About Ganesh | Hindu God Ganesha | Who is Ganesha

Ganesh Mantra

“Aum Vakratundaya Hum” - Considered as one of the most powerful Ganesh mantras, its origin is traced to Ganesh Puranas. This mantra is referenced several times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. The chanting of this mantra is recommended when something is not working properly or while feeling depressed or discouraged. In a nutshell the mantra invokes Ganesha (Aum) to straighten & ward off evil and difficulty (Vakratundaya) with no delays (Hum).

Why is Ganesha called the God of Beginnings?

When Parvati first set eyes on the elephant-head that Shiva placed on her beheaded son’s neck, she burst into tears.  Brahma, the Creator, in order to placate the inconsolable mother, promised her that henceforth Ganesha would be the first among gods to be worshiped.

Ganesha embodies superiority of the intellect, wisdom and the ability to overcome obstacles, the very factors required for any worldly enterprise to succeed. He is also associated with material success. Is it any mystery therefore, that he is invoked at the start of all ventures?

Shri Mahaganapati, Ranjangaon

Fifty kilometers from Pune, in tranquil Ranjangaon , lies the last Ashtavinayak, Shri Mahaganapati. The architectural style of the old temple’s pillars suggests that this was a 9th century structure; the present temple was built in 1768.

Mahaganapati is the most awe-inspiring representation of Ganesha. Locals have it that an earlier idol named Mahotkat, with 10 trunks and 20 hands, lies buried beneath the temple. The present Ganesha sits on a lotus, flanked by his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi.

Mahaganapati manifested here in response to Shiva’s plea for help in killing the demon Tripurasura. Tripurasura, once a staunch Ganesha worshipper, was granted a boon of invincibility by the god, with a rider that none but Shiva the Destroyer could kill him. As demons are wont , power went to Tripurasura’s head and he ravaged the heavens and earth. Shiva too was helpless, until he invoked Ganesha who taught him how to vanquish Tripurasura.

With mind and soul steeped in Ganesha lore, the Ashtavinayak pilgrim must finally make his way back to the Mayureshwar temple in Moregaon, where his journey began.  In seeking the Lord, will he discover both the Ganesha and the demons within?

Shri Vighneshwar Temple, Ozhar

How often have we been thwarted in  an enterprise by an unforeseen obstacle?  Vighna, in Sanskrit, is the term for such unfortunate occurrences. In order to block King Abhinandan's ambitions of conquering the heavens, the god Indra brought into existence, the demonic Vighnasura, creator of obstacles. Vighnasura  successfully stopped Abhinandan in his tracks, but then proceeded to spread havoc on earth. The gods prayed to Ganesha for deliverance. In the fight that ensued, Vighnasura surrendered to Ganesha, pleading for mercy. The Lord agreed to spare his life, on the condition that he would never appear where Ganesha was worshipped. Vighnasura agreed, with another request, that Ganesha incorporate the demon’s name with his own.  Thus, Vighneswara, or "Conqueror of Obstacles".

Ozhar, the site of this temple, is a small town located off the Pune-Nashik highway. The temple stands on the banks of the River Kukdi and possibly dates back to 1785 AD.  A high stone wall protects the shrine; from here, it is possible to view the Lenyadri Mountain, the site of the Girijatmaj Temple.

Shri Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri

"Girija" is another name for Parvati, mother of Ganesha, and "atmaj" means son. In the cave where this temple exists, a lonely Parvati undertook a long, severe penance to fulfill her desire for a child.  Her wish was granted when, on the fourth day of Bhadrapad (August-September), Parvati wiped dirt off her body and with it, created an idol into which she invoked Ganesha.

Lenyadri Mountain, some distance from the town of Narayangaon (Maharashtra, North India), has a clutch of Buddhist caves, the eighth of which is the Girijatmaj temple. The temple is carved out of a monolithic rock and has no supporting pillars. This Ashtavinayak shrine does not have an idol; rather the god is a fresco carved on rock with somewhat indistinguishable features. Unlike the practice in most temples, worshippers can enter right into the sanctum sanctorum and offer prayers. The temple is reached by climbing 307 steps up the mountain. Aged or infirm pilgrims can reach the top by palanquin.