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Ganapathi
“Who is Ganapathi? He is the Adhipathi (master) of all ganas five
senses, five elements and five life sheaths. Human body consists of five
sheaths - Annamaya (food sheath), Pranamaya (life sheath), Manomaya
(mind sheath), Vijnanamaya (wisdom sheath) and Anandamaya (bliss
sheath). Man progresses only up to Manomaya. He is unable to go up to
the sheaths of wisdom and bliss. One has to take refuge in God in order
to reach the state of bliss.
The Elephant is known for its intelligence. Ganapathi is depicted as
having an elephant's head, a testament to his intelligence. Ganapathi is
also known as Vinayaka, meaning one without a Nayaka (master). He is the
master of Siddhi and Buddhi. So, one has to pray to Vinayaka in order to
acquire Siddhi and Buddhi. You have to make proper use of your
intelligence in order to earn the grace of Vinayaka. Shun bad company.
Seek good company. Only then will your life be redeemed.
Ganesha Chaturthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesha on Bhadrapada Shukla
Chaturti, the day is specially sacred to Lord Ganesha. The worship of
Ganesha continues till Ananta Chaturdasi (Bhadrapada Shukla 14th). The
festivities continue for total of ten days after which elaborately
decorated idols of Ganapathi (made of clay), is carried in big
processions and immersed in a sea, a river or a well.
Ganesha is the God who protects his devotees from any vigna or obstacle,
and hence the name Vigneshwara. He is also known as Ganapati, the head
of the Ganas. He is the God of Knowledge and is invoked at the beginning
of any religious function, be it a marriage, the teaching of alphabets
to a child or the festival in a temple. It is believed that for the
fulfillment of one's desires, his blessing is absolutely necessary.
Lord Vinayaka is the supreme reality, who is bountiful, eternal and the
endower of joy and glory to those who worship Him. He is pure
consciousness and liberates the past karmas of devotees. He is extolled
as one Who brings well-being to the entire Universe, destroying all evil
forces and manisfesting the different divinities.
Ganapathi, www.mypandit.com”
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