Ganapathi:saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba On Lord Ganesh and His Principle

GANAPATHI:
SAYING BY BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA

SAI BABA ON LORD GANESH AND HIS
PRINCIPLE
Compiled by
TUMULURU KRISHNA MURTY
Tumuluru Krishna Murty

Ansuya
C-66 Durgabai Deshmukh Colony
Hyderabad - 500 007
Mobile: +91 9391087255
e-mail: mrtumuluruk@gmail.com
Typeset and formatted: Desaraju Sri Sai Lakshmi
With your elephant's trunk

And single tusk, and benign looks,
With the tingling of your anklets,
And your prodigious belly,
Looking like a dwarf,
But capable of bestowing all knowledge,
Oh Son of Parvathi!
Hail! Lord of the Ganas.
-Baba
Table of Contents
Who is Ganapathi? ................................................................................................... 9
The presence of three gunas in the cosmos .......................................................... 13
Combined power of Prakrithi, Maya and Avidya ............................................ 14
Prayer to Vinaayaka gets rid of delusion ......................................................... 15
What is the meaning of Ganapathi? ..................................................................... 17
Meaning of the name 'Ganapathi' ........................................................................ 17
Ganapathi Is the Master of Ganas And Sadgunas ............................................... 17
Ganapathi is the lord of intellect and wisdom ..................................................... 19
In all human beings, humanness is present equally ......................................... 20
How Vinaayaka got Gajaasura's head ................................................................. 21
Why Eswara is known as 'Bhola Shankara' ..................................................... 22
The reason for endowing the deity with an elephants head ................................ 24
What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity?........ 26
The Significance of Ganesha ................................................................................. 28
Harmony in the Lord's family ............................................................................... 33
Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society ................................................... 34
No bird or beast is to be despised ........................................................................ 35
Significance of Vinaayaka Worship and Vinaayaka Chaturthi ......................... 37
Primacy of Vinaayaka .......................................................................................... 37
We must think of God every moment of our lives ................................................. 42
Worshipped by Animals ....................................................................................... 43
Nature of food offered to Vinaayaka .................................................................... 45
Food Offerings ..................................................................................................... 45

Vinaayaka Principle ............................................................................................... 50
The sound OM arouses energising vibrations ...................................................... 50
Ganesha is OM personified. ............................................................................. 51
The lessons of sacrifice that Vinaayaka taught .................................................... 52
Lord of all learning .............................................................................................. 52
Vidhya is total awareness of Life ..................................................................... 53
Elephant Head and Mooshika .............................................................................. 55
Symbolism of the Mouse ................................................................................. 56
Lessons that Ganesha teaches men ...................................................................... 57
All Are Sparks of the Divine ........................................................................... 59
Cultivate Purity of Heart ...................................................................................... 59
Consider Every Moment as Divine ....................................................................... 61
Conduct Yourself In Accordance With Gods Wish.............................................. 62
Vinaayaka Is the First Worshipped ...................................................................... 64
Vinaayaka Is the Master of Sacred Qualities ....................................................... 65
The Individual Must Identify Himself With Society .............................................. 67
Control of the Mind Is True Spiritual Practice .................................................... 68
Vinaayaka Principle Is All-pervasive ................................................................... 69
Inner Meaning of Immersion of Vinaayaka Idol .............................................. 70
Vinaayaka is the Master of the Universe ......................................................... 70
Vinaayaka and Pranayama .............................................................................. 72
Index ........................................................................................................................ 75
Bibliography ............................................................................................................ 77
Who is Ganapathi?
Vinaayaka or Ganesha or Ganapathi or Vighneshwara---all indicate the
elephant-God, who is popular among young and old, and who is
worshipped as the very first deity, before regularly beginning any
ceremony or samskar, any yaga or yajna, any vow or fast or pilgrimage.
He is the Lord of the Ganas or Divine Forces, inside and outside the
human body; He is the Lord, who masters and overwhelms vighna
(obstacle), however imminent or eminent.
This is the natural effect of the fact that Ganapathi is the God of
Intelligence, Vidhya or Buddhi (learning or intellect). Ganapathi is a
God revered in Tantric (ritualistic) lore, and also, by various Vedic
mantras. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
Ganapathi is one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with
supreme intelligence. These two are termed as Siddhi and Buddhi
respectively. Siddhi and Buddhi are described as his two consorts. (SSS
Vol.28)
This is very wrong. They are two manifestations of Divine Power or
Shakti that Ganapathi has. When Buddhi supports and guides. Siddhi
(realization, success) is won. Those two are like two wings. They carry
out His will. They place obstacles before bad activities and
removeobstacles from the path for good activities. Worship Vinaayaka
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Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh
(leader); you acquire Buddhi (pure, clear intellect) and Siddhi and Mukti
(liberation).
Ganapathi is known not only as Vinaayaka, He is worshipped as
Vighneshwara the Lord who subdues obstacles. He is the image of His
parents SIVA SAKTHI, having the power and characteristics of both.
This body has millions of cells and each cell has in it the Divine. God is
Rasa, Delight and sweetness. Every limb and every cell is controlled
and regulated by Buddhi Vinaayaka, worship directed to Vinaayaka
renders the relish of every cell active and satisfying.
The Ganesh festival is observed for the acquisition of Buddhi and
Siddhi - Intelligence and Power. Intelligence is the basis for all
knowledge. Students must strive to acquire, purify and develop it; not
only students, but everyone, always; and students, even after they finish
the years in college. In the Gita, Krishna says that He is the Buddhi,
which men seek and share, when He allowed Arjuna to experience the
cosmic aspect of god. Vinaayaka is the embodiment of Buddhi, the
Buddhi that makes us aware of the truth, which is beyond the reach of
the senses. (NNSG Vol.8, pp. 63-65)
As He is the Adhipathi (master) of Siddhi and Buddhi, he is regarded as
their husband in mundane terms. Vinaayaka has no desire and hence
there is no need for Him to have wife and children.
In everyday parlance, Ganapathi is described as the son of Parvathi.
Parvathi represents Prakrithi (Nature). Man is a child of Nature. Hence
every human being is a Vinaayaka. He is a spark of the Divine ShivaShakti, the union of the Lord and Nature. Everything in the world has
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Who is Ganapathi?
emanated from Prakrithi (Nature). All things are aspects of Nature. It is

to reveal this sacred truth that holy festivals are observed. (SSS Vol.28)
The adoration of Parvathi and Ganapathi is not of recent origin.
Ganapathi is lauded at several places in the Rig Veda. This clearly
shows that Ganapathi is as ancient as the Vedas. (SSS Vol.30)
The worship of Vinaayaka has been in existence from times
immemorial in Bharat. The Rig Veda, the Naarayanopanishath and the
Thaitheeriya Upanishath have passages referring to Vinaayaka.
Adoration of Vinaayaka as Prathama Vandhana (First deity to be
saluted) has been mentioned in the Vedas. It is embedded also in a
Gayathri mantra.
Thathpurushaaya Vidmahe
Vakrathundaaya dheemahi
Thanno Danthih Prachodayaath
This mantra indicates that Vinaayakas divinity is glorified in this
Gayathri mantra. He is one who instils purity in body, and fearlessness
in the mind. "Thanno Dhanthih Prachodayaath," gives importance to
his tusk. Hence, Ganapathi signifies an all-pervading divine potency.
The very sight of Vinaayakas figure gives joy to many. The form itself
is extraordinary. He has a big belly, beautiful tusk, penetrating eyes,
handsome ears all these are harmoniously balances to produce an
attractive form. (SSS Vol.31)
The name of our nation, Bharat, is derived from that of Saraswati, the
goddess of all knowledge and wisdom. Some people wrongly attribute
the name Bharat as one derived from the name of Bharatha, the brother
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of Rama. This is not so. Among the names mentioned in the hymns in
praise of Saraswati is Bharati. With reference to music, the word
Bharati is significant. Good music has to combine bhava (feeling,
represented by the letter bha), raga (tune, ra), and thala (rhythm, thi).
The feeling, tune, and rhythm have to be combined to produce good
music.
Every music concert begins with a song in adoration of Ganapathi, like
Vaathaapi Ganapathim Bhaje! This shows that by worshipping
Ganapathi, profiency in any sphere is achieved. Ganapathi is not only
the lord of various activities but is the presiding deity for all auspicious
functions. He can make even inauspicious occasions auspicious. He is
always engaged in conferring boons on all. He is the river of prosperity
and intelligence. With the grace of Ganapathi, any desire can be
realised. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 243-244)
He is the master of suraloka (heaven). Ganapathi has no master above
him. Being the master of all, he teaches the qualities of leadership.
Ganapathi is being worshipped and extolled since Vedic times. The
Vedas and the Upanishads contain hymns in praise of Ganapathi.
He is also called Lambodhara, which means Guardian of Wealth-Lakshmi Swarupa. Here Lakshmi represents all wealth and prosperity
and not only Dhanam (money) for which there is a separate deity called
Dhanalakshmi, one of the eight Lakshmis. Here wealth means Sukha
and Ananda (pleasure and bliss). What is the use of having all other
things when one has no pleasure or bliss?
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Who is Ganapathi?
The presence of three gunas in the cosmos

Prakrithi (the phenomenal world) is what is directly apparent to man
and which deludes him. It is an aggregation of objects. In its natural
state, every object is mutable. Such impermanent objects are incapable
of giving enduring Ananda (bliss). The object which gives you pleasure
is transient. The individual who experiences that pleasure is also
impermanent. How can an impermanent being derive lasting bliss from
a perishable object?
It is, therefore, necessary at the outset to forget the impermanent so that
one may be qualified to experience the eternal and unchanging Reality.
The entire cosmos is a manifestation of the three gunas: Satwa, Rajas
and Tamas. They have been identified with the three colours: white, red
and black. It is impossible for man to conceive of a world without these
three qualities. It is not possible to find in Nature a situation in which
these three qualities are present in equal measure. When the Satwic
quality is predominant, the Rajasic and Tamasic qualities are quiescent.
When the Rajasic quality is dominant, the other two are subdued. When
the Tamasic quality is dominant, Satwa and Rajas are subdued. It is
seldom that all the three qualities are equally balanced and in harmony
with each other.
Likewise in the human body, these three qualities are present in every
limb. It will be clear that these three qualities are manifest in the
physical universe, in the human body and in the human mind. The
Srutis (sacred texts) have also declared that the universe is made up of
these three qualities.
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With reference to man, there is the view that there are three states:
Prakrithi, Avidya and Maya. In course of time, the term Prakrithi was
applied to man's body. In some parts of the country, people are in the
habit of referring to individuals as Prakrithi. In North Canara, people
say: "My Prakrithi is not well," when they want to convey that their
body is not well. Prakrithi refers to that which is subject to all kinds of
Vikriti (distortions and changes). This Prakrithi is the basis of all
creation.
The second term is Avidya. Avidya means that which is the opposite of
knowledge. Avidya makes one treat what is unreal as real and what is
real as unreal and thereby deludes him and makes him pursue sensual
pleasures. This Avidya follows Prakrithi in the world as a shadow.
Because of this Avidya, man is unable to recognise his true nature.
Avidya is the cause of man's inability to comprehend his true form. As
long as Avidya remains, man can never be free from troubles.
Combined power of Prakrithi, Maya and Avidya

The third term is Maya. Maya is delusion which makes one imagine the
presence of that which is not present. As long as this state of brahma
(delusion) remains, it is impossible to comprehend the Brahman (the
Omni-Self).
What is delusion? Here, for instance, is a rope. But in the twilight of
dust, one mistakes it for a snake. When lamp is brought, it is found that
there is only the rope. The snake was never there and the rope was
always there. Only momentary delusion caused the appearance of a
snake and the absence of the rope. This is called Maya. It makes one
imagine the presence of what is not there and not perceive what is really
there. To believe in the existence of that which is non-existent of that
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Who is Ganapathi?
which is the real truth is the effect of Maya. It is the combined power of
these three - Prakrithi, Avidya and Maya which accounts for man
forgetting his true nature.
Man often imagines that he has accomplished many things. Presuming
that all that he achieves are entirely due to his own efforts and abilities,
he deludes himself and forges his own bonds. He forgets the truth that
there is higher power which is driving force for action as well as the
author of the results thereof. This is the primary nature of brahma
(delusion).
Prayer to Vinaayaka gets rid of delusion

To get rid of this delusion and enable man to comprehend his inherent
divine nature, the ancient sages taught a prayer. This prayer is the one
that is addressed to Vinaayaka.
Suklaam baradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam|
Prasanna vadanam Dhyaayet sarva vighnopa saantayeh ||1||
Who is Vinaayaka? In the sloka beginning with the words Suklaam
baradharam Vishnum, only one form of the deity is described. But
there is another inner meaning for the name of Vinaayaka. Suklaam
baradharam means one who is clad in white. Vishnum means, He is
all pervading. Shashivarnam means His complexion is grey like that
of ash. Chaturbhujam means, He has four arms.
Prasanna vadanam means He has always a pleasing mien. sarva
vighnopa saantayeh means for the removal of all obstacles,
Dhyaayet, meditate (on Him). Vinaayaka is the deity who removes
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all bad qualities, instils good qualities and confers peace on the devotee
who meditates on Him.
This is how the theistic believers interpret this prayer. The atheists have
made a parody of it by construing the prayer as a description of a
donkey, which carried white clothes on its back, is ash-grey in colour,
wanders everywhere, has four legs, and has a bland look. (SSS Vol.24,
pp. 270-272)
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What is the meaning of

Ganapathi?
Meaning of the name 'Ganapathi'
What is the meaning of the name Ganapathi? Where are the' Ganas?
What is their form? When you investigate this, you find that the
Jnanedhriyas and Karmendhriyas (five organs of perception and the
five organs of action) are the Ganas. The mind is the master over these
ten organs. Buddhi (intellect) is the discriminating faculty above the
mind. The ten senses, the mind and the intellect together constitute the
Ganas.
Ganapathi Is the Master of Ganas And Sadgunas

Man should adhere to truth and righteousness, as these two never desert
him under any circumstances; they follow him in all the births and in all
the worlds. These two principles have been the mainstay of ancient
culture of Bharat. The Vedas, Upanishads and the Puranas emphasise
these principles: Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak the truth and
practise righteousness). By ignoring these twin principles, man
undergoes all sorts of sufferings and miseries and in the process forgets
his very divine nature. It is impossible to experience divinity without
cultivating human values. Having been born as a human being, mans
foremost duty is to cultivate human values.
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Otherwise, his life will become meaningless. What is the purpose of

human life? Is it only to eat, sleep and indulge in pleasures like birds
and beasts? No. Man is born to set an ideal to the rest of the world.
Uddharetatmanatmanam (one should work for ones own
emancipation), says the Gita. Man should redeem his life and also help
his fellow-human-beings to work for their redemption. This is the
spiritual knowledge that Ganapathi imparts.
The name Ganapathi has many inner meanings. Ganapathi is the master
of the all the ganas (gods) and sadgunas (virtues). Ga stands for
buddhi (intellect) and Na for vijnana (wisdom). So, Ganapathi is the
master of buddhi and vijnana. He is the master of suraloka (heaven).
Ganapathi has no master above him. Being the master of all, he teaches
the qualities of leadership. Ganapathi is being worshipped and extolled
since Vedic times. The Vedas and the Upanishads contain hymns in
praise of Ganapathi. So, Ganapathi-worship is not of recent origin; it
originated in the hoary past. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 202-203)
As Vighneshwara is the Lord of the intellect and Wisdom, He is called
Ganapathi, the Lord of the intellect and the higher knowledge. The
question may be asked: "Are the intellect and the higher knowledge
present in the external world or are they to be found within man?" The
answer is that He is present within each human being. There is no need
to seek for Him in the outside world. Ganapathi dwells in every human
being in the form of intellect and wisdom. (SSS Vol.30)
"Parvathi thanaya Ganaadhipa!" (Oh son of Parvathi! Lord of the
ganas). In these terms the Vedas extolled Ganapathi. (SSS Vol.30)
When Ganapathi is described as "Parvathi thanaya," who is this
Parvathi? Who is her son? Parvathi signifies Prithvi (Mother Earth).
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What is the meaning of Ganapathi?
Everyone is a child of Mother Earth. The meaning of Parvathi thanaya

(son of Parvathi) is that Ganapathi, who is the Lord of the Ganas, is the
son of Parvathi, who symbolizes Shakti (the Divine Energy). What is
the relationship between mother and son? Few Bharatiyas care to
enquire into these questions. The Vedas proclaimed' "Oh Ganaadhipa!"
Who are these ganas? Are they celestial hosts or Asuras (demonic
beings)? They are celestial beings. Where are they? Are they wandering
in the external world or are they present subtly in human beings? He
(Vighneshwara) is called Ganaadhipati because he is the Supreme Lord
of the ganas. The ganas are the embodiments of the Jnanedhriyas
(organs of perception) and of Karmendhriyas (organs of action). The
mind is the master of these ten senses. The presiding deity of the mind
is called Indra as he is the Lord of the Indriyas (the senses). The master
over the mind is the Buddhi (intellect). (SSS Vol.30)
It follows from this that what are called ganas are parts of the human
body. The vyakthi (individual) is a part of shrishti (creation). Hence,
Divinity, of which the cosmos is a projection, is immanent in the human
being. "Vigatho naayakah Vinaayakah" (Vinaayaka has no master over
him). This means that Vinaayaka is a totally autonomous and
independent deity. He has no lord above him. In the world, any
individual or authority has someone superior above him. But Vinaayaka
has no overlord. (SSS Vol.30) Ganapathi is Vinaayaka: He has no
Nayaka or Superior.
Ganapathi is the lord of intellect and wisdom

Ganapathi is the pathi (lord) of the intellect and wisdom. To worship
the intellect and wisdom is one form of worship of Ganapathi.
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Ganapathi represents the combination of much energy. Because of this,

the name Ganapathi is appropriate for him. Nor is that all. He is the lord
of all the Ganas (celestial hosts). Hence, he is hailed as Ganapathi.
He is called by another name, Vinaayaka. There is no master above
him; he is the master of all.
Another name for him is Vighneshwara. This name means that he is the
lord of every form of aiswarya (wealth). He is the embodiment of all
forms of wealth.
When we explore the inner meanings of all the attributes associated
with his name, we find that he possesses all powers. They include the
all-pervading cosmic vibrations, the power that is latent in all animate
and inanimate objects, and the effulgence of the all-pervading Light. He
is the energy that animates every being.
There is electro-magnetic energy in every body. Nature is the
embodiment of the same energy. This energy may assume different
forms, but its essential character is one and the same. A lighted bulb, a
fan that is revolving, and many other things working through electrical
power depend on the same kind of current. The energy may manifest
itself in the form of light, heat, or magnetic energy, but it proclaims the
power of the Divine, which is the source of all energy. (SSS Vol.31, pp.
239-240)
In all human beings, humanness is present equally

The electro-magnetic energy in man expresses itself in the form of
radiation. It is also called reflection of the Inner being. The power of
20
sight, hearing, speech, digestion, and movement of the limbs is derived

from this energy. Water also contains this energy. In fact, the entire
cosmos is permeated by this divine energy.
On the basis of this, Vedanta declares, Sarvam khalu idam Brahma
(verily, all this is Brahman). Recognising this, the Vedas declared,
Sarvam Vishnumayam jagath (The cosmos is permeated by the
Divine). Hence, there is no room for making any distinction between
Ganapathi, Vishnu, Siva, Shakti, or man.
In all human beings, humanness is present equally. It manifests itself
externally in various forms. This is only the external manifestation of
nature, not its internal essence. The inner aspect is present in all begins
in a subtle formless substance. That is atomic energy. Several means
were employed for harnessing this energy for various purposes. (SSS
Vol.31, p. 240)
How Vinaayaka got Gajaasura's head

Once, the story goes, Parvathi and Parameshwara were playing the
game of dice, with Nandi (Parameshvara's vehicle, the bull), as the
umpire. Although Eswara lost the game, Nandi declared Him as the
winner. Enraged at this unfair decision Parvathi cursed Nandi that he
would be afflicted with an incurable disease. Nandi, seeking Parvathi's
forgiveness, explained that he gave the verdict in Parameshvara's favour
because the latter was his master and his duty as a servant was to serve
him. Parvathi relented and said that Nandi would be freed from the
curse if he offered to her son Ganapathi what was most relished by
Nandi. Nandi pondered for a moment and declared that what he loved
most as a bull was fresh green grass. He would offer that to Ganapathi.
21
That was how the practice of including fresh green grass among the
offerings made to Ganapathi during festival occasions came into vogue.
Ganapathi accepts as offerings many things which men consider useless
and trivial. One of the names of Vinaayaka is Arkadronapriya (one who
loves thummi and jilledi flowers which are usually not valued by
people). Other offerings to Vinaayaka include a special kind of grass.
There is a story relating to this.
Why Eswara is known as 'Bhola Shankara'

Once upon a time there was an Asura (demon) named Gajaasura. He
performed a penance. Eswara, pleased with his penance, offered him as
a boon whatever he desired. Eswara is a deity who is easily propitiated.
Hence he is known as Bhola Shankara. When he is pleased with a
devotee, He gives the devotee whatever he asks. Sometimes he gets into
a difficult situation, as in the case of Bhasmaasura who was granted by
Shiva the boon to turn into ashes anyone on whose head he placed his
palm. Immediately after getting the boon Bhasmaasura wanted to test
his power by trying to place his hand on Shiva's head itself!
What was the boon Shiva gave to Gajaasura? The demon desired that
fire should go forth from him continuously so that no one dare approach
him. Shiva granted him the boon. Gajaasura continued to do penance
and Shiva used to appear before him off and on once Shiva asked him
what he wanted. The demon said- "I want you to dwell in my stomach."
Shiva granted the boon and lodged himself in the demon's stomach.
Shiva's consort Parvathi searched for Shiva everywhere and could not
find Him. As a last resort, she went to her brother, Vishnu, and appealed
to Him to trace the whereabouts of her husband. The all-knowing Lord
assured her:
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"Don't worry dear sister. Your husband is Bhola Shankara. He

grants readily whatever boon his devotee prays for, without
considering the consequences. I suspect that he must have got
into some trouble. I shall find out what has happened."
Vishnu, who is the director of the cosmic play, staged a minor drama.
He converted Nandi (Shiva's bull) into a dancing-bull and led it before
Gajaasura, while himself assuming the role of a piper playing music on
the pipe while the bull did the dancing. Gajaasura was in ecstasy over
the dancing performance of the bull. He asked the piper (Vishnu) what
he wanted. The piper replied- "Can you give what I ask?" "What do you
take me for? I shall readily give you whatever you ask." The piper said:
"If that is so, release from your stomach Shiva who is dwelling there."
Gajaasura then realised that the piper was none other than Vishnu
Himself, who alone could know the secret of Shiva's presence inside his
stomach. He fell at the feet of Vishnu, released Shiva from his stomach
and prayed to Him for a boon. He said- "I have been blessed by many
boons from you. My last request is that all should cherish my memory
by worshipping my head after I pass away" Shiva thereupon brought his
son and placed Gajaasura's head on him.
Ever since, the tradition has prevailed in Bharat that every auspicious
function of any kind commences with worship of Ganapathi. It was the
result of Shiva's boon to Gajaasura. (SSS Vol.30)
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The reason for endowing the deity with an elephants

head
Gajaanana is another appropriate name for Ganesh. The derivative
meaning of Gajaanana is: ga means gamyam (goal), ja means janma
(birth); anana means face. So this name indicates that Ganesh is not
merely one who has the face of an elephant as commonly understood.
He is the deity that enables us to be face - to face with God, who is the
goal of human birth. (NNSG Vol.8, p. 9)
Vinaayaka has the head of an elephant. What is its significance? No
human being has an elephant's head. It is against the order of nature.
How then did Vinaayaka acquire an elephant's head? This has an inner
significance.
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. In this way, it signifies the quality of a
leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is highly intelligent.
The elephant is also known for its fidelity and gratitude. In any
circumstance it will not forget its master. Even in its last moments, if it
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.
What, it may be asked, is the reason for endowing the deity with an
elephants head? The elephant is well known for its high intelligence.
Among animals, it has a prodigious size. No other animal is cast in such
a big mould. The elephants foot encompasses the footprint of the lion,
esteemed as the lord of the animal kingdom. In the jungle, hunters
24
follow the footprints of the lion to trace it to its lair. But if an elephant
has walked over those footprints, they are totally erased.
Moreover, the elephant is the pathfinder for human beings. In a forest
covered with dense bushes, humans cannot easily find their way. But
once an elephant has gone through the jungle, its trail becomes a path
for others to follow. All these traits of the elephant show that in the
journey of life, one can find ones way if one has the intelligence of the
elephant. Because he is endowed with the form of an elephant,
Ganapathi is associated with the quality of intelligence. . (SSS Vol.31,
p. 242) That is why it is termed Gaja Thelivi (elephant intelligence).
(SSS Vol.27)
The elephant is proverbially the most intelligent among the mammals
and it is vegetarian, indicating its saathwik (balanced or pure) nature.
Ganapathi has the head of the elephant, for, it indicates the Intelligence
through which obstacles in the path of achievement, secular as well as
spiritual, can be overcome.
There is a popular verse, used on most occasions when Ganapathi is
invoked. It mentions various attributes of this God: Suklambaradharam
(wearing white vesture) is the first, this is the symbol of purity, for,
ambara means also the sky, the aakaasha of the heart. Ganapathi is
pure, having universal love and compassion. Vishnum is the second
attribute, ascribed to Him. Vishnu means that He is present everywhere,
at all times. Shashivarnam is the third adjective, used. Of the
complexion of ash or Vibhuthi; that .is to say, glowing with spiritual
splendour, with the majesty of spiritual attainments, achievements and
potentialities. These are also called Vibhuthis, for, in the Geetha, we
25
find Krishna saying, wherever you see Power, Glory, Majesty

(Vibhuthi), know that it is Mine! (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
The elephant will not trust anybody except its master. The faith of the
elephant is as strong as its intelligence. His love for the master is
equally strong. It is steadfast love. These qualities of devotion, faith and
intelligence are associated with the elephant. Whoever has these
qualities can be regarded as endowed with the head of an elephant. (SSS
Vol.25)
What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced

deity?
One having a sharp brain is described as having the intelligence of an
elephant. It has Medha Shakti. Moreover, the elephant has large ears
and it can hear even minute sounds. Shravanam (hearing the glory of
the Lord) is the first step in spiritual sadhana for which ears should be
sharp. After hearing one has to ruminate over this and put it into
practice which is termed as Shravana, Manana and Nidhidhyaasana.
The elephant takes the Dhushana and Bhushana (praise and blame)
equally. When it hears something bad, it moves its body this way and
that way and shakes off the unwanted things while it retains goods
things quietly.
Only Vinaayaka teaches the lessons that are essential for mankind. You
should not stop with installing the idol and doing puja for a few days.
You should make efforts to become a Naayaka or Master over yourself.
You have the nine-fold path of devotion. Shravanam (hearing),
Keerthanam (singing His glory), Vishnor naamasmarnam (thinking of
and chanting the name), Paada Sevanam (serving at His feet),
26
Vandanam (obeisance), archanam (worship), Dhaasyam (serving Him

as a servant serves the Master), Saakhyam (befriending God), atma
nivedhanam (surrendering body, mind and soul). The elephant signifies
combining of the first and the last, that is Shravanam and Atma
nivedhanam, so that all the other paths in between are covered fully.
When a man is born he does not have round his neck any necklace of
pearls or gems or any possessions. But he is endowed by Brahma with
the garland of the effects of his past actions, good or bad, which hangs
invisibly around his neck. If you do good you will enjoy good results
and if you are bad you will not escape suffering the consequences
thereof. (SSS Vol.27)
27
The Significance of Ganesha

As Indians, we are often asked how we worship an elephant-headed,
pot-bellied, broken-tusked god who travels on a mouse. But as strange
as it seems, every little peculiarity of Lord Ganesha's has a deep
spiritual significance. As we go along in this article, we will look at the
meaning of this symbolic representation of Lord Ganesha. Before we
do, however, let's take a look at Lord Ganesha's mythological origin.
Desiring to take a bath, Mother Parvathi, Lord Shiva's consort, created a
boy from dirt to guard Her home when She was bathing. As it
happened, Lord Shiva returned while Mother Parvathi was away.
Surprised to see a stranger outside the home, the Lord demanded that
He be allowed to enter His home. Much to His dismay, the boy refused
to allow Him in. Infuriated at being barred from entering His home, the
Lord cut off the boy's head. On returning, Mother Parvathi was
inconsolable when she found out what the Lord had done. To alleviate
her suffering, Lord Shiva commanded his troops to get the head of the
first living being they came across. The first living being they chanced
upon happened to be an elephant calf. Finally, Lord Shiva, on receiving
the head of the calf, placed it on the boy's body and restored life to him.
Thus Lord Ganesha was created.
Lord Shiva represents the divine Self. Lord Ganesha, being His son, is
symbolic of a person who has attained that state of Divinity. While
28
representing the Divinity, Lord Ganesha also represents the way to

attain that exalted state.
Lord Ganesha's elephant head symbolises the immense wisdom of a

person of Perfection. Wisdom is something that comes out of manana,
independent thinking and reflection. This manana can happen only
when one has taken in spiritual knowledge i.e. the process of shravana
has taken place. This process of shravana or intake of spiritual
knowledge is portrayed as Lord Ganesha's large ears where one listens
to a teacher. It also symbolises that even the wisest people are always
open to hearing fresh ideas and opinions. In other words, the wise are
those who always keep an open mind.
29
Emerging from the Lord's head is the elephant trunk. This trunk visually
depicts a well-developed intellect that arises out of wisdom, the
elephant head. Our intellect is of two kinds, gross and subtle. The gross
intellect is used to discriminate between pairs of opposites in the world;
black and white, hard and soft, easy and difficult. The subtle intellect,
on the other hand, discriminates between right and wrong; permanent
and impermanent and is colloquially called the conscience. In a person
who has realised the Self, this intellect is extremely well-developed;
both gross and subtle. Such people have clarity of thinking and a clear
sense of right and wrong. At a relative level, even people who have
made progress on the spiritual path experience this. Choices become
clear and life becomes a lot simpler. Without clarity of thought, our
worldview is bound to be confused and coloured by our own prejudices
and preconceptions. Lord Ganesha's well-shaped trunk depicts a crystal
clear intellect that a person of Perfection develops.
One of the key attributes of people who are Self-Realised is that they
rise above their likes and dislikes and the pairs of opposites that world
presents before them. Established in the permanent Divinity, they
remain unperturbed by what the world has to offer; the joys and
sorrows, the victories and losses. They understand the ways of the
world and take to life as a sportsperson takes to sport. Giving their best
at every juncture, yet understanding that, in the ultimate analysis, it is
only a game. Relatively speaking, genuine seekers on the spiritual path
also achieve this sense of peace to the extent that they have identified
with the Self. This transcendence over the pairs of opposites (two tusks)
in a person of Perfection is indicated beautifully by Lord Ganesha's
broken tusk. For it is only when we have risen above the play of
opposites in the world that we can stomach the challenges that life
throws at us. This idea is depicted by Lord Ganesha's large stomach.
30
People who attained the supreme state have tremendous mental strength
to brush aside the greatest setbacks while keeping their heads in the
midst of immensely joyous experience.
The Lord's posture with one foot on the ground and the other folded up
conveys to us that while we must operate in the world there must also
be a constant alignment with Atman in and through all our experiences.
In the relative, whatever we do, there must be an unwavering focus on
our higher spiritual goal. Without this focus, it is impossible to make
spiritual progress.
The food at the feet of Lord Ganesha symbolise material wealth and
power. Through this, the Lord subtly indicates that the world rewards
those live a life of truth. Those who turn spiritual acquire merit in their
respective fields of activity and those with merit seldom go
unacknowledged. They command respect and wealth even though they
may not desire it.
The mouse as the Lord's mode of transport magnifies the challenge that
a spiritual person faces when trying to communicate the knowledge of
the infinite Self through the finite equipment of body, mind and
intellect. Atman cannot be touched with the body, felt through emotion
or understood with the intellect. One can only become It through
spiritual practice.
In his four hands, Lord Ganesha holds an axe, a rope, a modak
(sweetened rice ball) and a lotus. The axe represents the annihilation of
desire with the axe of spirituality. The rope is spiritual knowledge
which helps us to remove ourselves from the samsara, material world
that we are entrenched in. The modak symbolises the happiness and joy
a seeker derives from the spiritual pursuit. And the lotus stands for that
31
Divine state of Self-Realisation that every human being aspires for,

consciously or unconsciously. The lotus sustains itself in dirty ponds
but yet is above it all. Similarly, a person of Perfection can live in the
world, enjoy life and yet be above it all by identifying with the Self.
Source: Vedanta Vision (http://vedantavision.org/library/articles-byguests/the-significance-of-ganesha.html)
32
Harmony in the Lord's family

Men today are too much immersed in selfish pursuits. Animals and
birds display less selfishness than man. The purpose of festivals like
Ganesha Chathurthi is to remind men of their inherent divinity and
awakening in them the sense of oneness of all mankind.
Easwara's family consists of Shiva, Parvathi, Ganapathi and
Subrahmanya. When you consider the vehicles of the four, you find that
by nature they are antagonistic to each other.(SSS Vol.25)
We have learnt from books and elders that Easwara has Nandi or Bull
and Parvathi the Universal Mother the lion, as their carriers. The head
of her son is like the head of an elephant. His carrier is a mouse. Her
second son has for his carrier a peacock. Thus, the four members of the
family, Parvathi, Parameshwara, Vinaayaka (Ganesha) and
Subrahmanya represent the four purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama
and Moksha. In this family, consisting of four members, we can
recognise the unity that exists in spite of the fact that their respective
carriers are in conflict with each other. We know that the lion and the
bull do not go together at all. While the lion is the vahana for the
mother, the son Vinaayaka (Ganesha) has an elephant for his head. The
lion and the elephant cannot bear to even see each other. The elephant
will die of fear if it sees a lion even in the dream. The vehicle of
Vinaayaka is a mouse. All the ornaments which his father wears are
33
serpents. There is enmity between the mouse and the snakes. The carrier
of Subrahmanya is a peacock. The serpent, peacock and mouse are
totally inimical to each other.
Easwara wears Agni or fire in his forehead and water Ganga on his
head. Water and fire do not go together at all. While their carriers and
the ornaments they wear and their appurtenances are all mutually
contradictory and inimical to each other, yet this closely-knit family of
Easwara and Parvathi has been demonstrating to the entire world how a
family, though consisting of contradictory elements, should live in
concord. (SSB 1974 Part II, pp. 114-115)
In spite of the natural enmity of these different vehicles of Easwara's
family, there is no discord at all among them. Perfect harmony prevails
among the members of the family and their different vehicles. This
harmony and unity is an example to the world. (SSS Vol.25)
Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society

The vehicles of Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha, Subrahmanya and the objects
worn on their bodies all get on harmoniously though they are in their
original nature antagonistic to each other. Take the examples of the lion,
the vehicle of Parvathi, living in peace with the elephant, the form of
Ganesha, and the bull, the vehicle of Shiva, the peacock, the vehicle of
Subrahmanya, bearing no enmity towards the snake, the garland of
Shiva.
Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society. Though there are lots
of common features among mankind, people are not able to visualise
their unity, but promote only their differences. The cause for the lack of
peace in the world is the absence of harmony in thought, word and deed
34
Harmony in the Lord's family
in each individual, which is reflected in the lack of unity among

different individuals.
Spiritual values have been given up, resulting in the turmoil that we see
today. Ganapathi taught that one should respect one's parents and
thereby win their grace and secure bliss. (SSS Vol.26)
Unity is essential for achieving good things. There should be no unity
for evil purposes. Whether a person achieves eminence or goes down
depends on the kind of people with whom he associates. However,
students should not associate with fair-weather friends. The only true
friend is God. All others are friends only for their own selfish purposes.
God is always with you, in you and around you. He will not give you up
in any circumstance. But if your heart is polluted, God will leave you.
There is no room in a polluted heart for God. (SSS Vol.25)
No bird or beast is to be despised

Do not grieve, nor be the cause of grief. The very embodiment of
Ananda (God) is in you, as in others, as in all else. In spite of a
multiplicity of containers, the contained is the same. That is the
principle of Sat, Chit and Ananda (Being, Awareness, Bliss). The
minutest atom, the mightiest star---both are basically one. All are, in
truth, Brahman, Divine. You read in the sacred books that Vishnu (God
engaged in Preservation, Protection and Fostering the Universe) has as
His vehicle, the Garuda (Eagle); that Shiva (God engaged in the
Mergence, the Disintegration and Destruction of the Universe) has the
Nandhi (Bull) as His vehicle; that Brahma (God engaged in the
Emergence, Evolution and Creation of the Universe) rides on a Hamsa
(Swan); Subrahmanya (the Generalissimo of the Divine army) rides on
a peacock; Shani (the God who directs Saturnine influences) has the
35
crow as his vehicle. Ganesha (the God who helps in overcoming

obstacles) rides on a mouse, though he is stupendously corpulent and
has the head of an elephant! This does not mean that the Gods are
helpless without these animals and birds as instruments of locomotion.
It only reveals that no bird or beast is to be despised; for, the Divine is
using each as His vehicle. Seen as deha (body) all are distinct; seen as
dehi (the embodiment), Brahman, all are One. See the unity in the
teachings (SSS Vol.9)
36
Significance of Vinaayaka
Worship and Vinaayaka
Chaturthi
Primacy of Vinaayaka
Once, Parvathi and Parameshwara, parents of Ganapathi and
Subrahmanya, wanted to test their intelligence. They summoned the two
sons and told them to go around the world to find out which of the two
would do it quicker. The elder of the two, Ganapathi, did not stir from
his place. The younger son, Subrahmanya, mounted his peacock and set
out on a round-the world trip. With a great deal of effort, he completed
the trip and was approaching his parents. Seeing him from a distance,
Ganapathi circumambulated his parents and claimed himself to be the
winner.
The mother, Parvathi, told Ganapathi, Ganapathi! Here is your brother,
who has gone around the world. And you have not stirred from this
place. You made no effort at all. How can you claim that you have gone
around the world? How can I regard you as the winner?
Ganesha replied, Mother! The cosmos is the combination of matter and
energy the unity of father and mother. When I go around You, I have
gone around the world itself, since You are the parents of the cosmos.
There is no place where You two are not present. I see Your
37
omnipresence. By circumambulating both of You, I can claim to have

gone around the cosmos.
The moment He heard these words, Easwara was astonished at the high
intelligence of His son. Ganesha had recognised the truth about His
divine parents. Easwara said, Vinaayaka! You are an exemplary son
for one and all. Let the world worship you first before they offer
worship to me. I am not as intelligent as you are. We are your parents,
but not more intelligent than you.
Easwara declared, I have many attributes, but not your intelligence.
Hence, before offering worship to Me, let all people worship you. This
is the boon I confer on you. Easwara is a parent who conferred such
an honour of a higher status than His own on His son. Hence, Ganapathi
represents no commonplace principle. He is the embodiment of all
potencies. He is the abode of every kind of intelligence. The Saraswati
(goddess of wisdom) dwells in His belly. Nothing untoward can happen
wherever He is present. Ganapathi occupies the position of one who is
the source of all prosperity. Morevoer, when He is invoked before any
undertaking, there will be no impediments to its completion.
Today, every kind of people the wealthy, the wise, the scholars, and
the common people worship Ganapathi. Students, with a view to
securing the grace of the goddess of wisdom and ensuring that there is
no hindrance to their studies, place their books before the idol
Ganapathi and worship Him.
The story of Vinaayaka also has a great message for mankind.
Vinaayaka is the embodiment of wisdom. That is why all gods worship
him. The inner meaning is that they should pray for the divine wisdom
to be bestowed on them. It is most essential that the students to worship
38
Significance of Vinaayaka Worship and Vinaayaka Chaturthi
Vinaayaka on this auspicious day. He fulfils the desires of his devotees.

He confers only anugraha (grace). He has no agraha (anger). Hence,
not only the Bharatiyas, even the people of other countries, worship
Vinaayaka.
Why Ganapathi festival lasts for ten days

Ganapathi, who presides over the senses, should be your guide in
acquiring mastery over the senses. There is an inner meaning in
worshipping Ganapathi for ten days. The idea is that each day should be
dedicated to acquiring control over one of the Indriyas (sense organs).
Students and devotees should realise that control of the senses is quite
simple. What is necessary is not to encourage negative feelings when
they arise, but to adopt positive attitudes. For instance, Buddha
confronted the anger of a demon with his love and transformed him.
Many students today are subject to depression and are confused in
mind. The reason for this is their weakness owing to lack of selfconfidence. When them is total faith in God them will be no room for
depression.
Students! There is need for observing festivals like Vinaayaka
Chathurthi for external satisfaction, but what is more important is to
realise the inner significance of Vinaayaka worship which is likely to
have lasting effect. The worship of inanimate idols should lead to
contemplation on the subtle spiritual entity represented by the idol. This
is the process by which realisation of the Atma (Self) takes place.
Realise and act on the basis that the living Divinity is within you,
Ganapathi represents the ideal person who is guided by intelligence and
39
wisdom. Engage yourself in acts which will please the Divine such as
moderation in speech, giving up ill-will and hatred and eschewing all
bad thoughts and restraint on desires By combining spiritual practices
with academic studies make your life fruitful. (SSS Vol.30)
People worship Vinaayaka by offering garika (a kind of white grass).
What is the origin of this worship? Once Parvathi and Parameshwara
were engaged in a game of dice. Nandi was asked to be the adjudicator.
Nandi declared Easwara to be the winner each time. Mother Parvathi
thought that Nandi was biased in Easwaras favour. She became furious
and pronounced a curse on Nandi that he should suffer from
indigestion. At once Nandi fell at her feet and prayed, Mother, I have
not cheated you, nor did I show any favouritism towards Easwara. I
have been highly impartial in my judgement. It is because of the power
of His will that Easwara emerged victorious each time. Easwaras
sankalpa is vajra sankalpa (His will is bound to succeed). Hence, I seek
your pardon and pray that I may be freed from the curse.
Parvathi at once took pity on him and said, Nandi! on the fourth day of
the month of Bhaadrapada, you worship Vinaayaka with garika (white
grass). You will be freed from indigestion when you partake of the
grass offered to Vinaayaka.
People who maintain pet dogs know this well. When they leave them in
the lawns, the dogs search for white grass and eat it. What is the reason
for this? The white grass is beneficial to their digestive system. Hence,
we see that the offering made to Vinaayaka ensures good health to one
and all. Since times of yore, people believed that Vinaayaka conferred
His grace on those who worshipped Him on the fourth day of
Bhaadrapada month. (SSS Vol.35, pp. 240-242)
40
How to pray?
In praying to Ganapathi, you should not ask for trivial things like
passing examinations or getting jobs. You should pray only, Oh
Vighneshwara! Please see that there are no obstacles in what I want to
accomplish. I am worshipping you for this purpose. (SSS Vol.31, p.
245)
The Sastras, which are texts supplementary to the Vedas, declare that
God resides wherever six excellences are evident: Enthusiasm (utsaha)
determination (sahasam) courage (dhairya) good sense (sadbuddhi)
strength (Shakti) and adventure (parakrama). The inaugural prayer of
man has to be directed to God (Ganapathi) to gain these six gifts which
can purify consciousness and reveal the Atma. One has to undertake the
discovery of ones Atmic core, with bravery in the heart. This is no
exercise for cowards. Wicked persons, waverers in faith, doubting
hearts, woeful countenances, are destined to go through life as rogis
(sick persons) and not yogis (dwellers in Atma).
This is the distinguishing mark that separates the wise (jnani) from the
unwise (ajnani). Krishna spoke, laughing with an outburst of joy.
Arjuna listened while overpowered by sorrow. The jnani is always full
of joy, he laughs. The ajnani is afflicted with sorrow, he weeps.
(SSVahini, pp. 224-225)
Today, few people understand the true spirit of the Ganapathi Thathwa
(Principle). They are concerned with the outer forms and ignore the
inner esoteric meaning.
This applies to the way many festivals are celebrated. The birthday of
Rama is celebrated without understanding the qualities represented by
Rama. To be real devotees of Rama, people should cultivate His
41
qualities. To be a true devotee of Krishna, you must be ever in bliss,

like Krishna. If you want to be a devotee of Sai, you must be full of
love. Love all, serve all.
Sometimes, Swami may appear as if He is not showing His love. This is
only an external appearance for the moment. Pots, however different
they may appear, are essentially made of clay, and all golden ornaments
are essentially gold in substance.
Similarly, all actions of Swami are essentially filled with love. You
must cultivate this kind of feeling. You must love God with full faith.
The Ganapathi Principle is pregnant with meaning. His story itself is
unique. In the Bhagavatha, Pothana declares that the stories of the lord
are extraordinary; they are sacred for all the three worlds; they confer
all blessings on the listeners and are constantly contemplated upon by
saints and sages. This applies to all deities.
Every aspect of the Divine is a mystery. Whatever the Lord says is full
of significance. It is pregnant with sacred meaning.
We must think of God every moment of our lives

Rama once invited Hanuman to come near him and asked, In what
manner do you worship me? Hanuman replied, Swami, from the
viewpoint of the body, I am Your servant and You are my Lord.
Mentally, I consider that I am a spark of Your Divinity. But in terms of
the Atma, you are I are one. We are not two at all. Both of us are one.
People worship the Divine in three ways. But ultimately they have to
realise the third stage. Bodies are different but the Atma (the Self) is one
42
only. This is why the sages declared, Ekam Sath, viprah bahudha
vadanthi (the Absolute is One, but the wise call it by different names).
People look upon the Vighneshwara festival as some routine affair. But
Vighneshwara embodies all the forms and all the powers of all the
deities. It is not enough to worship Ganesha once a year. We must
worship Him always. We must think of God every moment of our lives.
It is in that spirit that everyone is enjoined to offer all actions as
designed to please the Divine. Do what you please. Go anywhere you
like. But do everything with the feeling that it is to please the Divine.
Whatever you do, do it with the feeling that you are doing it for the
pleasure of the Divine. Thereby, you will accomplish all your desires.
You will experience bliss. See the Divine in everything. (SSS Vol.31)
Vinaayaka is also called Vighneshwara as He removes all obstacles
coming in the way of devotees who pray to Him sincerely. He is
worshipped by students with books so that all that is contained in the
books may get into their heads. Now-a-days people are only after
Dhanam (money). Whatever scholarship one may attain, whatever
power and position one may enjoy, one cannot be happy without the
peace of mind that is got by pure devotion. One may have immense
physical strength, one may pursue the path of meditation and penance,
one may acquire profound knowledge, but all these attainments will be
of no avail unless one acquires knowledge of the eternal--Sathyam,
Jnaanam, Anantham Brahma. (SSS Vol.27)
Worshipped by Animals
Hence, today students worship Vinaayaka with zeal. Vinaayaka is not
the one who merely comes to the aid of those who read their books. He
helps everyone at every step in lifes journey. He is really accessible.
43
He is pleased with the offering of flowers of no value. Ganapathi

accepts as offerings many things which men consider useless and
trivial. One of the names of Vinaayaka is Arkadronapriya. (one who
loves thummi and jilledi) It is said that anyone who eats these flowers
will become insane. Such flowers are also offered to Vinaayaka.
Vinaayaka is also worshipped with an offering of green grass.
What is the inner meaning of these kinds of offerings? It means that
earlier Vinaayaka used to be worshipped even by animals. His face is
that of an elephant. His vehicle is mouse. These are symbols from the
animal kingdom. They indicate that Vinaayaka is worshipped even by
birds and beasts.
Vinaayaka is thus worshipped by all beings and is Lord over all beings.
He does not belong to one country or one nation or one period of tome.
He is related to all places and all times. (S.S. October 1995 p.253/256)
44
Nature of food offered to

Vinaayaka
Food Offerings
Every Festival is celebrated by various culinary preparations. For
Vinaayaka Chathurdasi, these preparations are of a special kind. The
edible offerings to Vinaayaka are totally free from oily substances.
Vinaayaka is offered only items cooked through steam. What is the
reason? According to the science of Ayurveda (the ancient Indian
System of medicine, food cooked through steam is easily digested.
Moreover, the Vinaayaka festival, which is celebrated in the month of
Bhaadrapada, falls in a month when sesame and jaggery come to the
market after harvest. The sesame seeds are powered and mixed with
rice flour and jaggery and cooked in balls which are offered as
Naivedyam to Vinaayaka. Jaggery (gur) is a cure for several
ailments relating to phlegm and bile. The sesame seeds have the power
to cleanse the lungs and improve the vision. These balls of sesame and
jiggery are thus noted for their medicinal properties for curing both
external and internal ailments.
The significance of this offering is: During the month of Bhaadrapada,
the farmers bring home the harvest of til seeds. Til seeds have medicinal
properties for curing lung and eye diseases. When the til seeds and
pulses are cooked by steam, the preparation becomes easily digestible.
45
In offering such food to the deity two purposes are served. The
offerings are tasty and wholesome (giving pleasure and promoting good
health). These were the reasons for the observance of various festivals
by our ancients. (SSS Vol.25)
The ancient Bharatiyas never indulged in meaningless practices. Every
festival has an inner spiritual significance. Every word they spoke,
every step they moved, every food they consumed had spiritual
significance. (SSS Vol.28)
It is only when a man is pure that the intelligence blossoms. It is only
with the blossoming of intelligence that Siddhi (the spiritual goal) is
attained. Vinaayaka presides over Buddhi and Siddhi (the intellect and
spiritual realisation). Siddhi signifies the realisation of Wisdom. The
scriptures say that Siddhi and Buddhi are the consorts of Vinaayaka and
Kshema and Ananda are his two sons. Siddhi and Buddhi symbolise the
powers of attraction of Ganapathi. (SSS Vol.25)
Significance of steam-cooked offering
In connection with the Ganesha festival, Prasadam (food offering) is
dedicated to the deity in the form of Kudumulu and Undrallu. (SSS
Vol.25) What are the kinds of edibles that should be offered to the
deity? Even the offering that is made to Ganesha has great significance
because it is prepared with gram flour and jaggery or pepper and
enclosed in an outer covering made form flour paste and then cooked in
steam without using oil. This is supposed to be a healthy and delicious
food item according to the Ayurvedic system. Modern doctors also
recognise the importance of such steam-cooked idlis (rice cakes) which
they recommend as post-operative diet for patients as it is easily
digestible, Jaggery too has the property of controlling gas formation and
46
Nature of food offered to Vinaayaka
this food item gives relief from eye troubles and prevents gastric
disorders.
The jaggery in the edible is a remedy for various ailments. The til seeds
serve to purify the arteries. It also helps to improve the vision. The til
seeds serve to keep down the bad effect of phlegm, bile, and wind in the
body. The inner meaning of all this is that the food offerings to
Ganesha have health giving properties. It should be noted that edibles
cooked in steam are easy to digest. In the Super Speciality Hospital,
steam-cooked idlies (rice cakes) are offered to heart patients the very
next day after surgery. Oily preparations are not given. Idlies are given
because they are easily digested.
In the ancient traditional mode of observing these festivals, great
emphasis was laid on good health as the pre-requisite for spiritual
pursuits with a healthy mind. For achieving the four goals of human
life---Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha (Righteousness, Wealth,
Desire and Liberation)-- one should have basically a healthy body. If
you want to earn wealth by righteous means and cherish desires which
lead to liberation, you should have sound health. (SSS Vol.27)
All offerings to Vinaayaka are free from the use of oil in their
preparation. In the offering, there is no trace of any cooking oil. Hence,
the offerings are called oil-less edibles.
What is the significance of such preparations? It is found that oil-less
edibles are easily digestible. All these preparations are intended to
promote health and are not designed to propitiate the Divine. The
energy derived from these edibles is conducive to the promotion of
longevity. (SSS Vol.31, pp. 240-241)
47
The Vinaayaka Principle, in short, symbolises health, bliss, peace,

wisdom, prosperity, and many other things. Unfortunately this truth is
not recognised by most people. People are content to offer some kind of
mechanical worship to any odd figure made of clay and add to the
pollution around them. What should be offered to God are things which
will please Him. This is what Parvathi enjoined on Nandiswara. She
told him: "Offer to my son what will please him and what is most
pleasing to you." The Vinaayaka festival is designed to celebrate the
offer of such pleasing things to Ganesha. (SSS Vol.30)
One who partakes of such food will be free from blood pressure and
blood sugar and will always enjoy sound health and happiness. Food
preparations, which are cooked on fire with oil content, are harmful to
jatharagni (digestive fire). Such food gives rise to various diseases. One
can lead a long, happy and healthy life, if one avoids food with oil
content.
Vinaayaka has a pot-belly but he has perfect health as he partakes of
steam-cooked food without oil content. Vinaayaka is also called
Vighneshwara (remover of obstacles). No obstacle can come in the way
of one who prays to Vinaayaka. Worship of Vinaayaka confers success
in spiritual as well as worldly endeavours. God grants happiness at two
levels, pravritti (outward) and Nivritti (inward).
Pravritti is related to physical body and Nivritti to intellect. The former
undergoes change with the passage of time, whereas the latter remains
unchanged. Hence, one should try to reduce body attachment with
proper food and habits.
Excessive intake of food results in obesity and, consequently, heart will
be subjected to greater strain to pump blood. Blood travels a distance of
48
Nature of food offered to Vinaayaka
12,000 miles in the body with each heartbeat. With increase in obesity,
the circulation of blood and, consequently, the functioning of the heart
will be impaired. (SSS Vol.35, pp. 240-242)
Hence, one should exercise control over ones food habits. In fact that is
what Vinaayaka does.
49
Vinaayaka Principle
The sound OM arouses energising vibrations
OM is how A, U and M are jointly pronounced. Each of these letters is
devoid of spiritual force but, together, they arouse energising vibrations.
'Sivaaya' in the mantra means 'to Siva'. 'Siva' is That which confers
good fortune, wealth, prosperity and happiness. Pandits have
commented on this formula and explained it in various ways. They have
interpreted Na as indicating Nandivahana, the God who has Nandi (the
Bull) as Vahana (vehicle). They take ma as the pointer to another Name
of Siva, Mandaaramaalin (wearing a garland of Mandaara flowers) and
Si as Surya (the Sun which when it dawns on earth unfolds the Lotus of
the Hearts of Beings etc). Each one al1ows his imagination to lead him
along.
But, the formula contains a more universal and abstract concept. It has
to be pronounced always with OM. The namah (prostration) is for OM
which is denoted as having the Siva attribute (being the source of peace,
prosperity and success, of Mangalam in short). The process of worship
is best described by Pothana in the Bhagavatha he has rendered in
Telugu.
Pothana speaks of "Chethulara Sivuni Puja" (worshipping Siva with the
hands). By 'hand', he means, the 'five-fingered', representing the fivelettered mantra. Siva is the five-element-lord and so He has all the
50
Vinaayaka Principle
power and wealth the five can yield to man who is himself a composite
of the five!
The Vedas assert, "Atma Vai Putranaamaa asi" (Oneself is the person
known as son). One repeats himself in the son. Ganesha is therefore
Siva Himself expressing certain aspects of Siva on certain occasions for
certain purposes. Ganesha means the leader of groups. Ganapathi too
means the same. (SSS Vol.18, p. 127)
Ganesha is OM personified.
Ganapathi means the pathi (husband) master, Lord of gana (group). He
is accorded the first place among the gods that are worshipped. He is
the MOOLADHARA SAKTHI in the Kundalini Yoga. He is the
Pranava, OM. All words emanate from OM. The footprints of all the
beasts of the jungle are wiped out when the elephants foot tramples on
them. That is to say, it subsumes the pathways of every being.
Ganesha is bathed in His Divine Glory; that is the significance of the
attribute, Shashivarnam. Chathur-bhuja (Four-handed) is the next
denotation. This means that apart from two visible hands, He has two
invisible hands, that are available for the' two divine uses of (1)
Blessing the devotee, and (2) Guarding him from danger. The last: of
the descriptive word is: Prasannavadhanam (of graceful countenance).
The countenance depicts the inner calm, happiness and balance, inner
grace and mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty.
Without intelligent discrimination, no skill or strength can be profitably
used. One must know how fire, for example, or the electric current, has
to be used and how far one can deal with it as an instrument for our
needs. The senses of man are also like fire; they have to be kept under
constant vigil and control.
51
No worship can succeed unless the heart is pure and the senses are
mastered. Ganesha is the God who helps overcome obstacles; but, He
will create obstacles when good endeavour is obstructed by bad
influences; He will clear the path for the sincere Sadhaka (spiritual
aspirant). He is Prasannavadhanam (of beneficial looks) when you pray
to Him for good ends; but, He will not be that, when you seek His help
for nefarious stratagems! He is Pranava-swaruupa, the Om personified;
so, He is auspiciousness itself. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 57-58)
The lessons of sacrifice that Vinaayaka taught

The teaching of Vinaayaka is one of sacrifice. You may not heed the
contents of the Puranas, but you should not miss the vital principles
which they convey to mankind. When Vinaayaka was writing the
Mahabharata to the dictation of Sage Vyaasa, the latter laid down the
condition that Vinaayaka should go on writing non-stop whatever
Vyaasa said. But Vinaayaka also stipulated a condition that Vyaasa
should never stop his dictation but should go on without a break. While
he was writing, Vinaayaka's pen broke and he did not hesitate to break
one of his tusks to use it as a pen. That is why he is called Ekadhantha
or one with a single tusk.
This is a shining example of the spirit of sacrifice that Vinaayaka
exhibited for the welfare of humanity. That is why the Vedas proclaim
that it is only by sacrifice one can attain immortality.
Lord of all learning

Vinaayaka is the Lord of all learning (Vidhya). Does learning mean
bookish scholarship? No. Everything pertaining to the cosmos is
52
Vinaayaka Principle
included in the term learning (Vidhya). Walking, talking, laughing,

sitting, eating, strolling, thinking every kind of activity is related to
learning. Vinaayaka is the master of every kind of learning. Today
learning is identified with acquisition of information. But apart from
knowledge of the physical world, we have many other kinds of
knowledge relating to chemistry, the fine arts and other skills.
Vinaayaka is the master of every kind of knowledge. Learning is related
to intellect (Buddhi). It is not mere scholarship. Familiarity with books
is not knowledge. Ones entire life is a continuous process of learning.
Any process of enquiry is related to learning. But basically our enquiry
should be concerned with finding out what is transient and what is
permanent. This is true knowledge. (S.S. October 1995 p.253/256)
Vidhya is total awareness of Life

Ganapathi has the appellation Vinaayaka because there is no master
above him. He is all-powerful and independent. Without recognising the
esoteric significances of the Vinaayaka Principle, people look only at
the external form and offer worship in mundane terms.
In what form does Vinaayaka--the one who has no master--exist within
a human being? It is in the form of the Atma. The Atma has no master.
The mind is the master of the Indriyas (senses) Indra is the master of
the Indriyas. People conceive of Indra as presiding over his own
celestial realm. But as the Lord of the Manas (mind), he resides in
everyone. The Buddhi (intellect) which is the master of the mind, is the
very embodiment of Jnaana (Wisdom or Awareness). What kind of
awareness is this Jnaana? It is Constant Integrated Awareness. It
remains unchanged, neither growing nor diminishing. it is called
Vijnaana. Unfortunately, nowadays Vijnaana is equated with science.
53
Science is not Vijnaana. Science is phenomenal knowledge. It is based

on demonstrability.
Students today worship Ganesha for success in academic studies and.
for developing into good scholars. As a matter of fact, all that is learnt
by these studies may be termed education or learning but cannot be
called Vidhya (true knowledge or wisdom). To apply the term Vidhya,
which has a profound inner significance, to modem academic education
is a misuse of language.
Vidhya is awareness of the power that animates every cell in one's
being. It is through this awareness that man learns all about the meaning
of events in one's life from birth to death.
Vidhya, in this sense is "a way of life". Everything you do is part of
Vidhya. It is total awareness of life. It comprehends everything in its
totality. It is for this kind of' total knowledge that you should pray to
Vinaayaka. The acquisition of degrees does not constitute Vidhya. To
know upto the last moment how you should give up the ghost is Vidhya.
The entire life of a man should be regarded as one continuous process
of learning. A true student is one who pursues knowledge in this spirit.
The student is called Vidhyaarthi (vidhya + arthi--seeker of
knowledge). The knowledge to be sought is not book knowledge or
knowledge of the phenomenal world. It is Atma jnaana (spiritual
knowledge) that should be sought. Knowledge of the Self is the highest
knowledge. The Gita declares: "Aadhyaatma Vidya Vidyaanaam"
(Among all forms of knowledge I am the knowledge of the Self). The
true aim of life is to acquire this knowledge.
Vinaayaka is the preceptor for this knowledge. That preceptor is within
you. The Vinaayaka Principle is in everyone. (SSS Vol.30)
54
Vinaayaka Principle
The form of Ganapathi cannot, by any human standards, be termed as

handsome. He has a small head, big stomach and uncouth form. But
still we are captivated by His form and like to see Him more and more
and worship Him. Beauty does not lie in the Aakaara, the external form
but can be experienced even in Vikaara (apparent uncouthness).
Ganesha sacrificed his own tusk and used it as a pen to write down the
Mahabharata to the dictation of Vyaasa, for .the benefit of humanity.
Man worships God only for selfish purposes. No one is prepared to
sacrifice anything for getting Divine Bliss, while men are prepared to
go to any length for worldly pleasures. Your mind and heart should be
rendered pure to worship Divinity. You should see unity in diversity.
(SSS Vol.26)
Elephant Head and Mooshika

How does it happen that Vinaayaka has the head of an elephant and has
a mouse as his vehicle? The mouse is called Mooshika (in Sanskrit) it
is a sign of night, which signifies darkness. The mouse is a symbol of
darkness. Because Vinaayaka has control over darkness he is described
as the rider on a Mooshika. He is the one who dispels darkness and
sheds light on the world.
Vinaayaka is one who drives away all sorrows, difficulties and miseries.
He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacles to
come in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness
and peace (on his devotees). He is the master of all powers (Buddhi and
Siddhi). What is this Siddhi (fulfilment)? When there is purity of mind
you achieve peace (which is Siddhi). Vinaayaka is thus the Lord of
Buddhi and Siddhi (the Intellect and Self- Realisation). Hence, every
human being should acquire control over the mind.
55
Symbolism of the Mouse

Another notable fact about Vinaayaka is his vehicle, the Mooshika
(mouse). What does the mouse represent? It represents darkness, which
is the symbol of ignorance. The mouse moves about in the dark.
Ganapathi is regarded as controlling the darkness of ignorance.
The mouse is also known for its strong sense of Vasana (smell). Based
on the smell emanating from an object, the mouse finds its way to it.
The inner significance of Vasanas in relation to humanity is the heritage
of Vasanas which they bring from their previous lives. These vasanas
(inherited tendencies) account for the actions of human beings in their
present lives. They also signify desires. Without recognising this
underlying significance and desires, people merely wonder how a large
being like Vinaayaka could ride on a tiny creature like a mouse.
Vinaayaka signifies the triumph of wisdom over ignorance and of
egoless-ness over desires.
Once there was a contest between Vinaayaka and his younger brother,
Subrahmanya, as to which of them would go round the world first.
Vinaayaka was highly intelligent and had extraordinary discriminating
power. Above all, he was totally free from self-interest of any kind.
This is the supreme attribute of the Divine. There is no trace of selfinterest in what the Divine does. Few people can understand the true
nature of God's love. Men tend to compare their own love with that of
God. They do not realise that their love is based on attachment to what
they like or what they are accustomed to enjoy the attraction or
otherwise is not inherent in the objects themselves but in the vasanas
(cravings based on past impressions) of the individuals concerned. (SSS
Vol.30)
56
Vinaayaka Principle
Lessons that Ganesha teaches men

Ganesha can teach many a lesson to man. That is the reason for His
being adored by people of all ages and professions. Take the problem of
food. Thygaraja invites Ganapathi most endearingly, and delights in
offering Him sweet satwic items of food---coconut kernal, sweet fruits
of various types, steam-cooked rolls and balls of modak etc. The
elephant feeds on grass, sugar cane, bamboo-shoots, and twigs and
leaves of the banyan tree. Devotees offer Ganesha, while worshipping,
leaves, grass blades and flowers gathered from meadows and valleys.
Ganesha, the Elephant-headed, is adored as the source of Love, Faith,
Intelligence, Guidance and Grace.
Take into consideration another role assigned to Ganesha. When Siva is
moved to supreme ecstasy and it is expressed as the Cosmic Dance of
Nataraja, Ganesha, Master of Tune and Time, leads other Gods, marks
time on the mrdangam (drum). No wonder, the Gods are pleased when
puja is offered to Ganesha even before any of them is propitiated.
Man is bound by three tendencies. The first is Kama (the longing to
possess). When that longing fails, Krodha (anger) raises its hood. When
the desire is fulfilled and the thing is gained the third tendency, Lobha
(greed) overtakes him. If one's desire is beneficial, the Divine will
shower Grace. Ganesha has no desire, no anger, no greed. His Grace is
available for all who seek good and godly goals. Look at the vehicle
which He has chosen, the mouse! The mouse is a creature that is led,
even to destruction, by Vasana (the smell of things). Men are all victims
of Vasana (Preferences and predilections stamped on our minds during
the past lives). Ganesha smothers and suppresses the Vasanas which
mis-direct man and create misfortune.
57
Since the mouse has been honoured so, it shares the worship offered to
Ganesha. Association with Gods, as vehicles, ornaments, accessories or
servants of Gods, endows objects, animals and men with specially
sacred status. Elephants, Lions, Eagles, Snakes, Primates--all these and
many more have been divinised thus.
Man, unable to understand this truth, treats everything in the worldly

perspective. Man is endowed with pasu lakshanas (animal qualities) as
well as Pasupathi lakshanas (divine qualities). Pasu lakshanas
originate from the head. Worldly education and intelligence are related
to the head. The scientists make use of their intelligence to study things,
which are related to the world. This corresponds to the Pravritti Marga.
Virtues like love, compassion and forbearance, which originate from the
heart, lead man to Nivritti Marga. Today man wants to be intelligent,
not virtuous. The Gita declares: Anityam Asukham Lokam Imam Prapya
Bhajasva Maam (as the world is temporary and is full of misery, attain
divinity by ceaseless contemplation on God). Give up pravritti and take
to nivritti. Only then can you redeem yourself.
Today we find elders teaching the children matters that are related to
pravritti, not nivritti. Right from a child to a decrepit old man, everyone
is interested in pravritti. But is there anyone who could experience
peace in life by treading the path of pravritti? How can one attain
peace? Where is peace? Keeping an atom bomb in hand, people give
lectures on the need for peace. Such people may be able to reach the
moon, but can never attain peace and happiness. There is no need to
search for peace in the external world. All that you get in the external
world is only restlessness. Peace is within you. It is your form. Try to
manifest it from within.
58
Vinaayaka Principle
All Are Sparks of the Divine

There is no power greater than that of love. You can attain peace by
cultivating love. Peace is your birthright. External peace is temporary.
Man should try to attain inner peace, which alone is pure, unsullied,
eternal and immortal. For this, it is necessary that man should make
proper use of time. It is therefore his foremost duty to utilise time in a
sacred manner. Today man is wasting a lot of time in vain gossip and
talking ill of others.
The atmic principle that exists in you also exists in people whom you
consider as others. Understand that all are sparks of the Divine.
Isavasyam Idam Jagat (the whole world is the manifestation of God).
Deho Devalaya Prokto Jeevo Deva Sanathana (body is the temple and
the indweller is God). As all are divine, you should love all and hate
none. Do not observe differences on the basis of your likes and dislikes.
Treat everyone alike. Understand that divinity is one. Ekatma
Sarvabhutantaratma (the same atma is the indweller of all beings).
Once you understand this truth, you will lead your life with peace and
happiness.
Cultivate Purity of Heart

No benefit accrues from offering worship to a number of Ganapathi
idols without purity of heart. It is enough if you offer worship to one
Ganapathi idol with the feeling of oneness. What is the purpose of
doing pujas and vratas (austerities)? These rituals are prescribed to
cultivate purity of heart. Chittasya Shuddhaye Karmah (the objective of
actions is to purify the heart). All the nine paths of devotion, namely,
sravanam
(listening),
kirtanam(singing),
vishnusmaranam
(contemplating on Vishnu), padasevanam (serving the Lotus Feet),
archanam (worship), vandanam (salutation), dasyam (servitude),
59
sneham (friendship), atmanivedanam (selfsurrender) are meant to

confer purity of heart. Sweets like mysore pak, gulab jamoon, burfi,
etc., vary in name and form, but the sugar present in them is the same.
Likewise, the principle of love is the undercurrent of all the paths of
devotion. So, spend your life with love and end your life with love. This
is the true spiritual practice. You are not separate from God. Divinity is
the basis of human life. You can divinise your life by your karma
(action). Offer salutations to karma before undertaking it. A driver,
before taking his seat, offers salutations to the steering wheel. A dancer
pays obeisance to her anklets before she wears them and starts her
dance performance. A devotee pays his respects to the Gita before
reading it.
The purpose of offering prayer to karma is to see that you perform only
good actions which yield good results. This is the teaching of our
ancient culture. You should offer karma and its fruit to God before
undertaking it. An illiterate lorry driver pays obeisance to the work he
does, but not a scientist who is endowed with knowledge. Ego is the
main cause for this. Such a scientist may consider himself to be very
wise, but actually he displays ignorance. Just as our shadow follows us,
ignorance follows one who is bloated with ego. Human life is a
combination of wisdom and ignorance. It is a big mistake to consider
yourself one of wisdom. Ignorance follows you like a shadow in all that
you do. In order to get rid of this ignorance, you should consider
Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat (whole world as the manifestation of
Vishnu). There is nothing in this world which is not divine. On this
basis, Thyagaraja sang,O Rama, right from a Cheema (ant) to Brahma,
You are present in everyone in the form of love. How can one ignore
such an all-pervasive Divinity?
60
Vinaayaka Principle
Consider Every Moment as Divine

Consider every day as a sacred day. You do not need to wait for
Vinaayaka Chaturthi or Navaratri to worship God. Consider every
moment as divine and make proper use of it. People do bhajans without
understanding their significance. Instead of focusing their attention on
God, they are bothered too much about the tune and rhythm. No doubt,
the tune and rhythm are also essential in bhajans. But once you fill your
heart with divine love, the tune and rhythm will automatically be taken
care of. If you concentrate too much on the tune and rhythm, you will
not be able to think of God.
Just as the iron ball cast in fire becomes one with it, your mind should
become one with God. Water cannot be separated from milk; likewise,
your mind should get merged with God. You should not think that you
are separate from God. One who realizes this principle of unity is a true
human being. Do not limit worship of God to festival days alone. Each
and every moment should be spent in the contemplation of God.
You may think, If every moment is spent in the contemplation of God,
then how is it possible to do our work? Do not distinguish between
your work and Gods work. Your work is Gods work as God and you
are one. It is a mistake to think that all that you do in the prayer hall is
Gods work and outside it is your work. You should not entertain such
feelings of separateness. Consider your heart as the altar of God and
turn your vision inward. One who understands this truth and acts
accordingly is a true human being. Love Towards God Alone Is True
Love. You think that you love your family and friends, but that cannot
be called love in the true sense of the term. That is only attachment.
Love towards God alone is true love. If you call yourself a devotee of
Swami, act according to Swamis expectation. Do not count the number
61
of bags of rice and the number of saris and dhotis that you have given
away in charity to the poor. You may submit such accounts to the
Income Tax Department, not to God. God wants quality, not quantity.
He sees the feeling behind your acts of charity.
Even a small act of charity will assume immense significance in the
eyes of God, if it is done with purity of heart. One teaspoonful of cows
milk is better than barrels of donkeys milk. God is pleased even if you
offer a teaspoonful of milk with love. God always observes your
feelings. Gods valuation is always perfect; none can match Him in this
respect.
Conduct Yourself In Accordance With Gods Wish

Students should aspire for good conduct and good behaviour. They
should cultivate qualities, which are dear to God. Before undertaking
any task, enquire whether it is pleasing to God. You are bound to attain
success if God is pleased with your actions. Do not go by your own
likes and dislikes. Conduct yourself in accordance with Gods wish.
Eschew selfishness and self-interest. Cultivate sacredness and
steadfastness. This is the teaching of Lord Ganapathi. Ganapathi confers
on you Buddhi (intellect) and siddhi (fulfilment). One can attain siddhi
only when one has good Buddhi. You have to love God wholeheartedly
and offer Him all that you do. Then even a simple task performed by
you will become significant.
In this land of Bharat, Ganapathi is highly venerated. Ganapathi
worship is prevalent in all parts of India. Lord Ganesh shines in every
heart. Ganapathi teaches you forgiveness and love, so that you may
realize divinity and enjoy bliss. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 201-218)
62
Vinaayaka Principle
You strain so much for filling this small stomach. Does this satisfy you?
There is no contentment at any point of time. Based on this, Lord
Vighneshwara said, Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham you cannot
derive happiness out of happiness. Happiness is the fructification of
difficulties. You want all the comforts and happiness, but this will not
give you Peace. If you want to have a taste of happiness and peace,
obstacles are necessary.
As long as it is alive, the tree bears fruits
for others; even after it dies, by splitting itself,
it becomes useful as firewood.
(Telugu Poem)
Tree is the very symbol of sacrifice. For the ideal of sacrifice, trees are
the best exemplars. In this human life, sacrifice is essential. Without
sacrifice, you cannot enjoy the state of bliss anytime. Cultivate the spirit
of sacrifice right from now onward.
You may extend hospitality and kindness
to a mean-minded person, but he will certainly
harm you due to his very nature. Because of the
poison that gets into ones psychology, human
life is ruined.
(Telugu Poem)
Therefore, we should never be mean-minded. We should be noble and
broad-minded. We should uphold the pristine glory and esteem that man
is supreme in the universe. In ancient times, the sages erred
occasionally, but repented and atoned for their sins. They were great
personalities. You should follow such mighty, eminent personalities.
Modern man is weak. In modern times, people commit sins, but they
63
neither realise their mistakes nor do they repent. In those days, the
elders corrected their mistakes and led a pure life, being very grateful to
God. Repentance is the basis for the glorious life that follows. To
recognise this truth, you worship Lord Vighneshwara.
Vinaayaka Is the First Worshipped

Vinaayaka has many teachings that help man liberate himself. Worship
of Lord Ganesha has been followed from very ancient times. In the
Narayana Upanishad, Lord Ganesha is praised first. In the three Vedas,
we find the mention of Lord Ganesha. Even in music, they pray to
Ganesha for his grace. Do we have the qualities of Vinaayaka? Lord
Vinaayaka has a pure heart. In fact, Siddhi and Buddhi (fulfilment and
intellect) are his two eyes. He considered them as his consorts. For
intelligence, we need to have Buddhi. For Buddhi, we need to have
gratitude. An ungrateful man can never become an intellectual. Without
intellect, one can never be successful. Vinaayaka confers success. So,
we need to know the inner significance of Lord Vinaayaka. Today,
before we start any work, we pray to Lord Ganesha. Without praying to
the master of masters, Vinaayaka, and thereby, acting in an egoistic
way, we are bound to fail. Vinaayaka Chaturthi is the first festival of the
year, followed by other festivals.
Bharatiyas begin their daily prayers with a prayer to Lord Ganesha.
Vinaayaka is the head of spiritual, mental and physical levels. We
should sustain and protect all these levels.
In our college, we have M.B.A. meaning, Master of Business
Administration, but it is not that. It stands for Mind, Body and Atma.
We need to understand the integration and coordination of all the three.
64
Vinaayaka Principle
Mind is given to enquire. Body is granted to perform. The Atma

monitors the performance of these two. Atma is permanent. Mind is
fickle and has to be made steady. It should be exercised properly. One
should constantly enquire whether one has a mind like that of a man or
a beast. We should not act according to our mind. The body should not
do what the mind has decided. Intellect has the capability to
discriminate whether a thought is good or not. If the thought is good,
the intellect acknowledges it to the Atma. Man should realise that he is
the combination of Mind, Body and Atma. He has to purify the mind.
An impure mind is not acceptable to the intellect that transcends all the
senses. We follow the mind and senses. Mind is the master of senses,
but it is not controlling the senses. One may have a sensitive mind, but
it is only an animal mind. So we should master the mind and be a
mastermind.
To exercise the control of mind, worship of Vinaayaka is important.
Vinaayaka does not react, but remains as a witness. Atma, the spirit, is
eternal. It is the witness and so also, it watches everything, but does not
interfere.
Vinaayaka Is the Master of Sacred Qualities

The nature of Vinaayaka is found everywhere. Vinaayaka is the master
of Siddhi and Buddhi. We have to pray to such a Lord. If the leader is
good, you will certainly reach the goal. Today, we do not have good
leaders. Who is a good leader? Our conscience is the leader, but you
have polluted that conscience. It is full of bad traits and wickedness.
Vinaayaka is the one who annihilates all such bad traits in our
conscience. Mice smell everything wherever they go. Vinaayaka has
such a creature as his vehicle. He put the mouse under his foot. This
means that he is not affected by any bad traits. As he is the master of all
65
sacred qualities, sages and spiritual seekers praise him. We have to

recognise and understand the significance of Vinaayaka, who is there in
our hearts. We have to think of him constantly. He is the presiding deity
of all Gods. Shaivites as well as Vaishnavites worship Vinaayaka. He
symbolises all the religions. He stands for auspiciousness. Once you
recognise this and worship accordingly you will redeem your lives.
(SSS Vol.34)
In this world, everybody has a master, but Ganapathi has none. He is a
master unto himself. This is the birthday of the Master of Masters.
Ganapathi is also called Mooshika Vahana (one who has a mouse as his
vehicle). You may wonder how a small Mooshika can carry on its back
a hefty personality like Vinaayaka. Here mooshika does not mean a
mere mouse. It symbolises the darkness of ignorance because it is in
darkness that the mouse moves about. Hence, Mooshika Vahana is one
who subdues ignorance and dispels darkness. It is only when we
understand the inner significance of the Vinaayaka principle that we
will be able to celebrate Vinaayaka Chaturthi properly. One of the main
teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is contained in the sloka:
Sarvadharman Parityaja Maamekam Saranam
Vraja,
Aham Twa Sarvapapebhyo Mokshaishyami Ma
Suchah
(Surrender unto Me and perform all your actions as
an offering to Me. I will destroy all your sins and confer
liberation on you.) (SSS Vol.35)
66
Vinaayaka Principle
The Individual Must Identify Himself With Society

So long as man is immersed in body attachment, all types of hardships
and misery haunt him. Body attachment is the root cause of sankalpas
(thoughts). That is why Krishna exhorted man to give up body
attachment. The inner meaning of this statement is that man should
experience unity in diversity. Without vyashti (individual), there cannot
be samashti (society). Without samashti, there cannot be srishti
(creation). So, first of all we have to recognise the role of vyashti. Only
then can we understand the principle of samashti, which will in turn
lead to the understanding of srishti. One who understands srishti
becomes one with parameshti (God). In fact, the principles of samashti,
srishti and parameshti are very much present in vyashti.
Hence, one has to make efforts to understand vyashti in the first
instance. Vyashti symbolises the individual (jiva) whereas samashti
stands for God (deva). There is not much difference between the
individual soul and the Cosmic Spirit. So long as vyashti identifies
himself with the body he leads a very ordinary life. It is only when he
identifies himself with samashti can he understand the principle of
creation. So, firstly man should make efforts to understand the true
meaning of vyashti. This is the message of Vinaayaka. (SSS Vol.35, p.
238)
The letter Ga (intellect) in the name Ganapathi symbolises this aspect.
The letter Na stands for vijnana (wisdom). So, Ganapathi is one who
grants good intellect and confers wisdom.
Today people perform Vinaayaka worship without actually
understanding its significance. Vinaayaka symbolises the qualities of a
true leader in all aspects. Viyate Nayake Iti Vinaayaka meaning, He is
67
a master unto Himself. In this world Vinaayaka is worshipped by many.

However, Vinaayaka does not worship anyone as He has no master
above Him. Even Easwara, the father, worships His son Vinaayaka, but
it does not happen the other way.
Control of the Mind Is True Spiritual Practice

Today no one is making an attempt to know the principle of
Parameshti, who is the fundamental force behind vyashti, samashti and
srishti. Parameshti is the master of all. In this world, man undertakes
various activities, of which some are good and some are bad. Mans
sankalpa (thought) is the root cause of this duality. Good thoughts lead
to good actions and vice versa. Man is the embodiment of sankalpas
and vikalpas (resolutions and negations). True spiritual practice lies in
controlling these thoughts and their aberrations.
Today man is troubled by worry and anxiety. There
is not a moment when he is free from worries. What
are the worries that disturb man? To be born is a
worry, to be on earth is a worry; world is a cause
of worry and death too; entire childhood is a worry
and so is old age; life is a worry, failure is a worry;
all actions and difficulties cause worry; even happiness
too is a mysterious worry.
(Telugu Poem)
Body attachment is the primary cause of all worries. Man cannot attain
happiness without difficulties and worries. Pleasure is an interval
between two pains. It is impossible to experience happiness without
undergoing difficulties. There is divinity in every human being. The
power latent in man is not present elsewhere. However, he is unable to
68
Vinaayaka Principle
make use of the divine power in him. Every man is endowed with
buddhi (intellect) which has immense potentiality. Vijnana (wisdom) is
far superior to intellect. The principles of buddhi and vijnana have to be
properly understood in the first instance. (SSS Vol.35, p. 240)
Vinaayaka Principle Is All-pervasive

Vinaayaka is the leader of the universe; there is no leader above him.
He is the leader of all and master of all. It will be your misfortune if you
forget such a leader and master. He eats only simple food, which is
cooked without oil. The food he eats is called Kudumulu which is
prepared by grinding various types of food grains, making the mixture
soft by mixing it with water and cooking it in steam. He eats only such
simple food. This preparation is also called Undrallu. Those who eat
such food will not suffer from even a minor illness at any point of time.
Vinaayaka has two consorts, Buddhi and Siddhi. Being in the constant
company of Vinaayaka, they have acquired all types of knowledge from
him. They also eat simple food like Vinaayaka.
Vinaayaka is omnipresent. He teaches through silence and conducts
himself in an exemplary manner. Some people think that Vinaayaka is
worshipped only in Bharat. But the Vinaayaka principle is all-pervasive
and is worshipped by all.
People may follow different paths, but all can experience the Vinaayaka
principle. This Vinaayaka principle is present in everyone in the form of
breath. It will be sheer foolishness if you limit your worship of
Vinaayaka to idols made of clay and metals. In fact, Vinaayaka is your
master, who is in you, with you and around you. By constant
contemplation on Vinaayaka, all your sins will be destroyed.
69
Inner Meaning of Immersion of Vinaayaka Idol

What is the significance of immersion of idols in water? When the idol
of Vinaayaka is immersed in water, it loses its form. Then Vinaayaka
principle becomes all pervasive. If you put sugar in water, it will mix
with water, permeating its every molecule. Likewise, the merger of the
idol of Vinaayaka with water signifies his all-pervasiveness. Vinaayaka
is the divine parent of all and loves all his children.
He considers them as his only property. Emulating his example, all
parents should consider their children as their property. Similarly, the
children should also have utmost regard for their parents. Never forget
your mother, never forget your father.
Vinaayaka is the bestower of Buddhi and Siddhi (intellect and spiritual
attainments). If your Buddhi is good, everything will become good for
you. Therefore, when you commence your studies or start any new
work, you first offer worship to Vinaayaka. Even before eating your
food, you should pray to Vinaayaka. All Bharatiyas pray to Vinaayaka
before undertaking any new venture. When they construct temples, they
usually install the idol of Vinaayaka in the front. It is a tradition of the
Bharatiyas that whenever they have to start some work, they do it only
after offering worship to Vinaayaka. When a singer wants to present a
concert, he first offers prayer to Vinaayaka. Our students also dedicate
their first Bhajan to Vinaayaka when they start their Bhajan
programme. Vinaayaka is the master of your life. There is no leader
other than him.
Vinaayaka is the Master of the Universe

Worship of Vinaayaka should not be limited to Vinaayaka Chaturthi
day only. You should worship him at all places and at all times, whether
it is Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami (fourth, eighth, ninth day of new
70
Vinaayaka Principle
moon) or any other day. Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari

Chintanam (everywhere, at all times, under all circumstances
contemplate on God).
However, there is a special significance of worshipping Vinaayaka on
Vinaayaka Chaturthi day. As it will be difficult for people to perform
this elaborate ritualistic worship regularly on all days, certain number of
days have been fixed for the special worship of Vinaayaka like three
days, five days or ten days. Moreover, it is difficult for people to
prepare the Naivedyam (food offerings) to Vinaayaka on all days,
although the food of Vinaayaka is very simple and easy to prepare. His
food is cooked only in steam without putting directly on fire. Such food
keeps us healthy and free from diseases.
Though Vinaayaka has a big belly, it does not mean that he eats much.
He takes only limited food. When people sing songs in praise of
Vinaayaka, they describe him as Bojja Ganapathi (one with big belly).
But he does not eat all that is offered to him. He sanctifies those
offerings and confers his blessings. He is ever on the move to bless his
devotees.
God is like that only. Vinaayaka is the leader of all beings. He is the
controller and sustainer of the entire creation. If Vinaayaka does not
sustain and control the creation, there will be total destruction. It is only
Vinaayaka who protects the creation from Vinashana (destruction). He
is present everywhere. Whether you are aware of it or not, he is always
with you, in you, around you, above you and below you.
71
Vinaayaka and Pranayama

Man cannot live without air. It is his life principle. Vinaayaka
permeates the life principle of man. People celebrate Vinaayaka
Chaturthi with great joy and prepare a number of delicious dishes. But,
Ganesha is not interested in eating all the delicious items offered to him.
He is happy to live on air. Here, air symbolises Prana (life principle).
There can be no life without the life principle. You can yourself see that
you breathe in and breathe out. You cannot live without breathing.
When you take the breath in, you experience the sound So and when
you breathe out, you experience the sound Hum. In this way, ones
breathing signifies Sohum (That I am). In the science of Pranayama,
the inhalation of breath is called Puraka, exhalation is called Rechaka
and retention of breath is called Kumbhaka. You can attain the state of
dhyana only whent he duration of inhalation, exhalation and retention
are equal. Rechaka, Puraka and Kumbhaka are the three main aspects in
the practice of Pranayama which can be learnt only by the grace of
Vinaayaka. All these processes of inhalation, exhalation and retention
are directed by the Will of God. But people do not understand the secret
behind this and celebrate Vinaayaka Chaturthi in a ritualistic way.
Vinaayaka Bestows Intellect and Spiritual Attainment
Vinaayaka is called Siddhi Vinaayaka because he bestows Buddhi and
Siddhi. Both of these are very essential for man. Vinaayaka has the head
of an elephant which has a great significance. Since elephant is
considered very auspicious, all big temples keep their own elephants for
ceremonial processions. The elephant is the biggest of all the animals.
The footprints of all animals like lion or tiger will be erased when an
elephant walks over their path. When an elephant passes through a thick
forest, it creates a path even for cars, buses and chariots to pass through.
Likewise, Vinaayaka makes the path for all to follow. When people
72
Vinaayaka Principle
were going from Ayodhya to Mithila for Ramas wedding, the

procession was headed by elephants.
The grand procession was led by elephants,
horses and chariots,
The entire Army of Dasaratha followed
The elderly Sage Viswamitra
King Dasaratha was accompanied by his
ministers and vassal kings,
It appeared as though the entire Ayodhya
moved en masse towards Mithila,
It was a wonderful and blissful sight to behold.
(Telugu poem)
The elephant is so powerful that when it trumpets, all the barking dogs
will be silenced. Without understanding the real significance of the
elephant head of Vinaayaka, we make an idol with a trunk and take it
out in a procession. Not only Vinaayaka, but all gods transcend physical
forms. There can be no birth and death for the one who transcends
physical form. God has no form. If you ask God, Who are You?
He will reply, Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). Who is Brahman?
He signifies inhalation and exhalation which have no form. Nobody can
question who begot Brahman? Where is He? Likewise, the primordial
sound Om has no form. It has no beginning, no end. How can there be
an end of something which has no beginning? Inhalation and exhalation
are two related processes. Similar are happiness and sorrow, merit and
sin. God is beyond all these. One who is born will also die. But God has
neither birth nor death. You should never forget this divine principle
which signifies the unity of the entire creation. If you ask who is God,
73
the answer to this question is that God is the principle of oneness in the
entire diversity of the creation.
Therefore, it is your delusion to limit God to the idols of Rama, Krishna
and Vinaayaka and worship them. Did you see Krishna anywhere?
Where is He? There is no one who has seen God. However, the physical
form in which God incarnates has a great significance. God does not
assume physical form without any reason. Therefore, you should never
forget His physical form. God assumes the physical form to strengthen
the moral fabric of the world.
It is not possible to experience the divine principle without
understanding the spirit behind these celebrations. Therefore, try to
know the inner significance of celebrating festivals. When you
understand that Vinaayaka is the omnipresent divine principle, you will
be celebrating this festival in its true spirit. In fact, all festivals should
be celebrated with proper understanding of their significance.
74
Index
Adhipathi, 10
Ananda, 12, 13, 35, 46
Artha, 33, 47
Atma, 27, 39, 42, 51, 53, 54, 64,
65
Avidya, 7, 14, 15
Buddhi, 9, 17, 19, 46, 53, 55, 62,
64, 65, 69, 70, 72
bull, 21, 23, 33, 34
Dharma, 33, 47
Ekadhantha, 52
elephant, 9, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, 34,
36, 44, 51, 55, 57, 72, 73
elephant-God. See Ganesha
family, 33, 34, 61
Gajaasura, 21, 22, 23
Ganapathi, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 33, 35,
37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 51,
53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 62, 66, 67, 71
Ganas, 9, 17, 19, 20
Ganesha, 9, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 43,
46, 47, 48, 51, 52, 54, 55, 57,
58, 64, 72
Jnanedhriyas, 17
Kama, 33, 57
Karmendhriyas, 17, 19
Krodha, 57
Lambodhara, 12
lion, 24, 33, 34, 72
Lobha, 57
Maya, 7, 14
Moksha, 33, 47
mouse, 33, 36, 44, 55, 56, 57, 58,
65, 66
Nandi, 21, 23, 33, 40, 50
nivedhanam, 27
Nivritti, 48, 58
parakrama, 41
Parameshti, 68
Parameshwara, 21, 33, 37, 40
Parvathi, 10, 11, 18, 21, 22, 33, 34,
37, 40, 48
peacock, 33, 34, 35, 37
pravritti, 48, 58
sadbuddhi, 41
sahasam, 41
Sastras, 41
Satwa, 13
Shakti, 9, 10, 19, 21, 26, 41
Shashivarnam, 25, 51
Shravanam, 26
75
Siddhi, 9, 46, 55, 64, 65, 69, 70, 72

Subrahmanya, 33, 34, 35, 37, 56
utsaha, 41
vahana, 33
Vasana, 56, 57
Vidhya, 9, 52, 53, 54
vighna, 9
Vighneshwara, 9, 18, 19, 20, 43,
48
Vinaayaka, 9, 10, 11, 17, 19, 20,

21, 22, 24, 26, 33, 37, 38, 39,
40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,
50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 64,
65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74
Vinaayaka Principle, 8, 53, 54
vyakthi, 19
76
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Summer Showers In Brindavan (First Enlarged Edition ed., Vols. Part - II).
(1974). Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India: Sri Sathya Sai
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Sathya Sai Speaks: Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Delivered
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GANAPATHI:

SAYING BY BHAGAWAN SRI SATHYA

Tumuluru Krishna Murty

Typeset and formatted: Desaraju Sri Sai Lakshmi

With your elephant's trunk

Food Offerings ..................................................................................................... 45

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

emanated from Prakrithi (Nature). All things are aspects of Nature. It is

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

The presence of three gunas in the cosmos

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

Combined power of Prakrithi, Maya and Avidya

Prayer to Vinaayaka gets rid of delusion

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What is the meaning of

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Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

Otherwise, his life will become meaningless. What is the purpose of

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Everyone is a child of Mother Earth. The meaning of Parvathi thanaya

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Ganapathi represents the combination of much energy. Because of this,

In all human beings, humanness is present equally

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sight, hearing, speech, digestion, and movement of the limbs is derived

How Vinaayaka got Gajaasura's head

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Why Eswara is known as 'Bhola Shankara'

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"Don't worry dear sister. Your husband is Bhola Shankara. He

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

The reason for endowing the deity with an elephants

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Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

find Krishna saying, wherever you see Power, Glory, Majesty

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What is the meaning of Ganapathi?

Vandanam (obeisance), archanam (worship), Dhaasyam (serving Him

The Significance of Ganesha

The Significance of Ganesha

representing the Divinity, Lord Ganesha also represents the way to

Lord Ganesha's elephant head symbolises the immense wisdom of a

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

The Significance of Ganesha

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

Divine state of Self-Realisation that every human being aspires for,

Source: Vedanta Vision (http://vedantavision.org/library/articles-byguests/the-significance-of-ganesha.html)

Harmony in the Lord's family

Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

Unity in a family is the basis of unity in society

Harmony in the Lord's family

in each individual, which is reflected in the lack of unity among

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Ganapathi: Saying by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Lord Ganesh

crow as his vehicle. Ganesha (the God who helps in overcoming

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omnipresence. By circumambulating both of You, I can claim to have

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Vinaayaka on this auspicious day. He fulfils the desires of his devotees.

Why Ganapathi festival lasts for ten days

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Significance of Vinaayaka Worship and Vinaayaka Chaturthi