Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrating the Birthday of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha - God of Wisdom

II  Shri Ganesha Shloka  II 
II  श्री गणेश शलोक II

vakratu.nDa mahaakaaya koTisuuryasamaprabha |
nirvighnaM kuru me deva sarvakaaryeshhu sarvadaa ||

---

II Meaning of  Shree Ganesha Shloka II
O God Ganesha [large bodied with a large belly], radiant as millions of Suns, Please, remove obstacles in all of my tasks, all the time

---

Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom, prosperity and auspiciousness. 

Ganesh Chaturthi 2011 date is September 1, Thursday. Ganesha is today worshipped around the world and the Elephant-faced Hindu god is one of the most popular deities associated with Hinduism. Like symbol ‘Om’, Ganesha is slowly becoming the face of Hindu religion. The Ganapati Festival ends with the immersion [Visarjan] of the idol on Ananta Chaturdasi day - September 11, 2011.

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada [August - Septembe].

Ganesha with Lord Shiva and
GoddessParvati

Ganesha is the remover of obstacle - Vighneshwara or Vignaraja – and is always invoked when Hindus are beginning a new enterprise. It is believed that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of clay and breathed life into him. Letting him stand guard at the door, Goddess Parvati went to have her bath. When her husband, Lord Shiva returned, the child who had never seen him stopped him. Ganesha did not allow Shiva to enter and finally an enraged Shiva severed the head of the child. Goddess Parvati returned to find her son dead and was distraught and asked Shiva to revive him. Shiva cut off the head of an elephant and fixed it on the body of Ganesha and giving birth to elephant-headed Ganesha. 

The Elephant-Headed Ganesha

There is also a story behind the symbolic snake, rat and the singular tusk. During one of his birthdays, His mother, Parvati, cooked for him twenty-one types of delicious food and a lot of sweet porridge. Ganesha ate so much that even his big belly could not contain it. Mounting his little mouse, he embarked on his nightly rounds. His mouse suddenly stumbled upon seeing a huge snake. To adjust His belly, Ganesha put the snake on as a belt around his stomach. All of a sudden, he heard laughter emanating form the sky.

Lord Gansha Riding His
Vehicle-Mouse

Lord Ganesha with  the Broken Tusk

He looked up and saw the moon mocking him. Ganesha infuriated, broke off one of his tusks and hurled it at the moon. Parvati, seeing this, immediately cursed the moon that whoever looks at it on Ganesh Chaturthi will be accused of a wrong doing. The symbology behind the mouse and snake and Ganesha's big belly and its relationship to the moon on his birthday is highly philosophic. The whole cosmos is known to be the belly of Ganesha. Parvati is the primordial energy. The seven realms above, seven realms below and seven oceans, are inside the cosmic belly of Ganesha, held together by the cosmic energy [kundalini] symbolized as a huge snake which Ganesha ties around Him. The mouse is nothing but our ego. Ganesha, using the mouse as a vehicle, exemplifies the need to control our ego. One who has controlled the ego has Ganesha consciousness or God-consciousness.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most colorful and widely celebrated festivals in India. Large number of people observe Ganesha Chaturthi poojas at home. Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day is usually performed at noon.  

For some Delicious Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi, you may visit my Recipe Corner by clicking the Links below:  


http://lrsrecipecorner.blogspot.com/2011/08/festival-recipes-ganesh-chaturthi.html

http://vaangasamaykalaam.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-post.html

The priest, usually clad in red silk dhoti and shawl, then symbolically invokes life into the statue by chanting manras. This ritual is the Pranapratishhtha. After this the ritual called as Shhodashopachara [16 ways of paying tribute] follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas, 21 durva [trefoil] blades of grass and red flowers are offered. The statue is anointed with red unguent, typically made of kumkum and Sandalwood paste . Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.

The number 21 signifies - the five organs of perception, five organs of action, five vital airs [pranas], five elements, and the mind. One must perform the puja with a clean body and clean mind. What is more important is devotion not the ritual. 

Lord Ganesh's favorite sweet is the Modakam [Kozhukattais]. These are like sweet steamed rice [flour] dumplings. It is customary to make these during this festival. They are very delicate and tender, in a shape of Modakam. In the north,  many Pedhas too are shaped like this and sold at this time in many Indian sweet stores. It does take practice to make this delicate dessert. The inside is filled with a coconut and jaggery filling. 

The Myth Behind Lord Ganesha

The primary problem of human beings is that we cannot forsee things that Lord Ganesha, the elephant-head Gods' speciality, is that he can foresee, both seen and unseen obstacles.

Large-Bellied God - Lord Ganesha

It is a known fact that the elephant is an animal that can process unra-sound[sound below 20 cycles per second].  This range is outside of the normal audible spectrum of humans.  The elephant and some other animals too are capable of this detection You will find that this was evident during the Tsunami of 2004, it was recorded that most animals in the coastal regions headed for the hills in advance of the wave, as they could seen the unseen.

The form of Lord Ganesha is depicted as an elephant with Big ears to symbolize that.  His prominent ears also denote that He listens to every single prayer of his devotees.

Mytho-historically, Lord Ganesha, although large-bellied and slow like an elephant, is known for His inelligence,  grasping situations in lightening speed and succeed with minimal effort.  A fine example of this is seen wherein Narada mischeviously testing the two sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi [Ganesh and Muruga].  

Narada with the Gift of Omnipotence-The Mango

Narada had produced a Mango, infused with powers of "Omnipotence or Unlimited Power".  

A contest was decided upon to determine who of Lord Ganesha and Muruga should receive the gift of "Omnipotence".  Narada approached the Divine Supreme family in their Abode in Kailash and said the Mango was a gift which should go to only one person.  It was decided that the brothers would race round the Universe and whoever came back first, would be the recipient of the Gift of Omnipotence.  While Lord Muruga, perched on His peacock went round the Universe with great strength and speed,  Lord Ganesha had only His little mouse, He instantly grasped the full reality of the situation and stood up and walked round His parents, Shiva and Parvati. Then Lord Ganesha bowed before them and requested the price.  Lord Muruga, who had just in that time, circled the Universe, returned to see Ganesha completing His bow.  

Ganesha Requesting the Mango from
His Parents

"What do you mean by requesting the Mango?", Lord Shiva asked of Ganesha.  Ganesha responded with a smile, " Is it not true that my Parents are the Universe itself?  Within Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati exists all that was and ever will be".  

The parents could not deny Ganesha and He was gifted he Divine Mango, infused with Omnipotence.

This mythology demonstrates the power embodied in Lord Ganesha.  Lord Ganesha can bless you with intellligence and the ability to be strategic.

The Fearless -Lord Ganesha

Ganesha is known to have braved even to fight His own father Lord Shiva  He is fearless.  The prime emotion that leads to all types of confusions, conflicts and failure is fear and Lord Ganesha removes Fear.  

Lord Ganesha balances the Muladhara Chakra which represents both extremes of the fear factor.  He stimulates intelligence, enhances your problem solving skills, stabilizes your emotions, removes obstacles and guides you to the path of success.  

Muladhara represents the Element Earth, therefore Clay Ganesha.  Statues and idols are made in clay and then rituals are performed to absorb your Karma into the statues.  They are then put into the sea where they dissolve.  This is a very powerful tantric ritual designed by the ancient scientists and Yogis.  

Since Lord Ganesh is the incarnation of the collective qualities inevitable to make a human being happy and successful, He is always ready to give it to anyone who asks Him for it.  

Dancing Lord Ganesha

It is a known fact that Lord Ganesha gives His blessings equally to both - intellectuals and the not so intellectual ones.  

A Mantra for Ganesha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h2rFVPCSPE&feature=player_embedded

" Om GAM  Ganapataye Namaha"

Lord Ganesha - The "OM" Symbol

When you are in "GAM"...you are in connection with ultra-sound and everything happens effortlessly.  You get the capacity to do things without much effort.  Ganesha is an Effortless God .  When His brother Muruga mounted the Peacock and went round the world in the Mango competition, Ganesha won effortlessly with Wisdom. 

Any offering done on Ganesha Chaturthi eliminates problems either foreseen or unforeseen.  The Fourth Moon possesses special powers to remove stubborn Karmic effects in many areas in our life.  The nauture of the Fourh Moon is that of "destroying" , so Lord Ganesha utilises this day to intelligently desroy all obstacles that come our way.  

The Moon is the ruler of the Mind, and the Moon is not efficient enough on the Fourth Moon; so one should perform actions that will strengthen the positive mind and intelligence. Since all obstacles are created by the wrong mind, it is best that we all turn our mind to Lord Ganesha on His Birthday.

Lord Ganesha - The  "Sankata Harana"
and "Vighna Nivarana" God

He is known to one and all as "Vighna Nivarana" or "Remover of Hurdles" and  "Sankata Harana" or "Remover of Sorrows".  

Lord Ganesha, the Chief God for Knowledge and Wisdom, rules over the Planet Ketu, which is known as the first Planet, and also known to be the most powerful Planet among the Nine Planets. Ketu governs Wisdom or "Jnana".  

Wisdom no doubt comes after proper understanding of your experiences, and not simply with the accumulation of knowledge.  Errors in the course of action could be wasted by dwelling on them, but Wisdom is learning the lesson in the mistake.  Ketu gives you this Wisdom and helps you to work through your Karmas intelligently.  

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathy Swamigal, the former Sankaracharya of Kanchi Mutt has cited " that Ganesha re-invents Himself and comes down as a new incarnation in every Yuga according to the thought patterns of the humans that prevail during that particular epoch.  In this Kali Yuga, it is he "Naramuga Ganesha" who is the most powerful, because He is the Ganesha for this Age!  

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

The Ganesh Chatruthi Celebrations
and Procession

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Started by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak [freedom fighter] to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith. This public festival formed the background for political leaders who delivered speeches to inspire people against the Western rule. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance.  

Lok manya Tilak-
The Freedom Fighter

Tilak also sought to have all the immersions take place on the tenth and final day. Since then this festival just like the many other Indian festivals that are celebrated with pomp and show, is an extraordinary testimony to the public place of religion in Indian life.

Artists giving the Final Touches
to Ganesha Idols

Artists in the making of Ganesha Idols

Ganesha statues are installed in street corners and in homes, and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers. Pujas are performed daily. The artists who make the idols of Ganesha compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The relevantly larger ones are anything from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum-beats, devotional songs and dancing.

"Visarjan" - Immersion in the Sea on
Ananta Chaturdasi Day

Chanting - "Ganapati Bappa Morya"

The Ganapati Festival ends with the immersion [Visarjan] of the idol on Ananta Chaturdasi day. Here is the Video of this grand finale to the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=xudHgZB8noA&vq=small#t=182  

It is still forbidden to look at the moon on that day as the moon had laughed at Ganesha when he fell from his vehicle, the rat. With the immersion of the idol amidst the chanting of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" [Hail Lord Ganesh]. The festival ends with pleas to Ganesha to return the next year with chants of.......

"Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya"- meaning, "Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year".

" HAPPY GANESH CHATURTHI"

GANESH CHATURTHI SIGNIFICANCE AND CELEBRATION

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated widely all over India, in community centers, residences as well as in temples. My website features three ancient temples from Tamilnadu - The Rockfort Temple at Tiruchirappalli, the Karpaka Vinayakar Temple at Pillaiyarpatti near Karaikkudi and the Sweta Vinayakar Temple at Tiruvalanchuzhi near Kumbhakonam. All of the above temples are at least a thousand years old. While the Rockfort temple stands on a hill accessed through a flight of steps, the second is a rock cut shrine and the third has several ornamental pillars lining its halls, in a large temple complex. All these temples have a festive look during the Chaturthi celebrations.

Here are some Links to Ganesh Chaturthi Significance and Celebrations:

• Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
• Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations - Maharashtra - Origins

**************

Vidyaarthee Lapthey Vidyaam; Dhanaarthee Lapathey Dhanam; Puthraarthee Lapathey Puthraan; Mokshaarthee Lapathey Gathim

(Meaning)

One who aspires wisdom attains it One who aspires wealth attains it One who aspires a son attains him and One who aspires moksha attains it.

*******************

With this small Ganesha Slokam, I close this Chapter on Ganesh Temples/Sthalams. My next posts (Chapter) will be on "Skanda Temples/Sthalams - also known as Murugan, Kartikeya, Subramanya ".

MALLIYUR SHRI MAHA GANAPATHY TEMPLE

It is one of the beautiful and the oldest temples. In this temple, Lord Ganesha [Vinayakar] is in sitting position, with Little Lord Krishna on his left lap. Lord Ganesha is keeping his trunk in such a position as if he is cradling Little Lord Krishna.

On the Ganesh [Vinayaka] Chathurthi day, special alankaras [decorations] , special poojas, Gaja pooja, Ashta Dravya Maha Yagam [Yagna / Havan] Musical concerts etc. are being held, every year.On this day, the lakhs of devotees visit this temple.

In order to ward off the hurdles in the marriage processes, worshipping Lord Ganesha with garland containing 28 nos. of plantain fruits [Kadhali pasham] on Tuesday / Friday [for one week] is a special event in this temple. This worship [Vazhipadu] is so popular that we may be required to book for it well advance [ it seems that the waiting list for this pooja is running beyond three [3] years, as of date].

During the period of Makara Vilakku [i.e. from November to January] annual Ganesha Sangeetha Utsav [festival] takes place every year. In this festival season, popular musicians take part actively and dedicate their concert to Lord Ganesha.

Every one considers that worshipping Shri Vaishnava Ganapathy is a big blessing to them. Like Ganesh [Vinayaka] Chathurthi festival, Shri Krishna Jayanthi festival is also being celebrated in this temple, every year, in a grand style. Many devotees strongly believe that if they prepare Paal Payaasam [Milk Kheer] for 12 [twelve] Thursdays and present it as Naivedhyam [Prasadam] to Shri Vaishnava Ganapathy, then, they are able to get themselves free from disceases, achieve success in their efforts, to facilitate hurdle-free marriages, to get blessed with a child etc.

Devotees may perform Udhaya [early morning] and Ashthamana [evening] poojas with fruits garlands and special poojas to achieve what they wish to have in their lifetime.

[Ernakulam in Kerala State is well connected by air, rail and road from major Metro cities]

Located in between:- ERNAKULAM – KOTTAYAM rail route Nearest Railway station:- KURUPPANTHRA

SIDDHATEK SIDDHI VINAYAK - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

Siddhi Vinayak in Siddhatek in Maharashtra commemorates the legend of Vishnu invoking Ganesha, during his battle with the demons.

The Siddhi Vinayak temple at Siddhatek is located at a distance of about 200 km east of Pune. Siddhatekcha Shri Siddhi Vinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

Legend has it Mahavishnu who was engaged in a serious battle against the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, was dismayed by his inability to bring the battle to a quick and decisive finish. Shiva advised him to propitate Ganesha. Upon doing so, Ganesha appeared on the battlefield, and his appearance strengthened Mahavishnu's resolve and abilities and enabled him to vanquish the demons with ease. Ganesha's appearance on the battlefield is marked by the Siddhivinayak shrine at Siddhatek, said to be capable of granting Siddhi. Mahavishnu is worshipped as the destroyer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha at Tiruvallur near Chennai in Tamilnadu, and as the restorer of the Vedas from the same demons, at Indalur in Mayiladuturai near Thanjavur again in Tamilnadu, both these temples being over 1200 years old.

The Temple: The Siddhatek Siddhivinayak temple is a hill temple, built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who is also credited with rebuilding the Vishnu Pada temple at Gaya, the Vishwanath temple at Benares and several other temples. Ganesha is enshrined in a seated posture with his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi.

MAHAD - VARADVINAYAK - ASHTA VINAYAK ( GANESH TEMPLE)

Mahad in Maharashtra enshrines Varadvinayak associated with the legend of Rukmangada, Indra and the Bhadravana forest.

The Varadvinayak temple at Mahad is located on the highway linking Mumbai and Pune. Mahadcha Varadvinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

Legend has it that a rishi by name Vachaknavi was visited by a ruler by name Rukmangada, and during the visit the rishipatni Mukundaa expressed her attraction to the king. The king turned her down leaving her seething in anger. In the meanwhile, Indra, the king of the Devas came down to the earth in the disguise of Rukmangada and accepted her amorous moves. An illegitimate son Grutshmadha was born out of their union. The son, learning of the story of his birth was grief stricken, and prayed to Ganesha in Bhadrakavana for absolvement of the sins of everyone concerned. His prayers were granted by Varadavinayak of Bhadrakavana (now Mahad).

The Temple: Varadavinayak is portrayed, seated on an east facing throne. Stone images of his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi are also seen in the temple. A lamp in this temple is said to have been glowing uninterrupted for over a hundred years.

CHINTAAMANI VINAYAKA - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

Chintamani Vinayak in Maharashtra is associated with the legend of the Chintamani gem and Kapila Muni.

The Chintamani Vinayak temple at Thevoor is located in the vicinity of Pune. Thevoorcha Shri Chintaamani is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

The legend surrounding this temple centers around the Chintaamani gem. Sage Kapila was in possession of a gem by name Chintaamani which was capable of granting one's desires. He was visited by a young prince (son of Gunavati and Abhijita) by name Guna. The sage invoked the powers of the gem and created a sumptuous meal for the prince. The prince enamored by the power of the gem, stole it from the sage. A hurt Kapila Muni prayed to Vinayaka for help. Vinayaka restored the gem from the prince, however the sage refused to accept it, and began to rever Vinayaka as Chintaamani Vinayaka.

Legend has it that Kapila Muni had received this gem from Shiva after worshipping him at Talaiaalankaadu near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. It is believed that he had walked on his head to reach the shrine and hence the tamil name Talaiaalankaadu (talai - head).

The Temple: An east facing image of Ganesha, is enshrined in this temple which has interesting features such as gold inlays. This temple is closely associated with the Maratha ruler Madhavrao Peshwa.

PALI BALLALESHWAR - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

Ballal Vinayak at Pali in Maharashtra is associated with the legend of a young lad Ballal's devotion to Ganapati.

The Ballaleshwar Vinayak temple at Pali is located at a distance of about 160 km from Pune. Palicha Shri Ballaleshwara is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

Legend has it that a in the days of yore, a merchant by name Kalyan had a pious young son by name Ballal, who was a fervent devotee of Vinayaka. Under his influence, Ballal's peers, resorted to worship and prayer, much to the chagrin of their fathers, who lodged a complaint against the lad Ballal with his father Kalyan. The enraged merchant beat up the boy and locked him up. The lad resorted to prayer again; legend has it that his prayers were rewarded as Ganapati appeared in front of him, relieved him of his distress and took up abode permanently at Pali with the name Ballal Vinayak.

The Temple: An east facing image of Ganesha flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi is enshrined in this majestic fort like temple temple. The sun's rays fall on the image of Ganesha during Dakshinayana (July - December).

RANJANGAON - MAHAGANAPATI - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

Ranjangaon is a village located at a distance of about 50 km from Pune, enroute to Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and it houses a shrine to Mahaganapati. Ranjangaoncha Mahaganapati is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

Legend has it that a demon by name Tripurasura built three powerful citadels (the evil Tripuram forts); with a boon of invincibility granted to him by Shiva he caused suffering to all beings in the heavens and on earth. Upon hearing the fervent appeals of the Gods, Shiva intervened, and realized that he could not defeat the demon. It was upon hearing Narada Muni's advice that Shiva saluted Ganesha and then shot a single arrow that pierced through the citadels, bringing an end to the demon. Shiva, the slayer of the Tripura citadels is enshrined at Bhimashankaram nearby. A variation of this legend is commonly known in South India. Ganesha is said to have caused the axle in Shiva's chariot to break, as the latter headed to battle the demon without saluting Ganesha before he set out. Upon realizing his act of omission, Shiva saluted his son Ganesha, and then proceded victoriously to a short battle against the powerful demon. ( It is to be mentioned here that Acharapakkam - an ancient temple in Tamilnadu glorified by the 1st millennium tamil hymns enshrining Shiva, is associated with this legend, as well as Tiruvirkolam and Tiruvatikai - both over 1200 years old, associated with the legend of Tripurasamhaaram). (The tamil lines of 15th century saint poet Arunagirinathar: 'Muppuram eri seida, Acchivan urai ratham, acchadu podi seida athi deera' where he describes Ganesha as the valiant hero, who caused the axle of Shiva's chariot to crumble to dust, as Shiva headed out to destroy Tripurasura, narrate this legend.)

The Temple: Mahaganapati is portrayed, seated on a lotus, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Ridhi. The temple dates back to the period of Peshwa Madhav Rao.

Festivals: As with all other Vinayak temples, Ganesha Chaturti is celebrated in great splendor here.

LENYADRI GIRIJAATMAJA - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

The Girijaatmaja Vinayak temple at Lenayadri is located at Lekhan hills, at a distance of about 160 km from Pune enroute to Nasik. Lenayadricha Girijaatmaja is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak, shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

The legend surrounding Ganesha's birth speaks of Parvati creating a young lad from the dirt of her body, who later on came to be worshipped by one and all. Parvati desired to see this lad as an infant, and to achieve this objective resorted to meditation. Her desire was granted and Ganesha is said to have reincarnated himself as an infant and lived in the Lenayadri hills for 12 years. Several legends are associated with his life here.

The Temple: An irregularly carved image is the object of worship here. This stone temple, and is located on a hill accessed through a flight of 238 steps.

MOREGAON - MAYURESHWAR - ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

Moregaon is a village located at a distance of about 50 km from Pune, enroute to Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and it houses a shrine to Mayureshwar Vinayak.

Moregaon Mayureshwar is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak, shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

The name Moresh or Moregaon arises from the fact that this region once abounded in peacocks. The name Mayureshwar also arises from the legend that Vinayak rode a peacock mount in a battle against evil demons.

Legend has it that a demon by name caused untold hardship to the inhabitants of the Universe, and that responding to the pleas of the Gods, Ganapati came down to the earth on a peacock mount, waged a battle against Sindhu and vanquished him. The peacock rider Ganapati assumed the name Mayureshwar or Moresh. The original image of Ganesha made of precious metal was installed by the creator Bhrahma. The Pandava princes are said to have installed a copper image, when they visited Moregaon in the course of their pilgrimage.

The Temple: An east facing image of Ganesha flanked by brass images of his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi is enshrined in this temple. Ganesha is depicted armed with a spear, while a cobra encircles his head. Interestingly, the peacock mount, the cobra and the spear (Vel) are all considered to be attributes of Kartikeya (his brother). The temple is a well visited one, fortified with lofty walls.

Festivals: As with all other Vinayak temples, Ganesha Chaturti is celebrated in great splendor here. Vijaya Dasami is celebrated commemorating Ganesha's victory against the demons.

ASHTA VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLES)

The Ashta Vinayak shrines: The State of Maharashtra holds Ganapati in great reverence. 8 of these shrines around Pune are collectively referred to as the Ashta Vinayak temples.

Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated with an extra measure of grandeur in the state of Maharashtra. The Siddhi Vinayak temple in Mumbai is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees throughout the year.

Also in Maharashtra are eight temples dedicated to Ganesha, related to various episodes from the puranas and other legends - and these deities are collectively known as Ashta Vinayak.

• Moregaon enshrines Ganapati as Mayureshwar (Moresh) or the peacock rider, who slew the demon Sindhu in response to pleas from the Gods.
• Mahaganapati at Ranjangaon is believed to have come to the aid of Shiva in destroying the citadels of the demon Tripurasura.
• Mahad enrhsines Varadvinayak (the bestower of boons), in commemoration of a legend related to Rukmangada.
• Chintamani Vinayak relates to the legend of Kapila Muni and the Chintamani gem that he had obtained from Shiva.
• Girijaatmaja Vinayaka is enshrined on Lenyadri Parvat, and is believed to be a manifestation of Ganapati as an infant.
• Vigneshwara at Ozar is regarded as the slayer of the demon Vignaasura.
• Ballal Vinayak at Pali, is associated with a legend where Ganapati is said to have come to the aid of a young lad, who was a fervent devotee of Ganapati.
• Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek is said to have come to the aid of Mahavishnu as he was engaged in a long battle with the demons Madhu and Kaitabha.

SIDDHI VINAYAK (GANESH TEMPLE)

The Siddhi Vinayak temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai is a well visited one attracting thousands all through the year.

The Temple: The known history of the temple dates back to early nineteenth century. This temple has been renovated thoroughly in the late 1900s in order to accomodate the needs of the surging crowds of devotees that throng the temple during festive occasions. The sanctum here houses a small mandapam enshrining Siddhi Vinayak. The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of Ashta Vinayak.

Siddhi Vinayak: Most icons of Ganapati depict the elephant faced God with his trunk curled towards his left. Siddhi Vinayak in Mumbai, Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek in Maharashtra as well as Karpaka Vinayakar at Pillayarpatti in Tamilnadu are depicted with a trunk pointing to the right (Valampuri). Ganapati here is depicted with four arms bearing a lotus, an axe, modakas and a garland of beads, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi.

Festivals: Hundreds of thousands of devotees throng the temple, especially during Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturti days, when there is a continuous stream of visitors for as long as a 24 hour period.

UCHHI PILLAYAR KOIL (GANESH TEMPLE)

The Uchhi Pillayar temple situated on top of a hill is the most prominent landmark in the city of Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu. The entire Rockfort (Malaikkottai in Tami) temple complex carved into the hill here features three temples. The Manikka Vinayakar Temple is situated at the bottom of the hill, the famed Uchchi Pillaiyaar temple is on top of the hill. The hill temple gives a commanding view of the city of Tiruchirappalli, which is surrounded by sprawling temple complexes such as Srirangam and Tiruvanaikkaval (Jambukeswaram).

The Taayumaanavar (Maatrubhuteswara) temple, venerated by the hymns of the Tevaram Saints (7th - 9th century) is also at an elevation and is considered to be an engineering marvel.

Legends: An interesting legend surrounds the Uchchi Pillaiyaar Temple. Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, was returning home to Sri Lanka after having witnessed the coronation of Rama at Ayodhya, carrying with him, an image of Ranganatha (Vishnu) which Rama had given him for worship, with the caveat that the image would get stuck to the earth if placed it on the ground.

Vibhishana it is said, was proceding Southward with great care, when for inevitable reasons had to take a break on the banks of the Kaveri where he was affronted by Ganapati in the guise of a young lad, who promised to care for the image, allowing him to perform his morning rituals. The lad however dropped the image on the ground much to the chagrin of the enraged Vibhishana and the image took root in the Southern soil of India, and is now believed to be the venerated image of Ranganatha in the famed Sree Rangam Temple near Tiruchirappalli, while the image of Ganapati who caused the origin of the Ranganatha shrine at Sri Rangam is worshipped at the Uchchi Pillaiyaar temple.

Legends similar to this, surrounding Ganapati are associated with the Gokarna temple in Karnataka and with other temples such as the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple at Deogarh in Bihar where it is believed that Ganapati caused the installation of Shiva Lingams in a manner similar to the legend described above.

GANESH TEMPLE OF THIRUVALANCHUZHII

The Tiruvalanchuzhii Shiva temple near Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu is known more popularly for its shrine to Sweta Vinayakar, said to be made of the foam of the milky ocean (Ksheera Sagaram).

Description: This Shivastalam in the vicinity of Swamimalai (Skandastalam - Aaru Padai Veedu) near Kumbhakonam is a vast temple in a state of neglect, and is known more for the shrine to Valanchuzhi Vinayakar or Sweta Vinayakar. Tiruvalanchuzhi is considered to be the 25th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

Sweta Vinayakar (Vellai Vinayakar or Nuraippillaiyaar): A white colored image of Ganapati - Sweta Vinayakar is the center of worship here. Legend has it that the Gods (the Devas) fashioned this image out of the foam that was generated when the milky ocean (Ksheera Samudram) was churned by them, in their quest for the celestial nectar Amritam. Indra the King of Devas is said to have had this image in his possession after gaining immortality through Amritam, and during his penance at Swamimalai, set the image down at Tiruvalanchuzhi, after which it became rooted to the spot. The Vinayakar shrine is encountered soon after entering the temple complex. The intricate stone windows and the delicately carved granite pillars in this shrine are of great merit. A ten day festival is celebrated here, during the time of Vinayaka Chaturthi.

Legends: This shrine is associated with Heranda Munivar as is another shrine in the vicinity Kottaiyur. Durvasa muni is said to have carried out a yagnam here, and the Devas who attended it are said to have established several Siva Lingams here. It is believed that Kaveri went back into the ground, and when Heranda Muni went after it to retrieve it, it came back to the surface in this shrine, and made a complete circle to the right, hence the name Valanchuzhi.

The Temple: This temple occupies an area of about 8 acres, has a huge tower decorating its entrance. There are shrines to Brihannayaki (Periyanayaki), Subramanyar, Dakshinamurthy, Herandamuni, Aarumugar and others. There are several interesting sculptural features in this vast temple, now in a state of neglect. Images of celestial nymphs display enormous amounts of detail. Inscriptions reveal that Raja Raja Cholan had made several endowments here. There are inscriptions here from the period of Parantaka Chola I. There are as many as 5 mandapams with intricately carved pillars and stucco images. Murals from the Nayaka period, now in a state of disrepair are also seen here; these images depict the dance of Shiva during the Pradosha worship. The sculptural work in the Valanchuzhi Vinayakar shrine here are of great merit. Mentioned must be made of the lavishly decorated pillars and the niche deities.Ambal's shrine is located to the right of Shiva's shrine here.

Festivals: Vinayaka Chaturthi, and a festival on the 6th day of the bright half of Margazhi (Sagitarius) are celebrated here. This temple is managed as a sub temple of the famed Swaminathar Temple (Subramanya) nearby. Festivities surround this temple in the Tamil month of Pankuni, when an image of Subramanya is taken in procession from Swamimalai to Tiruvalanchuzhi, when episodes from Vallikalyanam (in which Ganapati the elder brother of Skanda is said to have come to his aid, while the latter attempted to gain Valli's hand in marriage).

Travel Base: Thanjavur

LORD GANESHA

Among the many deities worshipped by the Hindus, Lord Ganesha has in some ways a pride of place. It is not that he is considered to be superior to the great Lords Shiva and Vishnu or the Goddesses but he has a special place in the affection of the people and no worship of any kind or any other deity can begin without an initial worship to Ganesha, among whose many names is Vighneshwara, remover of obstacles.

Ganesha in other forms was known as early as 1200B.C. and was apparently worshipped by several sects in different parts of the country. However, images of this deity are only rarely and infrequently seen in arts and sculpture till the 4th century A.D.

Hindu culture based on the multifaceted Hindu religion has quietly spread beyond the geographical boundaries of India. This Hindu cultural impact is evident from the popularity of Ganapatya in many lands. Ganesha icons and images were seen and found in many lands from the beginning of the first millenium:

• AFGHANISTAN: Two images of Ganesha have been found in this Century, (a) One in Gardez(belonging to the 6th CenturyA.D. (b) another at Sakar Dhar near Kabul (4th Century A.D.)
• BALI OF JAVA: Saivism made its first appearance in Java around 4th Century A.D. The oldest image of Ganesha has been found in Dieng Pateu.
• BORNEO: Images of Ganesha discovered date back to 5th Century A.D.
• CAMBODIA ( Kampuchia): Temple of Ganesha exists even now.
• CAMPA(South Annan, Vietnam) _ a four-armed standing Ganesha has been discovered at the temple site of Mison (5th Century A.D.)
• CHINA: Ganesha pictures have been discovered on wooden panels and frecoes in Khotan in West China.
• MALAYSIA: Archeologists have found the relieg of Ganesha image, belonging to the 7th CenturyA.D.
• MANGOLIA: Images of Nritya Ganapathi has been found.
• IRAN: Plaque containing an elephant-headed figure was discovered in the excavations carried out in Western Iran dating back between 1200 and 1000 B.C.
• MEXICO: Images of Ganesha have been found in many places along with the images of other Hindu Gods.
• NEPAL: Ganesha Temple at Zimpi Tandu (800 A.D.) is quite famous.
• PERU: Aztecs of Central Mexico, Incas of Peru and Mayas of Yucatan worshipped Indra and Ganesha.
• SUMATRA: In Gungve Batu, a temple with Ganesha images has been found.
• THAILAND: Archeological discoveries at Prah Pattom and Pong Tak include a bronze image of Ganapathi (6th Century A.D.)
• PAKISTAN: Harappan site has an elephant-headed composite image. Luristan plate has an elephant-headed composite image that holds a quill in one hand while a snake slithers at his feet.
• INDIA: In an Amaravati copying, there is a pot-bellied elephant-headed figure below a long garland held by ganas.

My next post will be on Ganapathi Temples / Sthalams......