Ganesha Chaturthi Photos & update
-2nd-5th Sep 2008,alsoDetails
of Ganesha immersion with photos
Teachers day was welcomed by most of the residents of the Sri Sathya Sai
institutions like one would do for the New Year's Day - by keeping awake through the
night! Swami had notified everyone that Ganesha immersion - an event of great
significance in the Indian annual calendar would take place on the 5th. The act of
taking the clay idol of Lord Ganesha to the nearby water body and immersing Him in
it has a great spiritual meaning. The clay idol is symbolic of the human body
composed of the five elements. It should spend time on the earth in a manner that it
is worshipped! After its worshippable stay on the earth, it finally merges back with
the elements. Though the idol is gone, Ganesha lives forever! And that story is the
same for the true being, the soul, too. It is in this spirit and fervour that the
immersion is celebrated all over India, more so in Puttaparthi. And everyone is
fully immersed in making either chariots or palanquins for carrying the sweet
elephant Lord Ganesha!
click
2 enlarge
At about 3:00pm, all the chariots from the school and Institute and the various
institutions were all lined up along the main road at Parthi and what an
impressive sight it was! The procession began to the singing of bhajans,
enthusiastic rhythms of the chants and the musical beats of the drums. The
beeline towards the mandir was ready and it began. As the chariots entered the
mandir, they were led to the bays that had been earmarked for them to park. Soon
the entire array was ready and what an impressive sight it was! The mandir
resembled a cosmic battlefield where the Lord pervaded all the chariots! To add
to this was a contingent of little Ganeshas from primary school waiting in front
of Swami's residence along with the nadaswaram and the Veda chanting
contingents. There was a peacock chariot and another one that had the Golden
eagle. A palanquin and a chariot had been inspired by Adi Sesha, the serpent
which forms the bed for Lord Vishnu, and they were designed like that divine
snake. There was a "Harry Potter" cup inside which Ganesha sttod as the prize, a
huge Hibiscus flower had Ganesha as its centre, a castle and a mountain added to
the variety. An elephant with Ganesha seated atop in the howdah also paraded in
the procession. A "navaratna ring" chariot too was present and there were
chariots from the indoor stadium and from the Sri Sathya Sai airport too.
It was about 4:00pm when Swami came out for the darshan rounds. A little
"Ganesha" immediately moved forward to his "father" and offered a rose and that
instantly brought a sweet smile on Swami's face. He asked for all the procession
to begin as He sat watching from in front of Yajur Mandir. Representative
members of each group that had gathered there went forward to Swami and offered
flowers before embarking and joining the procession. The procession entered the
Kulwant hall and so did Swami, behind it. He slowly went past each and every
chariot and as He went by, there were people holding out fruits and various
articles of worship. Very patiently, Swami blessed each of them and looked at
the chariots. He went for a full round looking at and appreciating the
creativity and devotion embodied in the vehicles for Lord Ganesha. He then came
and sat on the stage. As part of the programme, a dance on the glories of
Ganesha had been organised. The children from the school did a wonderful job and
there was a loud round of applause for all of them. As they concluded, Swami
called the warden and blessed everyone to go around for the pradakshina.
There is a very famous story of how Ganesha went around Lord Shiva and Mother
Parvati and claimed that He had circumambulated the entire universe. When
questioned, He simply replied that his parents were the Universe for Him. In
that similar manner, all the students and staff went around Swami and the
mandir. After that, each chariot was brought up in front of Swami as the
announcers introduced them and explained the significance of their vehicle.
The chariots slowly made their way to their final destination as Swami very
lovingly blessed each and every chariot with Abhayahastha. Strains of "Jai bolo
Sai Baba Ki" and "Jai Bolo Ganesh Maharaj Ki" filled the air. The wholoe
atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and energy. Swami sat viewing till the entire
procession moved past Him. As it left the mandir, Swami went into the bhajan
hall. There He interacted very lovingly with one of the students for quite some
time and materialized a gold chain for him. Spending time speaking to him, Swami
then asked for bhajans to begin. Bhajans went on for about 40 minutes after
which Swami received Aarthi and left to Yajur Mandir. Again there too were
students who offered roses of gratitude to Him. Swami accepted them and blessed
the students and retired for the day.
The Ganesha Immersion ceremony was held today. Representatives from all the Sai
Institutions at Prasanthi Nilayam brought their Ganesha idols in colourful floats to
the Mandir in a procession, lining up along Swami's darshan route by 3.30 pm.
Bhagawan arrived just before four o'clock, and moved slowly along the path in front
of the arrayed Ganesha chariots. When He reached the stage, the students presented a
dance on Ganesha. Then the entire procession circumambulated the Mandir, and with a
short description being narrated for each chariot, moved out of the main gate for
the immersion. Bhagawan moved to the interview room, and in a few minutes came into
the Bhajan Hall and asked for the Bhajans to commence just after five o'clock. After
half an hour, Swami accepted Arati and returned to Yajur Mandir.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008:Today, Ganesh Chaturthi was
celebrated with puja being performed in the various institutions at Prasanthi
Nilayam after morning Bhajans. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 4.15 pm and
after a full darshan round in His chair, went into the interview room. A short
while later, He came out and called some devotees for interviews. At 5.45, He
sent word for Bhajans to start in the Bhajan Hall, and half an hour later He
accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
Tuesday,September,02,2008 :
Today morning
Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall by 9.30 a.m. and took a full round of
darshan. After taking His darshan round Swami moved around on the verandah interacting with
devotees sitting there. After only half hour Swami returned back to His abode i.e. at 10. a.m.
. In the evening Swami came at 4.00 p.m. and went directly to Poornachandra hall to bless the
selected Ganesha idols set up for Ganesha Chaturthi. At 4.15 p.m. Swami arrived in Kulwant hall on
His chair, Swami collected number of letters on His way to the mandir. After reaching verandah
Swami once again moved to the ladies side and talked to one elderly devotee for quite some
time. Swami first created Vhibuti for her and then materialized a gold chain and put it around
her neck to the thundering applause of all the devotees. After taking the 'extra' round of the
ladies side Bhagawan again went back to the verandah and after a while entered interview room.
Today Swami accepted the evening aarthi at 6.00 p.m. Kulwant hall has been decorated for
Ganesha Chaturthi. Many V VIPs are here, royalty from Belgium, home minister of Sri
Lanka, cricketer VVS Laxman etc.
Also, streets of Parthi are decorated with colourful lights & with
a huge Ganesha idol installed for Ganesha Chaturthi festival. The weather is
humid &
marked by rain. Sai Ram & Happy Ganesha Chaturthi to all.
If you want to lead a life of
happiness, free from troubles and difficulties, you have to pray to
Ganapathi, the remover of all obstacles. There is no need to go to any
temple. Vighneswara dwells in each one of you as your intelligence (buddhi)
and wisdom (vijnaana). When you make proper use of your inherent
intelligence and wisdom, you will be successful in life.
Vinayaka (Ganesha) 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 these powers (intellect (buddhi) and fulfillment (siddhi,
self-realization). What is this siddhi? When there is purity of mind, you
achieve peace (which is siddhi). Vinayaka is thus the Lord of the intellect and
self-realization. Hence, every human being should acquire control over the mind
... .
Vinayaka is the Lord of all learning
(vidya). Does learning mean bookish scholarship? No. Everything pertaining to
the cosmos is included in the term learning (vidya). Walking, talking, laughing,
sitting, eating, strolling, thinking --every kind of activity is related to
learning. Vinayaka 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.
Vinayaka is the master of every kind
of knowledge. Learning is related to the intellect (buddhi). It is not mere
scholarship. Familiarity with books is not knowledge. One's entire life is a
continuous process of learning. Any process of inquiry is related to learning.
But basically our inquiry should be concerned with finding out what is transient
and what is permanent. This is true knowledge.
Hence, today, students worship
Vinayaka with zeal. Vinayaka is not the one who merely comes to the aid of those
who read their books. He helps everyone at every step in life's journey. "
Sanathana Sarathi, October 1995
From: A Compendium of the Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba, pp. 115
Who is Vinayaka? In the verse (sloka)
beginning with the words Suklaambara- dharam Vishnum, only the form of the deity
is described. But there is another inner meaning for the name Vinayaka.
Suklaambaradharam means one who is clad in white. Vishnum means he is
all-pervading. Sasivarnam means his complexion is grey, like that of ash.
Chathurbhujam means he has four arms. Prasannavadanam means he has always a
pleasing mien. Sarvavighnopasaanthaye means for the removal of all obstacles.
Dhyaayeth means meditate (on him). Vinayaka is the deity who removes all bad
qualities, instills good qualities, and confers peace on the devotee who
meditates on him.
However, the Vinayaka-principle has
only one meaning, which is relevant to everyone regardless of whether he is a
believer or a non-believer. Vinayaka means that he is totally master of himself.
He has no master above him. He does not depend on anyone. He is also called
Ganapathi. This term means he is the lord of the ganas --a class of divine
entities. This term also means that he is the master of the intellect and
discriminating power in man. He possesses great intelligence and knowledge. Such
knowledge issues from a pure and sacred mind. This knowledge leads to wisdom (vijnaana).
Because he is the master of intelligence (buddhi) and wisdom or realisation (
siddhi ), he is described as the Lord of Buddhi and Siddhi. Buddhi and Siddhi
are referred to as the consorts of Vinayka.
The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka.
What is the inner significance of the mouse? The mouse is considered as the
embodiment of the sense of smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to
worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is well known that if you want to catch a
mouse, you place a strong-smelling edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also
symbolises the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As
Vinayaka's vehicle, the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness
to light. Thus, the Vinayaka-principle means that which removes all the bad
qualities, bad practices, and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities,
good conduct and good thoughts.
Another name for Vinayaka is
Vighneswara. Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth
--riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara is the promoter of
all these forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to their enjoyment. He
confers all these forms of wealth on those who worship him. Vinayaka is
described as "the first deity who should be worshipped (prathama vandana)".
ASinceeveryone in the world desires wealth and prosperity, everyone offers the
first place for worship to Vighneswara.
Divine Discourse: Ganesh Chaturthi,
12 September 1991
What is the meaning of the name
Ganapathi? Where are the ganas?
What is their form? When you investigate this, you find that the five organs of
perception and the five organs of action (jnaanendriyas and karmendriyas) are
the ganas. The mind is the master over these ten organs. The intellect (buddhi)
is the discriminating faculty above the mind. The ten senses, the mind, and the
intellect together constitute the ganas.
In the word "gana ", "ga " stands for
intellect (buddhi) and "na " means "Vaijnaana (the higher knowledge or wisdom)".
Ganapathi is the Lord of the intellect and higher knowledge. The question may be
asked, Are the intellect and 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.
When Ganapathi is described as "Parvathee
thanaya ", who is this Parvathee? Parvathee signifies Prithvi, Mother Earth.
Everyone is a child of Mother Earth.
The meaning of "son of Parvathee (Parvatheethanaya)"
is that Ganapathi, who is the Lord of the Ganas, is the son of Parvathee, who
symbolizes the divine energy (sakthi).
The adoration of Parvathieeand
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.
In several places, Ganapathi is
mentioned both in the Vedas and the Upanishaths. Many prayers are addressed to
Ganapathi in the Narayanopanishath. There are also prayers to him in the
Thaithiriya Upanishath. The Ganapathi Gayathri Mantra also figures in the
Upanishath.
Ganapathi is called Vinayaka because
there is no master above him. He is all powerful and independent. Without
recognizing the esoteric significance of the Vinayaka Principle, people look
only at the external form and offer worship in mundane terms.
What is the inner significance of
worshipping the elephant-faced deity? 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 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.
Divine Discourse: Ganesh Chaturthi, 7
Sept 1997
Vinayaka or Ganesh or Ganapathi or Vighneswara 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 of 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 or obstacle, however imminent or eminent. This is the natural effect of
the fact that Ganapathi is the God of Intelligence, vidya or buddhi.
Another name for Vinayaka is 'Vighneswara'. Easwara is one who is endowed with
every conceivable form of wealth: riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc.
Vighneswara is the promoter of all these forms of wealth and removes all
obstacles to their enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who
worship him. Vinayaka is described as "Prathama Vandana" (the first deity who
should be worshiped). As everyone in the world desires wealth and prosperity,
everyone offers the first place for worship to Vighneswara.
Ganapathi is a God revered in Tantric lore, and also, by various Vedic mantras.
The elephant is proverbially the most intelligent among the mammals and it is
vegetarian, indicating its sathwic 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 (space, ether), the
akasa of the heart. Ganapathi is pure, having universal love and compassion.
Vishnu is the second attribute, ascribed to Him.
Vishnu means that He is present everywhere, at all times. Sasivarnam is the
third adjective used. Of the complexion of ash, or Vibhuti, that is to say,
glowing with spiritual splendor, with the majesty of spiritual attainments,
achievements and potentialities. These are also called Vibhutis, for, in the
Gîtâ, we find Krishna saying, 'wherever you see Power, Glory, Majesty (Vibhuti),
know that it is Mine'! Ganesha is bathed in His Divine Glory; that is the
significance of the attribute Sasivarnam.
Chathurbhuja (four-handed) is the next fourth denotation. This means that apart
from the 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.
countenance depicts the inner calm, happiness and balance,
inner grace and mercy, the consciousness of strength and sovereignty.
What is the esoteric meaning of Ganesha's elephant head? The elephant is noted
for its acute intelligence. Ganesha's elephant head symbolizes sharpness of
intellect and the highest power of discrimination. Because of the purity of his
intellect, Vinayaka is also called the giver of buddhi (intellect). He responds
to the prayers of devotees and hence is known as Siddhi Vinayaka (the Vinayaka
who grants what is sought).
In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for
others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesha, the path is cleared for our
undertakings. The elephant's foot is so large that when it moves it can stamp
out the footprints of any other animal. Here, again, the symbolic meaning is
that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesha is accorded the place
of honor. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of
Ganesha.
Vighneswara is also regarded as one endowed with the wisdom of the elephant. The
elephant is noted for its supreme intelligence. it is also known for its
absolute loyalty to its master. The direct proof of this is Sai Githa
(Bhagavan's elephant). Ordinarily hundreds of cars will be passing on the road.
Sai Githa will take no notice of them. But when Swami's car happens to pass that
way, she will instinctively notice it, She will rush to the road raising her
familiar cry. What love for Swami! It will be no exaggeration if faith is
equated with the elephant.
When an elephant moves among the bushes, its path turns into a regular passage
for all animals. It is thus a pacesetter for all animals.
The mouse is Ganesha's vehicle. The mouse is a clever and lively creature. As a
symbol it means that we should be clever and diligent in our actions. The mouse
also symbolizes the darkness of the night. The mouse can see well in the dark.
As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness
to light. The Vinayaka principle thus means that which removes all the bad
qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities,
good conduct and good thoughts.
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 vigilance and control.
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 endeavor is obstructed by bad influences; He will clear the path for
the sincere sadhaka. He is Prasannavadanam (of bright countenance), 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-Swarupa, the Om
personified; so He is auspiciousness itself.
Vinayaka is a leader for all deities. Faith in Vinayaka should be developed as
the exemplar for all deities and He should be worshiped as the embodiment of
Divinity.
Ganesh Gayatri
Om Eka Dantaya Vidmahe
Vakra Thundaya Dhemahi
Thannoh Dhantih Prachodhayath
Om Shanti ... Shanti ... Shanti
Realizing that Elephant-faced One,
with one tusk is God;
Meditate on the One Who has a curved trunk;
May He enlighten our intellect.
The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka.
What is the inner significance of the mouse? The mouse is considered as the
embodiment of the sense of smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to
worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is well known that if you want to catch a
mouse, you place a strong-smelling edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also
symbolises the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As
Vinayaka's vehicle, the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness
to light. Thus, the Vinayaka-principle means that which removes all the bad
qualities, bad practices, and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities,
good conduct and good thoughts. 
