In Hinduism, the "Elephant God" typically refers to Lord Ganesha (also spelled Ganesh or Ganapati), one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Ganesha is widely worshiped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, the deva of intellect and wisdom, and the god of beginnings. He is easily recognizable by his elephant head, which symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life.
How to Pray to Lord Ganesha
Praying to Lord Ganesha can be a simple, heartfelt practice or a more elaborate ritual, depending on one's devotion, tradition, and circumstances. Here’s a basic guide on how to pray to Ganesha:
1. Preparation for Prayer
- Cleanse Yourself: Before beginning any prayer, it is customary to bathe or wash hands and feet as a form of purification.
- Clean the Prayer Area: Clean the space where you intend to perform the prayer. Place a picture or idol of Lord Ganesha on a clean surface, such as an altar.
- Offerings: Gather offerings for Ganesha, such as fresh flowers (especially red or yellow), fruits (especially bananas and coconuts), sweets (like modak, which is believed to be Ganesha's favorite), incense, and a lamp (diya).
2. Simple Prayer Ritual
Lighting the Lamp: Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks. The light symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.
Offer Flowers and Fruits: Place flowers and fruits in front of the idol or picture of Ganesha. You can also place modaks or other sweets, as these are considered his favorite.
Chant Ganesha Mantras: Reciting Ganesha mantras is an integral part of the worship. The most popular mantra is:
Om Gan Ganapataye NamahThis mantra is a salutation to Lord Ganesha and is often chanted to remove obstacles and invoke his blessings.
Perform Arti: Arti involves waving a lit lamp in front of the deity in a circular motion while singing hymns or songs in praise of Ganesha, such as the "Ganesha Aarti."
Offer Prayers: Close your eyes and pray to Lord Ganesha, asking for guidance, wisdom, and the removal of any obstacles in your life.
3. Ganesh Puja
For a more elaborate worship (puja), follow these additional steps:
Invoke Ganesha (Avahanam): Call upon Lord Ganesha to come and accept your offerings. You can say:
Om Shuklambaradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam ChaturbhujamPrasanna Vadanam Dhyayet Sarva VighnopashantayeThis is a popular invocation mantra that praises Ganesha's qualities.
Panchopachara Puja: This is a five-step puja involving:
- Gandha (Sandalwood Paste): Apply a small amount of sandalwood paste to the forehead of the Ganesha idol or picture.
- Pushpa (Flowers): Offer flowers, especially red or yellow, at the feet of Ganesha.
- Dhoop (Incense): Wave incense sticks in a circular motion in front of the idol.
- Deep (Lamp): Wave a lit lamp in a circular motion.
- Naivedya (Food Offering): Offer fruits, sweets, and other food items to Ganesha.
Recite Ganesha Stotra: Reciting the "Ganesha Stotra" (a hymn dedicated to Ganesha) or "Ganesha Atharvashirsha" (a Vedic hymn) is considered highly auspicious.
Meditation: Spend a few moments meditating on Lord Ganesha's form, visualizing his elephant head, and large ears, and feeling his presence and blessings.
Conclude with Arti: End the puja by performing the "Ganesha Aarti," singing praises to the deity while waving a lit lamp in front of his image.
Distribute Prasada: Finally, distribute the offerings, known as Prasada, to everyone present. This food is considered to be blessed by the deity.
Important Mantras and Chants for Lord Ganesha
Here are a few popular mantras and chants dedicated to Lord Ganesha:
Ganesh Gayatri Mantra:
Om Ekadantaya VidmaheVakratundaya Dheemahi Tanno Danti PrachodayatThis mantra is a prayer to Ganesha for wisdom and guidance.
Vakratunda Mahakaya Shloka:
Vakratunda MahakayaSuryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu SarvadaThis is a popular prayer to invoke Ganesha’s blessings at the start of any new venture or task.
Ganesha Ashtakam (Eight Verses to Ganesha): This is a set of eight verses dedicated to Lord Ganesha, describing his attributes and seeking his blessings.
Additional Information and Facts about Lord Ganesha
Symbolism of Ganesha: Ganesha’s elephant head symbolizes wisdom and understanding. His large ears signify listening carefully to devotees’ pleas, while his small eyes denote concentration. His broken tusk represents sacrifice, and his large belly signifies the ability to peacefully digest both good and bad experiences.
Ganesha Chaturthi: This is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Maharashtra. It marks the birth of Ganesha and involves the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, accompanied by prayers, songs, and dances. The festival culminates in the immersion (visarjan) of the idols in water.
Stories of Lord Ganesha: Ganesha has numerous stories and legends associated with him, one of the most popular being his creation by Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used for her bath and set him to guard her while she bathed. When Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha refused him entry. In his anger, Shiva beheaded Ganesha. Upon realizing his mistake and Parvati's grief, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life, and the head of the first living creature, an elephant, was placed on Ganesha’s body, thus giving him his distinct form.
Forms of Ganesha: There are many forms of Lord Ganesha depicted in Hindu scriptures, such as Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles), Gajanana (Elephant-faced), Lambodara (Large-bellied), and Bhalachandra (Moon-crested). Each form has specific meanings and is worshipped for different purposes.
By incorporating these elements into your prayer, you can create a meaningful connection with Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings and wisdom to overcome obstacles and lead a successful, fulfilling life.