Sri Ganesha
Sri Ganesha
Ganesha is the son of Parvati and Siva. He is the remover of all obstacles. He is worshipped first before starting any religious function. Other common names of Ganesha are Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vigneshvara.
Ganesha is variedly worshipped as a bachelor, and as a Lord with two consorts. The two consorts of Lord Ganesha are considered to be siddhi (achievement) and buddhi (intellect), or siddhi and ruddhi (prosperity).
SLOKA/PRAYER
Gajaananam Bootha Ganaadhi Sevitham Kapiththa Jamboo Phala Saara Bhakshitham Umaa Sutham Soka Vinaasa Kaaranam Namaami Vigneswara Paadha Pankajam
MEANING
I prostrate at the lotus feet of the Lord who removes obstacles. He, with the elephant face, the son of Uma, is served by all the hordes of Lord Siva. He fondly eats fruits and relishes their juices. He destroys all our sorrows.
GANESHA AT SSVT
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Ganesha has a special place in His own shrine built in Chola style architecture.
- He is also installed in front of Siva’s shrine as a Dwara Murty
- As Nirutha Vinayakar – Koshta Devata in the wall of the Siva shrine
- In the Ayyappa sannidi, where He is called Kannimula Ganapathi
- And in the outer corridor, where He is called Praakaara Ganapathi
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS
The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha. The Chathurti that comes after a full moon is called Sankatahara Chathurti. Chathurti of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Simha (Bhaadrapadha) is celebrated as Ganesha Chathurthi.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Offerings of modhaka and of durva grass garlands are special to Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is decorated with viboodhi, turmeric and sandal powder. Performing Ganapathi Homam before starting any project is very auspicious.
GAYATHRI
Thath Purushyaaya Vidhmahe Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi Thanno Dhandhi Prachodayaath
MEANING
We worship that supreme person; Salutations to that Lord with a bent trunk. May that Lord with a tusk stimulate our creative faculties.
