Ganesh is the Hindu lord of wisdom, intelligence, education, prudence, good fortune, and writing. He is also sometimes called Ganesha or Ganapati. He is best known as the remover of obstacles, and as such can be invoked before the undertaking of any new enterprise with such incantations as
He represents the perfect equilibrium between male and female energies (Shiva and Shakti), between force and kindness and between power and beauty. He also symbolizes the discriminative capacities which provide the ability to perceive distinctions between truth and illusion. Throughout India and the Hindu culture, Shri Ganesh is also placed first into any new home or abode.
It is widely believed that "Wherever there is Ganesh, there is Success and Prosperity" and "Wherever there is Success and Prosperity there is Ganesh". This is why Ganesh is believed to be the harbinger of good fortune, and why he is invoked first at any ritual or ceremony. Whether it is diwali puja, a new house, a new vehicle, students praying before the exams, or people praying before job interviews, it is Ganesha they pray to, because it is believed that he will come to their aid and grant them success in their endeavor. Ganesha is also known as the destroyer of vanity, egoism and pride.
As the first born son of Shiva and Parvati. It is interesting to note how, according to tradition, Ganesha was generated by his mother Parvati without the intervention of her husband. Shiva, in fact, being eternal ,did not feel any need to have children. So Ganesha was born exclusively out of the female desire of Parvati to procreate. Consequently, the relationship between Ganesha and his mother is unique and special.
An ancient tradition from India has recommended that every home can establish a Ganesh Yantra on its outer door or wall to gain protection from all evils
A Yantra is a talisman or mystical diagram. It is part of a technique used for requesting assistance with noble desires to fulfill one's wishes. It is said that the 'Deities' can reside in the Yantras and by performing 'Puja' or worship of Yantras, one can appease them, remove the malefic effects of planets, and increase the flow of positive influences. Procedures to be followed for energizing the Ganesh Yantra are :
- First purify your body and start with a clear and positive mind frame
- Find a place on the floor facing east, where you will be undisturbed.
- Light the incense and candle. (several candles can be lit or one)
- Lay a fresh flower and a fresh fruit on the altar.
- Open the Yantra and place it along with the image of the deity and your Ishta (one of the many forms of the formless Lord).
- Take the water with any leaf from any tree and sprinkle the water on yourself followed by sprinkling the water on the Yantra.
- Then purify your soul and surrender yourself completely in devotion and concentration to God and chant the following mantra 21 times : "Aum Gang Ganpatye Namah"
- Close your eyes and concentrate on the deity to bless your wishes. Now with all sincerity, while focusing from the point between the eyebrows ask God to grant you the noble desire that you want fulfilled.
It is considered auspicious to invoke Ganesh before any important work is undertaken be it the starting of a business, the building of a house, the writing of a book or even undertaking a journey. 73 Ganesh Yantra
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