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 Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi starts from 15th Sept and lasts for 11 days in 2007.
A common Sanskrit word to denote elephant is GAJA. Here Gajanan means elephant faced - a name for Ganapati. But the word Gaja has a deeper connotation. GA indicates gati, the final goal towards which the entire creation is moving, whether knowingly or unknowingly. JA stands for janma, birth or origin. Hence GAJA signifies GOD from whom world have come out towards whom they are progressing, to be ultimately dissolved in Him. The elephant head is thus purely symbolical. We observe creation in its two fold manifestation as the microcosm [sukshmanda] and the macrocosm [brahmanda]. Each is a replica of the other. They are one in two and two in one. The elephant head stands for the macrocosm [representing vastness or bigness], and the human body for the microcosm. The two form one unit. Since the macrocosm is the goal of the microcosm, the elephant part has been given great prominence by making it a head. The Chandogya Upanishad has pronounced a philosophical truth as TAT-TVAM-ASI, THAT-THOU-ART. It simply means "You, the apparently limited individual, are in essence, the cosmic Truth, the Absolute". The elephant human form of Ganpati is the iconographical representation of this great Vedantic dictum. The elephant stands for the cosmic whereas the human stands for the individual. The single image reflects their identity. He is called the destroyer of obstacles - 'Vighna Vinayaka'. The one who gives happiness and joy - 'Sukha Kartha'. The absorber of sorrow and misfortune - 'Dukha Hartha'. He makes wishes come true - 'Siddhi Vinayaka'. By ancient tradition, the elephant-headed God, Ganesha is always worshipped first and foremost in every ritual or festival. He likes sweet items and milk; hence we can offer them to win his attention. Common belief is that Ganesha is most deity-friendly. He is happy with simple offerings of coconut or three "Kuttu" [gently tapping of both temples with folded fists] or just a prayer with a pure heart. Recite this mantra to clear your path from bad luck and fill it with good fortune, before you start any new project to ensure success and prosperity. Recite it every morning before you begin your day. The power of this mantra will ensure smooth sailing of life even in the most turbulent of times. Ohm Eka danta ye Vidma he, Vakra tundaye Dhi-Mahi Tan No Buddhih Prachodayat Article Sent By : Samir Shah (India)
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