In the Trail of Ganapati

Jaya Guru Datta                                                       Sri Guru Datta

In the Trail of Ganapati ...

       

All pervading cosmic energy of the Almighty God is worshipped all over the globe in different forms and by various methods. Although the methods and forms may vary with the passage of time and geographical location; the essence remains the same. Among the most popular forms of the God, Ganapati is easily the most favourite in Hindu Pantheon. From Indonesia to America, Ganapati is worshipped by people of various faiths and races.

The incarnation of Ganapati has its roots in the worship of nature. Parvati symbolises Prakruti; where as Lord Shiva represents the Purusha. The creative communion between Prakruti and Purusha produces the progeny in various forms, of which Ganapati is the first and foremost. Hence, He is coroneted as the controller of all the forces. Basically, it is the primordial energy which has taken a form to obliterate hardships to Noble and righteous persons.

Let us analyse how these hardships occur in the lives of people. It is the eternal scriptural ordain that one has to reap the dividends of the past actions, bad or good. During the enjoyment of the fruits of past good deeds, no one complains. The enjoyer is likely to forget the root cause (i.e. past meritorious deeds) of these comforts and luxuries; and is less inclined to continue the same noble deeds, that are beneficial to one and all. However, everyone analyses failures of actions and rues his or her ill luck. What exactly is the factor of luck?? Why should a person irrespective of the labour he puts; gets the result grossly disproportionate to his amount of labour?? Why should another person, visibly disinclined with charitable deeds; should corner all the comforts of life?? This exactly proves the point that people are just enjoying the result of their past actions. In light of the above mentioned connection, we should analyse Ganapati Tatwam.

It is the general belief of our communities, that whoever worships Ganapati before commencing any work, Ganapati would not cause obstacles. In other words, he spares his destructive forces. For those, who do not worship Ganapati, he unleashes His forces to cause obstacles. This is a general notion. If this is true; then Lord Ganapati, could be compared to any feudal lord. But this belief is based on ignorance and disillusion.

The Ganas (forces) which are controlled by Ganapati are nothing but the instruments to enforce the system of Karma theory. One has to endure the results of the past actions. By worshipping Ganapati, we are offered the protection from the possible adverse effect due to our past sins. If we do not opt for the protection, then it is our decision to face adversity as we are depriving ourselves of the Divine protection of Ganapati. Hence, the myth that Ganapati causes obstacles- is baseless. Though distinctly aware of the possible root cause of impediments in one’s life (Possible past sins), humans do not have the control not to commit any more sins usually. Hence, the worship and idea of Ganapati Philosophy constantly alerts one and all about the adverse effects of sins in the form of obstacles.

Ganapati’s birth is described severally in many Puranas. Co-relating these fables would make a seeker realise the importance and magnanimity of Vinayaka. The form of Ganapati suggests the close relation to various aspects of nature. The idol is made of mud and water. He is worshipped with 21 types of leaves, fruits, flowers. Durva (Garika) is his most favoured ingredient for Puja. These rich traditions always remind and teach us to respect all aspects of nature and constantly ordain us to preserve and protect ecology. To further this commandment, the scriptures corroborate that Swetarka Tree is an embodiment of Lord Ganapati. Thus the worship of Ganapati puts onus on ethical, righteous and ecological uprightness in one’s life.

May Vinayaka bless all those devout readers.

Jaya Guru Datta.