Bhagavan Ganesh is that aspect of God that removes all difficulties or problems, overcomes all challenges of life and brings success and fulfilment to all undertakings. He signifies the power of ‘vivek’ or discriminative power.
This form of divinity is closely associated with the daily life of His devotee and no auspicious activity can be undertaken without invoking His name. He is the first of the Panch-devta, the five prime Hindu deities. He is worshipped before any of them. Almost every religious activity is initiated with chants of Om Shri Ganeshaaya Namah or Om Gam Ganapatayay Namah. New beginnings are heralded with the name of Bhagavan Ganesh. Although the bestowal of the title of Prathameshwar (first of the deities) has its origin in scriptural stories, its significance is much more than mere allegory.
From a mythological standpoint, Parvati’s son’s head was decapitated and replaced with that of an elephant, and on her request, a boon was granted by Bhagavan Shiva that her son Ganesh would be worshipped first among all deities. Since then, every worship begins with invocation to Shri Ganesh. His blessings are sought for the removal of obstacles, challenges and other difficulties and for the bestowal of ‘vivek’, which ultimately leads to success.
Additionally, within the subtle body of man are located centres of bio-energy or ‘chakras’ that are associated with the multiple physiological functions of man. They are strategically placed power houses, generating and storing energy. When activated, these chakras revitalise the entire body, facilitating the free flow of energy throughout the physical and subtle bodies. With re-energisation, there flows an increase in vitality, dynamism, rhythm, creativity and self-awareness while optimum development is also achieved.
The first of these energy centres, Muladhaar Chakra, located at the base of the spine, supports the other chakras and is the meeting point of the three main channels of bio-energy that criss-cross the entire body. The presiding deity of Muladhaar Chakra is Bhagavan Ganesh, according to the Shri Ganapataye Atharvasheersha.
By the worship of Bhagavan Ganesh first, this chakra is activated which causes the arousal of Kundalini Shakti, a body of energy lying dormant within Muladhaar. Such activation causes the flow of energy through the channels and to all parts of the body resulting in a connectedness with the earth. The individual becomes more grounded as he acquires enhanced stability, balance and harmony within himself , his world and fellowman. He develops increased confidence, creativity, magnetism and discriminative power to carry out his tasks positively and successfully.
The worship of Bhagavan Ganesh yields ‘vivek’ or discriminative power, the first of four qualifications necessary for liberation. The other qualifications are: ‘mumukshutva’ or relentless pursuit of the Lord, ‘vairaagya’ or dispassion and ‘shat sampat’ or the six forms of wealth, which are tranquillity, serenity, endurance, faith, renunciation and control of the senses.
The worship of Bhagavan Ganesh commences the journey towards success, spiritual elevation and liberation. As the Hindu world observes the auspicious eleven-day period of Ganesh Utsov, which begins with Ganesh Jayanti on September 8, it is hoped all may be blessed with ‘vivek’ so as to continue the journey ahead.
