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MIRUGAM · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject: LORD VINAYAGA

How Vinayagar got his Elephant Head

The story of Sri Vinayagar, the god with an Elephant head, goes like this:

Legends say that Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, created him out of the sandalwood dough that she used for her bath. Parvathi modeled the sandalwood dough into a boy, called him her son and breathed life into him. She assigned him the task of standing guard at the door while she went to have her bath. However, while Parvati was taking her bath, Lord Shiva returned. On discovering that the boy guarding the door to his house would not let him enter, he flew into a rage and severed the head of the boy. When Parvathi broke down in utter grief, Shiva realized that he had beheaded his own son. In order to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad to fetch the head of any sleeping being that was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored him to life and made him the leader of his troops. Hence, the name 'Ganapathi'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture. That is why he is called the First god of Hindus and all Hindu temples have an idol of Sri Vinayagar in the front. A devout Hindu has to pray him before entering the temple.

Vinayagar is beheld today as the most auspicious God of new beginnings. He is worshipped during every festival and before people undertake journeys or embark upon new ventures. You will also see him carefully guarding entrances to temples and homes, peeping out of calendars and happily gracing marriages and other such occasions.

The Significance of Vinayagar worship

What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity? The elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant�s foot is larger than that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest jungle. These signify the qualities of a leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is highly intelligent. The elephant is also known for its fidelity and gratitude. An elephant will not forget its master under any circumstances. Even in its last moments, if an elephant hears the voice of its master, it will open its eyes and look for him. It will sacrifice its life for its master. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be grateful to those who have helped him.

There are some inner secrets that should be noted in the worship of Vinayagar. Hindus make modakam as an offering to Vinayagar. These sweetmeats are made entirely by using steam instead of heat from a burning stove. Rice flour, jaggery and dhal are combined and rolled into balls, which are steamed. According to Ayurvedic practice, modakam, are accorded a high place for their curative properties. The jaggery (or raw sugar) used is a remedy for various ailments. It also helps to improve the vision. The inner meaning is that such offerings to Vinayagar have health giving properties. It is noticeable that food items cooked in steam are easy to digest.

The Vinayagar Principle symbolizes health, bliss, peace, wisdom, prosperity and many other things. There is a special way to worship Sri Vinayagar. One has to hold his ears with crossed arms, kneel three times and followed by patting the cheek three times. The meaning of doing is to apologise to almighty and forgive for all the sins and mistakes one has commited. Finally, lying prostrate in front of the sanctum, followed by sitting in silence for a minute, completes the prayer.

A common prayer to Ganapati beseeches him thus:

Vakrathunda Mahaakaaya
Sooryakoti Samaprabhaa
Nirvighnam Kurumedeva
Sarvakaaryeshu Sarvadaa

(You have the twisted trunk and the massive body
With the dazzle and light of millions of suns
Lead me on a path that has neither obstacles nor hindrances
Clearing the way in all that I do, ever, and always)

It is said that by reciting Vinayagar Stotras, mantras and Thevaram songs we create energy, which activates divine faculties in our consciousness. This helps remove obstacles that hamper our material and spiritual progress. What is required is patience and perseverance. Also, when we concentrate on Vinayagar and sing His praises, we awaken the divine potential in us. Reciting the following mantra is said to bring auspiciousness:

Aum Sri Ganesaya Namah
Aum Sri Ganesaya Namah
Aum Sri Maha Ganapathiyae Namah
Aum Sri Gam Ganapathiyae Namah.

Vinayagar is usually said to have 32 different forms. Among the important forms are: Bala Ganapati, Taruna Ganapati, Bhakti Ganapati, Vigheswara, Veera Ganapati, Sakti Ganapati, Dvaja Ganapati, Siddhi Vinayagar, Uchista Ganapati, Ekatanta Ganapati, Shristi Vinayagar, Thundi Vinayagar, Yoga Vinayagar, Vighnaraja, Kshipra Ganapati, Heramba Ganapathi.