Sankatahara Ganapati as the name indicates is the one who removes the sorrows. This is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. Sankatahara Ganapati mantra is
Balakarunakantih Vaame, Balam Vahashranke!
Lasadindi varahastam gowrangee ratna Shobhaddyam!!
Daksheankuksha vardaanam vame pasham cha paayasam patram!
Neelanshu kalashamaanah peethe padarune tishtan
Sankatahara Nah payata sancta poogadra janano nityam!!
Sankatahara Ganapati is depicted as seated on a red lotus flower. He holds a bowl of sweet (payasam), a goad, and a noose. The fourth hand is in boon granting posture.
The four-armed Sankatahara Ganapati is always depicted with a Shakti.
Constant mediation on Sankatahara Ganapati helps in removing sorrows and impediments on the path to progress. He removes all hardships and protects those who follow the path of Dharma.
Symbolism and Benefits of Worship: Sankatahara Ganapati
Sankatahara Ganapati, a form of Lord Ganesha, holds
significant symbolic meaning and offers various benefits to his devotees. His
depiction and attributes convey deep spiritual messages and promise relief from
difficulties. Here's an expanded explanation:
Symbolism:
- Seated
on a Red Lotus Flower:
- The
red lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and
rebirth. Despite growing in muddy water, it rises above the surface to
bloom with remarkable beauty. This represents purity of heart and mind,
transcending adversities and achieving spiritual awakening. For devotees,
it signifies rising above life's challenges and emerging victorious.
- Holding
a Bowl of Sweet (Payasam):
- Payasam,
a sweet dish, represents the sweetness of life and the rewards of
spiritual devotion. It signifies that devotion to Sankatahara Ganapati
brings about joy, contentment, and the fulfillment of desires. It also
symbolizes the nectar of wisdom and spiritual knowledge.
- Goad
(Ankusha):
- The
goad symbolizes control and guidance. It is a tool used to steer the
elephant, and in this context, it represents Ganesha's role in guiding
his devotees on the right path, steering them away from obstacles and
toward spiritual progress and righteousness.
- Noose
(Pasha):
- The
noose represents restraint and the power to remove obstacles. It
signifies Ganesha's ability to bind and remove negative energies and
impediments in the lives of his devotees. It also symbolizes the removal
of attachments and the binding of one's mind to higher consciousness.
- Boon
Granting Posture (Varada Mudra):
- The
varada mudra, a gesture of blessing, symbolizes the granting of boons and
the fulfillment of wishes. It reassures devotees of Ganesha's benevolence
and his readiness to bestow blessings, protection, and prosperity.
- Shakti:
- Sankatahara
Ganapati is depicted with a Shakti, representing the feminine energy or
power. This signifies the balance of masculine and feminine energies,
symbolizing harmony, completeness, and the combined power to overcome
difficulties. It highlights the divine synergy necessary for creation and
the removal of obstacles.
Benefits of Worship:
- Removal
of Sorrows and Impediments:
- Worshiping
Sankatahara Ganapati helps in alleviating sorrows and removing obstacles
from one's path. Devotees believe that constant meditation on him clears
the way for success and progress, both materially and spiritually.
- Protection
and Guidance:
- Sankatahara
Ganapati is known for his protective nature. He safeguards his devotees
from harm and guides them through challenging times. His presence is
believed to offer a shield against negative forces and ill omens.
- Spiritual
Progress and Dharma:
- Devotees
following the path of Dharma (righteousness) receive special blessings.
Sankatahara Ganapati helps in maintaining the discipline necessary for
spiritual growth and adherence to righteous living. He inspires moral
strength and ethical behavior.
- Inner
Peace and Joy:
- Meditating
on Sankatahara Ganapati brings inner peace and joy. The symbolic elements
he holds, like the bowl of sweet, remind devotees of the sweet rewards of
devotion and the joy of spiritual fulfillment.
- Fulfillment
of Desires:
- The
varada mudra signifies the fulfillment of desires. Devotees often worship
Sankatahara Ganapati to seek his blessings for the achievement of
personal and professional goals, as well as the realization of their
heartfelt wishes.
By understanding and internalizing the symbolism of
Sankatahara Ganapati, devotees can enhance their spiritual practice, leading to
a life filled with purpose, prosperity, and divine grace.