Click the 'Play' button to read out loud this webpage content
Ganapati or Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is hailed as a remover of obstacles and a harbinger of success, and is both loved and venerated. He has an elephant face, but also has a primordial form with a human head. He is celebrated as a hero of strength, as a happy dancer, as a sweet child and many more. It is considered a good custom to seek his blessings while starting any endeavor or undertaking any venture. Ganapati veneration is done from very ancient times, and Ganapatyam, the Ganapati worship, has been established by Saint Adi Shankara, as one of the six fundamental forms of worship in Hindu religion.
Sankashta Ganapati is regarded as the 32nd among the 32 different forms of Ganapati. Sankashta Ganapati is also known as Sankatahara Ganapati, and he remains essentially as ‘the remover of difficulties and sorrow.’
He appears with his consort Shakti Devi sitting on his left lap, as he is seated on a red lotus. The Lord is luminous like sunshine, is attired in blue and has four hands. He holds the boon-giving varada mudra posture in his main right-hand while the left one fondly embraces his consort, while also holding in it a vessel containing kheer or payasam (sweet offering), the milk pudding. His other hands carry the elephant goad and the noose. The Goddess is dressed in green and holds a lotus flower in her hand.
It is in the Sri Naganathaswamy temple in Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu that we can worship Sankashta Ganapati in his idol form. The star Revati Nakshatra is said to be related to this Lord.
Sankashta Ganapati worship, it is believed can remove misery and distress from the lives of the devotees and fill them with satisfaction and joy.
Baalaarkaaroona kaanthirvaame baalaam vahannamkae
Lasathin dheevarhasthaam gourinsadh ratnashobaadyaam
Dakshe ankushvarapaanim vaamepaashamcha paayasampaatram
Neelaamkusha sampannapeete pathmaaroonothishta
Sankashta haranadhrakshapaayaath sankashta poojayathushtaha||
This is the Sankashta Ganapati mantra, which describes his form in good detail and seeks his protection. The devotees believe that the recitation of this hymn with faith can earn for them the Lord’s blessings and bestow them with many benefits.
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
The Fire Lab performed in Lord Ganesha’s honor is unique and brings about a sea of change in your fortunes.
The Ganesha Yantra is a sacred energy device that infuses within you the power to focus and accomplish your goals.
