Significance of Ganapati Festival

Deeper Meaning

• Birth of Ganapati has both ritual and spiritual significance.
• Rituals include chanting during arathi and meditative practices.

Vision of Ganapati

• Rishi Gana Karishi had a vision of Ganapati during meditation.
• He realized the mantra of Ganapati during this experience.
• The mantra is "Gum", which, when chanted, invites Ganapati's blessings.
• Rishis of the Vedas are known as mantra drishtas, who 'saw' the mantra in vision.

Description of Ganapati

• Ganapati is described as:
  • Having a trunk and a large body.
  • Holding pasha (noose) and ankusha (goad) in his hands.
  • Associated with the symbol of a mouse (mooshaka).
  • Compassionate and reddish in complexion.
• Ganapati also embodies the supreme consciousness, as stated in the mantra: "Brahmasi" (you are everything).

Understanding Ganapati's Nature

• He transcends physicality (body) and time (past, present, future).
• Worshiping Ganapati involves recognizing his dual nature:
  • Saguna Sakar: Form with attributes.
  • Nirguna Nirakara: Formless and attribute-less.

Gift to Ganapati

• The best gift for Ganapati on his birthday is to offer one's own intellect and senses.
• Ganas refer to the senses (indriyas) which can be unruly.
• Ganapati's role is to discipline these unruly senses:
  • Eyes (sight) can see things they shouldn’t.
  • Ears (hearing) can hear gossip or unworthy things.
  • Tongue (taste) may desire inappropriate flavors.
  • Hands (action) may do wrong actions.
  • Legs (movement) may wander to wrong places.
• Offer your senses and mind to Ganapati for spiritual growth and control.

Conclusion

• Invoking Ganapati aids in controlling unruly senses and enhances spiritual development.