Sai Baba sayings/discourses on Ganesha -- Ganesha materialised by Sai Baba-2004
 

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Sai Baba Ganesha - Blessing for all...

 
 
 


Ganesha Chaturthi 2009 Festival Update from Prasanthi Nilayam -
Ganesha Chaturthi Wallpapers - Greeting cards and more...

 
 
 

Ganesha Chaturthi Photos & update -2nd-5th Sep 2008, also Details 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!
 

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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. 

Source: Divine Discourse: 

Ganesh Chaturthi, 7 September 1997

 

Also read:

 

ganesha_chathurthi_greeting_cards - Sai Baba theme
 


 




















Sai Shiva & Ganesh

Issued: Ganesha Chaturthi Wallpapers

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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.

archive picture: Ganesha Chathurthi 2004 - text: discourse 18-09-2004The 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.

 

Ganesha materialised by Sai Baba-2004