator, his consort is held to be the mother of all creation. The literal meaning of her name means the flowing one. In the Rig Veda she represents a river and the deity presiding over it. Some of the other names used to denote

her are Sharada (giver of essence), Vageeswari (goddess of speech) Brahmi (consort of Brahma), Mahavidya (goddess of knowledge). Since she is the goddess of knowledge, which is signified by light and brightness, she is depicted apparelled in white cloth. While two of her hands are playing the divine instrument, "The Veena", the other two hold the rosary and the book. This represents that she is the goddess of reading, writing and 'rithmetic; the three R's. "Saraswathi Namasthubyam Varade Kamarupini Vidyarambam Karishyami Siddir Bavathume Sadha" Her vehicle is the swan. The swan is said to be a wise bird that can separate milk from water. This is the power of discernment that praying to Saraswati will bestow on us. The peacock is also one of her vehicles. The peacock with its beautiful plumage stands for this world in all its glory. Since the attractions of the world lead the spiritual aspirant astray, the peacock could also be a symbol of avidya or nescience. Scholars have also interpreted that Saraswati is shown holding the book in the left hand and the rosary in the right hand with a specific message. The rosary, they say, symbolises the spiritual quest like "japa" and the book, the acquisition of knowledge for material ends. The holding of the rosary in the right hand indicates that it is of higher importance. Kalidasa, the immortal poet, was said to have had Saraswathi on his very tongue! Shri Saraswathi is the Goddess of learning, who is divine knowledge personified. The sound of Her celestial veena awakens the notes of the sublime utterances of the sacred monosyllable, "OM". She bestows the knowledge of the supreme, mystic sound, clarity of thought and nobility of ideas as epresented by Her pure dazzling white clothes, with the hands holding the veen and books seated on the white lotus. We worship Goddess Saraswathi to gain knowledge, dispassion, devotion and prosperity. Om Shri Saraswathey Ashttothara Om Saraswathyey Namaha Om Mahabhadraayey Namaha Om Mahaamaayaayey Namaha Om Varapradaayey Namaha Om Shri Pradaayey Namaha Om Padmanilayaayey Namaha Om Padmaakshyey Namaha Om Padmavakthrakaayey Namaha Om Shivaanajaayey Namaha Om Pusthakabhruthey Namaha( 10 ) Om Jnanamudraayey Namaha Om Ramaayey Namaha Om Paraayey Namaha Om Kaamarupaayey Namaha Om Mahaavidhyaayey Namaha Om Mahapaathaka Naashinyey Namaha Om Mahaashrayaayey Namaha Om Malinyey Namaha Om Maha bhogaayey Namaha Om Mahabhujaayey Namaha (20 ) Om Mahabhaagaayey Namaha Om Mahotsaahaayey Namaha Om Divyaangaayey Namaha Om Suravandithaayey Namaha Om Mahaakaalyey Namaha Om Mahaapaashaayey Namaha Om Mahaakaaraayey Namaha Om Mahaangushaayey Namaha

Om Peethayey Namaha Om Vimalaayey Namaha (30) Om Vishwaayey Namaha Om Vidhyunmaalaayey Namaha Om Vaishnavyey Namaha Om Chandrikaayey Namaha Om Chandravadanaayey Namaha Om Chandralekhaa Vibhushithaayey Namaha Om Saavitriyey Namaha Om Surasaayey Namaha Om Devyey Namaha Om Divyaalankara Bhooshithaayey Namaha (40) Om Vaagdevyey Namaha Om Vasudayey Namaha Om Theevraayey Namaha Om Mahaabhadraayey Namaha Om Mahabalaayey Namaha Om Bhogadaayey Namaha Om Bhaaratyey Namaha Om Bhaamaayey Namaha Om Govindaayey Namaha Om Gomatyey Namaha (50) Om Shivaayey Namaha Om Jatilaayey Namaha Om Vidhyaavaasaayey Namaha Om Vidhyachala Viraajithaayey Namaha Om Chandikayey Namaha Om Vaishnavyey Namaha Om Brahmayey Namaha Om Brahma jnanaika Saadanaayey Namaha Om Saudaamanyey Namaha Om Sudhaamurthyey Namaha (60) Om Subhadraayey Namaha Om Surapujithyey Namaha Om Suvaasinyey Namaha Om Sunaasaayey Namaha Om Vinidraayey Namaha Om Padmalochanaayey Namaha Om Vidhyaarupaayey Namaha Om Vishalakshyey Namaha Om Brahmajaayaayey Namaha Om Mahaphalaayey Namaha (70) Om Thrayee Murthayey Namaha Om Trikaalajnaayey Namaha Om Trigunaayey Namaha Om Shaashtra Rupinyey Namaha Om Shumbhaasura Pramathinyey Namaha Om Shubhadaayey Namaha Om Swaraatmikayey Namaha Om Rakthabheeja nihantrayey Namaha Om Chamundaayey Namaha

Om Ambikaayey Namaha(80) Om Mundakaaya praharanaayey Namaha Om Dhoomra lochana madanaayey Namaha Om Sarvadevasthuthaayey Namaha Om Saumyaayey Namaha Om Suraasura - namaskrithaayey Namaha Om Kaala rathrayey Namaha Om Kalaadharaayey Namaha Om Rupa Saubhagya daayinyey Namaha Om Vaagdevyey Namaha Om Varaarohaayey Namaha(90) Om Varaahvyey Namaha Om Vaarijaasanaayey Namaha Om Chitraambharaayay Namaha Om Chitragandhaayey Namaha Om Chitramaalya Vibhooshithayey Namaha Om Kaanthaayey Namaha Om Kaamapradayey Namaha Om Vandhyaayey Namaha Om Vidhyadhara Supujithaayey Namaha Om Swethaananaayey Namaha(100) Om Neelabhujaayey Namaha Om Chathurvarga phalapradaayey Namaha Om Chathuraanana - Saamrajyaayey Namaha Om Raktha madhyaayey Namaha Om Niranjanaayey Namaha Om Hamsaasanaayey Namaha Om Neela Jadghaayey Namaha Om Brahma Vishnu Shivaatmikaayey Namaha(108)

GANESHA PANCHARATNAM SANSKRIT VERSE

Mudaakaraatta Modakam sadaa vimukti Saadhakam Kalaadharaavatam sakam vilasiloka Rakshakam Anaayakaikanaayakam Vinaashitebha Daityakam Nattashubhashu Naashakam Namaami Tam Vinaayakam Natetaraati Bhikaram Navoditaarka Bhaasvaram Namatsuraari Nirjaram Nataadhikaapa Duddharam Sureshwaram Nidiswaram Gjeswaram Ganeshwavaram Maheshwaram Samaashraye Paraatparam Nirantaram Samasta Loka Shankaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram Daretarodaram Varam Varebhavaktramaksharam Kripakaram Kshamaakaram mudaakaram yashaskaram Manaskaram Namaskritam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram Akimchanaartimaarjanam chiramtanokti Bhaajanam Puraripurva Nandanam Surarigarva Charvanam Prapanchanaasha Bhishanam Dhananjayadi Bhushanam Kapoladaana Vaaranam Bhaje Puraana Vaaranam Nitaatankaanta Dantakaantim Anthakaanthakaatmajam Achintyaroopamantaheenam Antharaaya Krinthanam Hridantare Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginaam Tamekadantameva tam Vichintayaami Santatam

ENGLISH TRANSLATION (not word for word)

I prostrate before Lord Vinayaka who holds modaka in his hand with great joy, who bestows salvation, who wears the moon as a crown on his head, who is the sole leader of those who have no leaders, who destroyed the elephant demon named Gajasura, and who quickly destroys the sins of those who bow down to HIM.

I resort to that Lord continuously who is frightening to those who are not his devotees, who shines like the rising sun, to whom all the Gods and demons bow, who removes the great distress of his his devotees, and who is the Best among the best.

I bow down to the shining Ganapathi who brings happiness to all the worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, who has a big belly, beautiful elephant face, who in Immortal, who gives mercy, forgiveness and hapiness to those who bow to Him, and who bestows ame and a well-disposed mind.

I worship the ancient elephant god who destroys the pains of the poor, who is the abode of "Om", who is the irst son of Lord Shiva (destroyer of the Triple Cities), who destroys t5he pride of the enemies of the Gods, who is frightening to look at during the time of the world's destruction, who is fierce like an elephant in rut, and who wears Dhananjaya and other serpants as his ornaments.

I constantly feflect upon that single-tusked god only, whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful, who is the son of Lord Shiva the god of death, whose form is immortal and unknowable, who tears all obstacles, and who dwells forever in the hearts of the yogis.

Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha Gajamukhavadana Sharanam Ganesha, Gauri-Putra Sharanam Ganesha Vignavinaayaka Sharanam Ganesha, Vinutapradataa Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(1)

Mooshakavaahana Sharanam Ganesha, Muktipradaataa Sharanam Ganesha Siddhivinayaka Sharanam Ganesha, Tatwavibhooshan Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(2)

Paarvateeputra Sharanam Ganesha, Paapasanhaara Sharanam Ganesha Pramaadaganaadipa Sharanam Ganesha, Prathamapoojita Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(3)

Shaktiputra Sharanam Ganesha, Shaastrodara Sharanam Ganesha Mohanaroopa Sharanam Ganesha, Modakahasta Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(4)

Lokapoojita Sharanam Ganesha, Lokasharanya Sharanam Ganesha Bhaktavatsala Sharanam Ganesha, Bhaktulabrovunu Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(5)

Shanmukh Sodar Sharanam Ganesha, Aiyappa Sodar Sharanam Ganesha Aadivinaayaka Sharanam Ganesha, Paramapavitra Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha ...(6)

Ganesha Ganesha Vigna Vinayaka Ganesha Ganesha Vigna Vinayaka Anatha Rakshaka Vinayaka Ashrita Dayaka Vinayaka Ganesha Ganesha Vigna Vinayaka Anatha Rakshaka Vinayaka Ashrita Dayaka Vinayaka Mangala Gouri Shankara Nandana Mangala Gouri Shankara Nandana Kumara Poorvaja Vinayaka Mangala Vigraha Vinayaka Ganesha Ganesha Vigna Vinayaka Anatha Rakshaka Vinayaka Ashrita Dayaka Vinayaka Modaka Priyahe Moshika Vahana Modaka Priyahe Moshika Vahana Shankara Priya Suta Vinayaka Shanmukha Sodara Vinayaka Sri Jaganmatha Bhavani Nandana Maha Ganapate Vinayaka Mangala Vigraha Vinayaka He Shivanandana Vinayaka Ganesha Ganesha Vigna Vinayaka Anatha Rakshaka Vinayaka Ashrita Dayaka Vinayaka Kumara Poorvaja Vinayaka He Shivanandana Vinayaka Gaeye Ganapati Jagvandan

GANESHA SHARANAM Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha Vageesha Sharanam, Sharanam Vageesha, Vageesha Sharanam, Sharanam Vageesha, Sareesha Sharanam, Sharanam Sareesha, Sareesha Sharanam, Sharanam Sareesha

GAJANANA

Gajanana hay Shubhanana Gowri manohara priya nandhana (Gaja)

Pashupathi tanaya gajanana Parama niranjana Shubhanana (Gaja) Mooshika Vaahana gajanana Modaka priya mukha Shubhanana (Gaja)

Maha ganapathe gajavadanam Gowri puthram vinayakam (Gaja) Omkareshwara namostute Jaya vijayeebhava namostute (Gaja)

Vighneswara namo vinayaka Bhakta jana priya gajanana (Gaja) GA-YI-YEH GANAPATHI Ga-yi-yeh Ganapathi Jaga Vandhana Shankara Sumana Bhavani Nandana Siddhi Sadana Gaja Vadana Vinayaka Kripa Sindhu Sundara Sabha Layaka Modaka Priya Muda Mangala Dhata Vidhya Vaa-ridhi Buddhi Vidhata Mangata Thulasi Dasakara Jo Ray Basamhi Ramsiya Manasa Moray

EKA DANTAM VINAYAKAM Eka Dantam Vinayakam Vighna Haram Bhaja Gajananam Ganadhipam Umasutam Gowri Nandana Gajananam (Eka Dantam) Mooshika Vahana Gajananam Modaka Hasta Gajananam Chamara Karna Gajananam Vilambita Sootra Gajananam Dantam) (Eka

Vamana Roopa Gajanana Maheswara Putra Gajanana Vighna Vinayaka Gajanana Pada Namaste Gajanana Tava Pada Namaste Gajanana (Eka Dantam)

GANANATHAM GANANATHAM Gananatham gananatham Eshwara putram gananatham (Gana) Gananatham gananatham Ganapathi bhajare gunanatham (Gana) Gananatham gananatham Bhajare manasa sada nithyam (Gana) Vighna Vinayaka gananatham Siddhi Vinayaka gananatham (Gana) Parvathi puthram gananatham Mukthi pradayaka gananatham (Gana) Mooshika vahana gananatham Modaka hasta gananatham (Gana)

Shiva shiva gaja mukha gananatham Shiva gana vanditha gunanatham (Gana) Buddhi Prakashaka gananatham Siddhi Vidhayaka gananatham (Gana)

Maha ganapathe guru charanam Sharanam Sharanam Shakthi Swaroopa (Gana)

GAUREENANDANA GAJANANA Gaureenandana Gajanana; He! Gaureenandana Gajanana; Girijanandana Niranjana. Parvatinandana Shubanana; Pahi Prabho maam pahi Prasanna, Pahi Prabho maam pahi Prasanna.

GANAPATHI GANAPATHI PALAYAMAM Ganapathi Ganapathi Palayamam Gowri Thanaya Palayamam Gowri Nandana Gajavadanam Ganesha Varadha Mam Pahi Gajamukha Gajamukha Gananatha Ganesha Varadha Mam Pahi Gajanana Om Gajavadhana Gajamukha Varadha Mam Pahi Bhaktajana Priya Gajanana Parvathi Puthra Mam Pahi Pahi Pahi Gajanana Eshwara Putra Mam Pahi

GANESHA GAJAMUKHA SIDDHI VIDHAYAKA Ganesha Gajamukha Siddhi Vidhayaka Kireenthra Nandhina Nandana Nayaka Jini Navaroona Sindhura Shobhana Lumbodhara Danu Jaga Jana Mohana Abhista Daayaka Vighna Vinayaka Pradhaha Smararay Deva Vinayaka

JAYA GANESHA Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha pahi maam; Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Raksha maam. Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Pahi maam; Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Sri Ganesha Raksha maam.

MAHA GANAPATHE NAMOSTUTE Maha Ganapathe Namostute Mathanga Mukha Namostute Girija Nandana Namostute Parvathy Balaka Namostute Omkareshwara Namostute Jaya Vijayibhava Namostute Namostute Namostute

(Maha)

VINAYAKA SHARANAM Veda Vinayaka Sharanam Sharanam Vighna Vinayaka Sharanam Sharananm Nada Vinayaka Sharanam Sharanam Naaga Vinayaka Sharanam Sharananm Bodha Vinayaka Sharanam Sharanam Buddhi Pradayaka Sharanam Sharananm SiddhiVinayaka Sharanam Sharanam Mukti Pradayaka Sharanam Sharananm

History Of Ganesha
Lord Ganesha
One of the most popular Gods in India, lord Ganesh or Ganpati is considered a symbol of wisdom and a bringer of good luck. It is said that his elephant head epitomizes everything related to wisdom small shrewd eyes, long ears that miss nothing, a long nose that can smell out anything and his vehicle, a mouse, reflects how much importance a wise man gives to the smallest of life forms. Shown at gateways and on doors, either by visual or symbols, generally facing the rising sun in the east, Ganesh is revered across India as a great clearer of obstacles. Ganesha or Ganpati is an extremely popular God in India. People mostly worship Him asking for Siddhi, success in undertakings, and Buddhi, intelligence. He is worshipped before any venture is started. He is also the God of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature, and the fine arts. Ganesha is also one of the five Gods the worship of whom was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya; the other four being Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti and Surya. The worship of these five deities is called the Panchaayatana Puja. The trunk should be curved to the left for normal idols. If it is curved to the right, it is called Siddhi Vinayaka and needs special worship. One should be very careful in worshipping such idols. All we need is Him and He will decide what you want. If you have everything and Him, it is fine. If you have nothing besides Him, it is fine too. If you have everything but Him, it is useless.

Another Version of Birth Story

Centuries ago during a war between the Gods and the Demons, Lord Shiva was away for a long time. His wife, Goddess Parvati, afraid of being alone for an extended period used her divine powers and created a son, Ganesh, and gave him the responsibility of protecting the house. When Lord Shiva and his army, returned victorious to his home, Parvati was in her bath, and Ganesh had been strictly instructed not to allow anyone in. Angered by Ganesh's refusal to allow him in to the house, Lord Shiva and his army chopped off the boy's head. When Parvati came out of her bath, she was shocked and grieved to see her son dead. Lord Shiva, to pacify, her proclaimed that the head of Ganesh would be replaced by that of the first creature that came up the hill. As luck would have it the first visitor to the hill was an elephant and his head was promptly cut off and placed on that of Lord Ganesh, and life was restored to the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. To pacify his wife further and compensate for the act of killings own son, Lord Shiva bestowed upon Ganesh the powers of a God and blessed him that henceforth no activity will begin without invoking your name and blessings. Since then, it is said, no new venture - the inauguration of accompany, the opening of a shop, the foundation of a building, entering a new home is deemed complete by Hindus without a Ganesh puja.

Ancient Hindu texts are filled with tales about Lord Ganesh, his powers, wisdom and goodness, one of the most delightful being the one about a contest between him and his brother, Kartikeya. Kartikeya was very proud of his mount, the peacock, and his own speed and efficiency, challenged lord Ganesh to a race around the world 7 times. While Kartikeya made a tour of the world thrice, Ganesh just encircled lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, his parents 7 times, and claimed victory. The story is often related to inculcate in children the importance of God and their parents.

Ashtavinayaka These are the famous Ashta(eight) holy places in Mahrashtra where Ganpati is believed to present in some form.

The famous Ashtavinayakas are:

Ganesha's Victory
Ravana was on his way to Lanka carrying Shiva's Atmalinga in his palms. He came to the west coast. By then it was evening. It was time for Ravana to perform sandhyavandana' (the evening prayers). Ravana was in a fix. Ishwara himself had told him that the Linga should not touch the ground. How was he to perform sandhya- vandana, with the Atmalinga in his hands? There was no one in that deserted place that could help him. He stood there, thinking, 'I must perform sandhyavandana. What shall I do?' Ganesha was following Ravana and was waiting for a chance. He understood Ravana's difficulty. He appeared before him in the guise of a small boy. When Ravana saw him he was as happy as if he had found water in a desert. Ravana called him and said, "Little boy, will you hold this Linga till I perform sandhya- vandana and return?" Ganesha, in the guise of a boy, said, "It appears to be very heavy. Please put it on the ground and go." Ravana said, "No, I cannot do that. It should not be put on the ground. Please keep it in your hands, till I return." The boy said, "Suppose it becomes too heavy for me?" Ravana spoke softly, "I will return quickly, my boy. You are a clever fellow, aren't you? Please hold it in your hands, my good boy." The boy agreed. Ravana gave him the Atmalinga and said, "Don't forget. This should never be put on the ground." And then he went towards the sea to perform sandhya- vandana. Hardly had Ravana started when Ganesha cried out, "Alas, it's too heavy! Too heavy!" Ravana was afraid. But, he could not return without completing sandhyavandana. Therefore, he cried out, "Boy, I shall be back soon. Don't put the Linga on the ground whatever may happen." By the time Ravana was offering holy water to the gods Ganesha cried aloud, "Oh, Ravana, I can no longer bear the weight of this Linga; I shall put it down here." So saying Ganesha put the Linga on the ground and ran away.

Ravana completed sandhya- vandana in haste and ran back in fear. But Shiva's Atmalinga was firm in the earth. No matter how hard he tried, Ravana could not take it out. It was not an easy task to prevent Ravana from getting Shiva's Atmalinga. With his sharp intellect, Ganesha did this difficult task easily.

GANESH CHATURTHI

There was a monster (Rakshasa) called Gajasura. He was all powerful and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He underwent penance for many years to receive special boons from Shiva. Lord Shiva, the god, who is easily pleased by prayers, is deeply moved by Gajasura's devotion. He lesses the monster and offers him a boon. But the devotee is not as innocent as Shiva. He pleads with Shiva to reside in his belly. Left with no option but to grant the boon, Shiva gets into Gajasura's stomach. Meanwhile on Mount Kailash, Parvati - Shiva's wife, becomes anxious not knowing the whereabouts of her husband for a long time. She searches through the whole universe but to no avail. Finally she approaches Lord Vishnu - the preserver of the world. Vishnu assures Parvati to find Shiva out. He disguises himself in the form of a street player along with andi - the sacred bull of Shiva and sets out in search of Shanker (another name for Shiva). They go to Gajasura's kingdom and Nandi performs a dance to please the monster. The monster is delighted to see the bull ancing in his honor and wishes to reward the bull. The bull asks for Shiva as a reward. Hearing this, the monster realises that the entertainer is none but Lord Vishnu himself. He also realises that Shiva cannot be made to live in his stomach forever because he has his role to play in the world.

He lets Shiva out of his stomach. But he prays to him, that he be made immortal in the memories of people. To fulfill this wish, Shiva severs Gajasura's head and frees him from the cycle of birth and death. He carries the head along with him. On Mount Kailash, in the Himalayas, Parvati comes to know of Vishnu's victory and is very happy. She makes arrangements to receive her Lord and goes to bedeck herself. She wants somebody to stand guard. So she creates a doll out of the dough that she uses in her bath. She calls him Vinayak - the one who puts off all obstacles. This boy having never seen Shiva, prevents his entry into the palace. In a fit of fury Shiva beheads the boy and enters the palace. Parvati is unaware of the happenings and receives Shiva with warmth, for he had returned after a long period. During the course of their conversation, Shiva mentions the incident at the palace gates and tells her about severing the child's head. Parvati is shocked to hear the news and pleads with Shiva to bring the child back to life for he is like a son to her. Shiva who has with him the head of Gajasura, immediately puts it on the torso of the dead child. Thus the child comes back to life. That day is Bhadrapad Chaturthi. Shiva blesses him with a boon that the entire world would worship him on that day and also would propitiate him before any auspicious event. At the same time, all the Gods approach Shiva and request for a leader. Shiva and Parvati have a son called Kumarswami or Kartik. To select the best one of them as a leader of all the Gods, Shiva conducts a test between the two. He says that whoever makes three rounds of the earth sooner than the other, will be made the Ganaadhipati. Kumarswami seated on a peacock, his vahanam (vehicle), starts off for the test. Vinayak is given a rat which moves swiftly. Vinayak realises that the test is not so easy but he cannot disobey his father. He reverently pays obeisance to his parents and goes around them three times and completes the test before Kumarswami. He says, " my parents pervade the whole universe and going around them, is more than going round the earth." Everybody is pleasantly surprised to hear Vinayak's logic and intelligence. Meanwhile, Kartik is amazed to see Ganesh completing the holy bath at each river that he reached at and ready for another round of the universe. When he comes back to Kailas, Shiva had already declared Vinayak as the winner. He is blessed as the Supreme God of the universe. After this, Vinayak is called as Ganaadhish, Ganapati and Ganesh. All the gods worship him.

Names in India
Ganesha is known not by one name or two, but by many names, Each name has an explanation. Because of his elephant face he is called Gajanana ('Gaja' meaning elephant);

As the leader of Shiva's Gana he is known as Gananayaka; Ganesh As he is Leader of Shiva's Attendants, Ganapathi As he is Leader of Shiva's Attendants, Pillaiyar As The Noble Child, BenakaOne with a Long Nose , Gajamukha One with an Elephant's Face, Vakratunda One with a twisted trunk, Lambodara One with a large belly, Surpakarna One with the pointed ears, Vamanarupa One who is short in Stature, He bestows boons on his devotees and so is Varasiddhi Vinayaka, He is Vidya Ganapati because he grants knowledge and wisdom; He is called Gowriputra because he was born by the grace of Parvati, Ekadanta because he has only one tusk, and Vighneshwara because he is the Lord of all obstacles - so he has many names.

Names in Abroad
Vinayaksha or Kobo Daishi or Sho-Ten In Japan, Kwanshidiyik or Kuan-Shit'ien or Ho-TeiIn china , Brahganesh or Prah-Kenes Cambodia Totkar or khaghan Mangolia, Tchoprak or Ts'ogs-Bdag Tibet, Maha-Pienne Burma, Heramba Nepal, Mahabini Borneo. The belief that, Ganapati loves his devotees immensely is the reason for his worship everywhere.

Ganeshaa Purana
Ganesha, also called Ganapati, is the god of wisdom, prudence, and salvation. Ga means "knowledge", na means "salvation", and isa and pati mean "lord". Ganesha is also said to mean 'lord of the ganas', Shiva's multitude of attendants. In south India, Ganesha is worshipped as Pillaiyar. Ganesha is represented as a short, pot-bellied man with an elephant's head with one tusk, four arms, and yellow skin. In mythology, the elephant symbolises devotion, patience and truth. His corpulent figure conveys prosperity as represented by the laddoos he is always shown with. In his hands, he holds a conch shell (Shankha), a discus, a club, and a lotus . Ganesha rides on a mouse, signifying the unity of the small with the big.

He is also the most widely worshipped deity. All ceremonies, religious or secular, begin with an invocation to Ganesha. His image is printed on cards sent out for any happy occasion, like for the announcement of birth in the family or a wedding. Usually before beginning any religious writing, he is invoked with words 'Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha', literally meaning "Ganesha, I pray to you". Most people, from student to shopkeeper, begin work by invoking Ganesha, however briefly. According to the Shiva Purana, Ganesha was born of the scurf from Parvati's body. Once, when Shiva was away, Parvati wanted someone to guard the door while she bathed.

From the scurf of her body, she moulded a boy and gave him life. She told him to attend the door and not allow anyone to enter. Shiva returned, and when he tried to enter, was stopped by Ganesha. An argument arose, and enraged, Shiva cut off Ganesha's head and entered. When Parvati discovered that Shiva had entered by beheading her son, she was inconsolable. Repentant, Shiva ordered that the head of the first living being that was found should be brought to him. This happened to be the head of an elephant calf. He placed this on Ganesha's body and restored him to life. A legend explains why Ganesha is worshipped before any other deity or prior to any important event. It happened that Shiva asked Kartikeya and Ganesha to circle the world and return. Kartikeya hurried off on his peacock, but Ganesha walked around Shiva and Parvati. He explained that for him, his parents constituted the world. Pleased, Shiva granted him a boon, saying that before undertaking any important task, people would pray to Ganesha. According to the Narasimha Purana, if he is not worshipped at the beginning of a ceremony, he creates obstacles for the performers. Therefore, no matter what the occasion or ceremony be, Ganesha is worshipped before all other deities. For this reason, he is called Vighneshwara, the remover of all obstacles. Ganesha's mouse, by gnawing its way through everything, is said to symbolise the god's ability to destroy all obstacles. Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata to Veda Vyasa's dictation. When the sage asked Ganesha to write down the epic, the learned god agreed on condition that his pen should not stop moving until the story was completed. Vyasa agreed but said that Ganesha should write only if he completely understood what was dictated. So whenever Ganesha stopped to consider Vyasa's complicated compositions, the sage would use the time to compose more verses. Ganesha is also known as Ekdanta, or the one with one tooth, because one of his tusks is broken. The reason for this, according to the Padma Purana, is that one-day when Shiva was sleeping, Parashurama came to visit him. However, Ganesha would not allow Parashurama in, for his father's sleep would be disturbed. When Parashurama insisted he be permitted entry, a fight broke out. In the course of their struggle, Parashurama threw his axe at Ganesha. This axe had been given to him by Shiva. Recognising the axe and out of reverence for his father, Ganesha refused to intercept the weapon. He bowed and took its impact on one of his tusks, which broke. The Puranas say that the fourth day of the month, known as Chaturthi, is specially Ganesha auspicious for Ganesha worship. It is believed that Ganesha was born on the chaturthi of Bhadra. However every chaturthi is considered auspicious and Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival in India, especially in Maharashtra.

Significance of Ganesha's form

Ganesha's elephantine head and human body are explained as follows in the Mudgala Purana: Ganesha's human body representing 'tvam', His elephantine countenance representing 'tat' and their joining together signifies the nondifference of 'tvam' (You) and 'tat' (Brahman). Thus, the body of Ganesha is the visible representation of the highest reality, Brahman, realised from 'tat tvam asi'.

Another explanation has it that Ganesha's head signifies Atman the Highest Reality, while the body below the neck represents mAyA, the principle of phenomenal existence. The Atman's involvement with the world is characterised by the assumption of mind and speech. Ganesha's ears, which appear like large winnowing baskets, have a philosophical significance too. Just as one uses a winnowing basket to separate grains from dirt, one must use discrimination (viveka) to separate the real (Brahman) from the unreal (mAyA) in life. Here the grains stand for Brahman and the dirt signifies mAyA. Or, Ganesha's ears indicate that such discrimination between Brahman and mAyA is to be gained by taking recourse to SravaNa or hearing. Listening to the scriptures from a Guru will lead to proper discrimination and Brahman realisation.

Ganesha Legends
Perhaps the most popular story regarding Ganesha's origin is the one derived from the Shiva Purana. Mother Parvati once wanted to take a bath and created a boy from the dirt of Her own body, asking him to stand as a guard outside while She bathed. In the meantime Lord Shiva returned home to find a stranger at His door, preventing Him from entering. In anger, Shiva cut off the boy's head, upon which Parvati was stricken with great grief. In order to console Her, Shiva sent out His troops (gaNa) to fetch the head of anyone found sleeping with his head pointing to the north. They found an elephant sleeping thus and brought back its head. Shiva then attached the elephantine head to the body of the boy and revived him. He named the boy Ganapati or commander of His troops, and granted Him a boon that anyone would have to worship Him (Ganesha) before beginning any undertaking. The Brahma vaivarta Purana narrates a different story regarding the origin of Ganapati. Shiva instructed Parvati, who wanted to have a son, to observe the puNyaka vrata for a year to propitiate Vishnu. O Beautiful Goddess! Perform the worship of Hari by observing the punyaka vrata for a year. The Lord of Gopikas, the Lord of all creatures, Krishna Himself will be born as your son, as a result of the vrata. On completion of the vrata by Parvati, it was announced that Krishna would incarnate Himself as Her son in every kalpa. Accordingly, Krishna was born as a charming infant, delighting Parvati who celebrated the event with great enthusiasm. All the Gods arrived to have a look at the baby. But Shani, the son of Surya, did not look at him and stared at the ground instead. Upon Parvati's questioning regarding his behaviour, Shani said that his look would harm the baby. Parvati, however, insisted that he should look at the baby. In deference to Her wish Shani cast his eyes on the baby. Due to his malevolent glance, the baby's head was severed and flew to Goloka, the abode of Krishna. Parvati and all the Gods assembled there, including Shiva, were grief-stricken.

Thereupon, Vishnu mounted Garuda and rushed to the banks of the Pushpa-bhadra river and brought back the head of a young elephant. The head of the elephant was joined with the headless body of Parvati's son, reviving him. All the Gods blessed Ganesha and wished Him power and prosperity. Vishnu blessed Ganesha thus: O Excellent God! O dear one! May Your pUjA be performed before that of any other God. May You be situated in all venerable beings and may You be the best among Yogis. This is My boon to You. Shiva made Ganesha the leader of his troops (gaNa), and also gave Him the following boon: All obstacles, whatever they may be, will be rooted out by worshipping Ganesha, even as diseases are cured by the worship of Surya and purity results when Vishnu is worshiped. Excerpted from an article by Anand Hudli (ahudli@silver.ucs.indiana.edu).

The Syamantaka jewel

It is said that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely charged with theft or a similar crime. If someone inadvertently sees the moon on this night, he/she may remedy the situation by listening to (or reciting) the story of the syamantaka jewel. This story may be found in the Puranas such as the Bhagavata and the Vishnu. Briefly, Satrajit, who secured a jewel syamantaka from Surya, did not part with it even when Krishna the Lord of Dvaraka, asked for it saying it would be safe with Him. Prasena, the brother of Satrajit went out hunting wearing the jewel but was killed by a lion. Jambavan of Ramayana fame killed the lion and gave it to his son to play with. When Prasena did not return, Satrajit falsely accused Krishna of killing Prasena for the sake of the jewel. Krishna, in order to remove the stain on His reputation, set out in search of the jewel and found it in Jambavan's cave, with his child. Jambavan attacked Krishna thinking Him to be an intruder who had come to take away the jewel. They fought each other for 28 days, when Jambavan, his whole body terribly weakened from the hammering of Krishna's fists, finally recognised Him as Rama. I now know You. You are the life in all creatures, virility, grit and strength. You are Vishnu, the Primeval Lord, All-prevailing, the Supreme Lord (of the worlds). (Bhagavata 10.56.26) He Who built a bridge (across the ocean) that is a standing monument to His fame, set Lanka ablaze, and with His arrows severed the heads of Rakshasas, which fell to the ground. As repentance for his having fought Krishna, Jambavan gave Krishna the jewel and also his daughter Jambavati in marriage. Krishna returned to Dvaraka with Jambavati and the jewel, and returned it Satrajit, who in turn repented for his false accusation. He promptly offered to give Krishna the jewel and his daughter Satyabhama in marriage. Krishna accepted Satyabhama as His wife but did not accept the jewel.

In the event one is not even able to listen to or read the story, the following mantra may be recited holding some water in the palm of the right hand. The water is then to be sipped. A lion killed Prasena; the lion was killed by Jambavan. Don't cry, O dear child! This syamantaka jewel is yours. Excerpted from an article by Anand Hudli (ahudli@silver.ucs.indiana.edu).

Story of Agasthyar - Cauvery

During the wedding of Siva with Parvathi in the Mount Kailas, the entire population, Devas and Rishis had gathered & hence the Northern land dipped down, unable to bear the weight. Lord Siva asked Sage Agasthiar to go to the Podhigai ranges in the Southern land in order to balance the weight. (Agasthiar was very short in stature but his might was so great). Agasthiar was sad that he could not stay & witness the Lord's wedding. Siva granted that he would still be able to see the wedding from the South. From within his matted locks, he took river Cauvery & filled it in Agasthiar's kamandalam, bidding Cauvery to flow wherever Agasthiar pointed. Agasthiar reached the south & travelled to various Siva Sthalams. Surapaduman was an asura, who had immense power. Indra had run away in fear from his Indralogam, reached Sirgazhi in the southern regios of India & prayed to Lord Siva. He created a beautiful garden & worshipped Lord Siva with the flowers from his garden. But soon, Lord Varuna in fear of Surapaduman did not shower rains & Indran's garden & in fact the whole land suffered from lack of water. Sage Narada, told Indran of the river Cauvery that Lord Siva had once filled in Agasthiar's kamandalam. Indran prayed to Lord Ganesha for his help. Ganesha took the form of a crow & sat on Agasthiar's kamandalam & toppled it. Agasthiar lifted his hands to shoo off the crow. River Cauvery, took it as a signal for her & began to flow. The crow took the form of a small boy. Agasthiar started chasing the boy trying to strike him on his head with his knuckles. Ganesha took his original form. Agasthiar was saddened that he had tried to strike Lord Ganesha. He started

striking his forehead with his knuckles. Ganesha stopped him & granted that everybody who worshipped him in this manner would be blessed with wisdom.

Ganesha's Weapons
The Weapons
There are four magic weapons in the four hands of Ganesha. As with all numbers, there are connections and correspondances which can be made between all sets of 4 (eg. the 4 Vedas, the 4 mobile elements (spirit, the fifth, is represented by the immobile head), the 4 sacred meters, the four kinds of being etc.). The four weapons carried by Ganesha can be broken down into two pairs.

The Noose and Goad

These two images are frequently found together in the rupas of many devas (gods) and devis (goddesses). The goad is an elephant goad, used to produce movement from inertia. Like the Self, the elephant seems too large to control, but the goad makes this movement possible. Obviously, the elephant goad has specific associations with the symbolism of the elephant. The word Natha means "master", and the initiate of the Adinath tradition aims to be an adept or master of her or himself.

The god Indra has as his vehicle the king elephant Airavata, who represents ultimate force. Indra's goad is therefore a symbol of his mastery of the universe. Ganesh combines the form of human and elephant - he is his own power.

Vara and Abhaya Mudra

and These are respectively the mudras (or hand-gestures) denoting the granting of boons and the dispelling of fear. In Hindu mythology there are three types of cosmic or supernatural being who have identical magical powers. The vara mudra shows that Ganesha may grant boons to the human being. Traditionally, the role of granting boons is the prerogative of Prajapati, the all-father or creator-god, who is identified with Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in different myths (as well as Ganesha his Upanishad).

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