Compiled by M. M. Divakaran
[Thiruvalluvar was a great Tamil poet who wrote the Thirukkural. Thirukkural is one of most revered ancient works in the Tamil literature. The name Thiruvalluvar consists of Thiru (a polite Tamil word) and Valluvar (a polite name). The Thirukural has been translated into most languages.
Thirukkural is divided into three sections. Section-1 deals with Aram doing things, with conscience and honor, Section-2 discusses Porul realities or facts of life, and the Section-3 deals on Inbam the worldly pleasures. The First section has 38 chapters; Second has 70 chapters; and the Third section has 25 chapters. Each Chapters consist of 10 kurals thus making 1330 Kurals in total]
-------------------------------------------------
ACTION:
=> The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by succeed), will even if they succeed, cause them sorrow
(AHIMSA) NON-VIOLENCE:
=> What is the good way? It is the path that taketh thought how it may save even the smallest of creatures from being killed.
ATTACHMENT:
=> Attach and tie thyself to Him who hath conquered all attachments: bind thyself firmly to Him in order that all thy bonds may be broken.
BENEVOLENCE:
=> Benevolence seeks not a return. What does the world give back to the clouds?
CHARITY:
=> Practising charity without compassion is as inconceivable As realising Truth without clarity of mind.
=> The fiery scourge called hunger never touches the man who shares his daily meal with others.
FAMILY:
=> The chief blessing is an honourable home - and its crowning glory is worthy offspring.
FREEDOM FROM FRAUD:
=> The fortune that is built up by fraud may appear to thrive; but it is doomed for ever. The thirst for plunder leadeth in its season to endless grief. The man who thirsteth after plunder cannot weigh things aright: nor can he walk in the way of righteousness.
=> Behold the men who can cure the evils that have already befallen thee and who can guard thee from future ones; cultivate thou their friendship with ardour. It will be the rarest of rare good fortunes if thou canst secure to thyself the devotion of men of worth.
FRIENDSHIP:
=> Friendship is not seen on a friendly face, But felt deep within a friendly heart.
GOD:
=> The Supreme dwells within the lotus of the heart. Those who reach His Splendid Feet dwell endearing within unearthly realms.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS:
=> Who can desire the overthrow of the man who has the talent to avoid hostilities? When fortune is about to smile on a man he will ignore all provocation: but when destiny has decreed him ruin, he will set no bounds to his defiance of his fellow beings. From defiance springs all that is bitter; but good will yield the glorious fruit of peace and harmony.
GOVERNANCE:
=> Those that desire that their power should last, let them brandish the rod smartly but lay it on soft. Behold the prince who ruleth with a rod of iron and causeth terror to his people: He will stand without a friend and perish forthwith.
HUMILITY:
=> What is stupidity? It is that vanity Which dares to declare, "I am wise"
JUSTICE:
=> Be impartial and consult with the men of law. That is the way to administer justice.
=> Investigate well, show favour to none, maintain impartiality, consult the law, then give judgment - that is the way of justice.
=> Deliberate well and lean not to either side; be impartial and consult with the men of law; that is the way to administer justice.
LIFE:
=> Among those who strive for liberation, the foremost are they Who live the blessed state of family life as it should be lived.
=> Like a tortoise withdrawing five limbs into its shell, those who restrain the five senses in one life, will find safe shelter for seven.
=> What wondrous greatness this world possesses - That yesterday a man was, and today he is not.
LOVE:
=> Loveless natures, cold and hard, Live for self alone. Heart where love abides regard Self as scarce their own.
=> Without love in the heart, Life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert.
NATURE'S MYSTERY:
=> It is rain that ruins, and it is rain again That raises up those it has ruined.
PATIENCE:
=> Who wreak wrath are despised as being worthless; Who patiently forbear are valued as gold. Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away.
SUFFERING:
=> Hating others, even enemies who harm you unprovoked, Assures incessant sorrow.
TROUBLE:
=> A whole sea of troubles will abase themselves the moment a shifty mind collects itself to face them.
WISE MAN:
=> A flood of troubles will vanish the moment. The mind of wise man collects itself to face them.
^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Friday, 11 December 2009
14. Poem: THATHWAMASIYUDE THIRUSANNIDHIYIL
By M. M. Divakaran
(Published in the "Shree Ayyappan " magazine (Malayalam) of Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam [ABASS], Trivandrum in the issue of November 2009)
Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil
Anjalikooppi Njan Ninnappol
Panthalakumaran Manikandan
Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo
Enne... Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo...
********
Chinmudrakaatti Devanenikku
Thathwamasiporulum Paranjuthannu
Jeevatma-Paramatma-Brahmavum
Lokavumellaam Neeyennarinjaalum
Ivide Devanum Bhakthanum Onnaanannarinjaalum!
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
*********
Meghasyamalakomala Roopante
Moolamantram Japichuvanangi Njan
'OM Ghroom-Na-ma-pa-raa-ya-gop-thre-Namah:'
Ponnambalavaasante Thirumeni Nokki Njan
'Aswavaahanaaya Namo' Namayum Cholli Njan
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
***********
Swarnasimhaasana Shreebhoodhanaathante
Gaayatrimantravum Cholleevanangi Njan
'Bhoothaadhipaaya Vitmahe, Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thannah:Saastha Prachothayaat'
Saranam Vilichchu Vilichchu Vilichchu Njan
Sopaanamel Thrivandanavumarppichu
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
************
mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
http://mmdivakaran.blogspot.com
Mobile: 09766484128
(Published in the "Shree Ayyappan " magazine (Malayalam) of Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam [ABASS], Trivandrum in the issue of November 2009)
Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil
Anjalikooppi Njan Ninnappol
Panthalakumaran Manikandan
Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo
Enne... Punchirithookiyanugrahichchoo...
********
Chinmudrakaatti Devanenikku
Thathwamasiporulum Paranjuthannu
Jeevatma-Paramatma-Brahmavum
Lokavumellaam Neeyennarinjaalum
Ivide Devanum Bhakthanum Onnaanannarinjaalum!
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
*********
Meghasyamalakomala Roopante
Moolamantram Japichuvanangi Njan
'OM Ghroom-Na-ma-pa-raa-ya-gop-thre-Namah:'
Ponnambalavaasante Thirumeni Nokki Njan
'Aswavaahanaaya Namo' Namayum Cholli Njan
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
***********
Swarnasimhaasana Shreebhoodhanaathante
Gaayatrimantravum Cholleevanangi Njan
'Bhoothaadhipaaya Vitmahe, Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi
Thannah:Saastha Prachothayaat'
Saranam Vilichchu Vilichchu Vilichchu Njan
Sopaanamel Thrivandanavumarppichu
(Thathwamasiyude Thirusannidhiyil)
************
mm_divakaran@yahoo.com
http://mmdivakaran.blogspot.com
Mobile: 09766484128
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
13. Lord Ganesh & Ganesh Festival: A Deep Thinking
M. M. DIVAKARAN
[Published in the Maharashtra Herald, Pune, Saturday, August 30, 2003]
(Although there are 365 days in a year India has 366 festival – MARK TWAIN)
Hindus have numberless festivals. One of them is Ganesh festival which is widely celebrated in India especially in Maharashtra. As this year’s Ganesh festival is drawing nearer, it will be interesting to look back on Lord Ganesh and Ganesh Festival.
Who is Ganapati? Ganapati is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He was born on the day of Chaturti (shuklapaksha chaturti i.e. the fourth day after the Amavasi) in the month of Chingam (Shravan). [According to Marathi calendar it falls in the month of Bhadrapad). Lord Shiva appointed Ganesh as the leader of all other Gods; so He is known as Ganapati (Pati of all Ganas i.e. Leader of the Commune].
Birth: The Uthara Ramayan legend goes like this: While Shiva and Parvati were roaming in the wilderness they disguised as male-elephant and female-elephant respectively. During this period Parvati got conceived and gave birth to a baby-boy with an elephant face.
Other stores:There are two stories according to Padmapuran:
1. Once Parvati showed Ganesh the planet Saturn. While he was looking at the planet his head instantly melted away. Suddenly Parvati replaced his head with an elephant head instead.
2. Once Parvati was on her way to have a bath. Seeing this Shiva also felt like following her. But Ganesh prevented Shiva. Shiva got very angry and decapitated Ganesh as he was not allowed to follow Parvati. Thereafter Shiva replaced the head with an elephant-head instead.
Vinayak/Vigneswar: Lord Ganesh has the ability to annihilate all obstacles. There is a belief among the Hindus that a deed cannot be fulfilled if there is any obstacle put by Lord Ganesh; but at the same time with His grace all deeds can easily be fulfilled as well. So He is known as Vighneswar. For example, there is a story in KathaSaritsagara Lavankalunbhaka, 6th Chapter: Once the Devas (Gods) decided to appoint Lord Kartikeya (Subramanya) as a chief in order to kill demon Tharakasura. On this auspicious occasion Indra did the libation on the head of Kartikeya. Suddenly Indra’s hands started shivering and the remaining rituals got interrupted. Watching this, Shiva told them that this happened because of Ganesh’s obstacle. At once Indra performed a special puja for Lord Ganesh following which the rest of the libation was successfully carried out. Since then all pujas are performed only after doing the Ganesh puja.
Mahabharat written by Ganesh: According to The Mahabharat it is said that Mahabharat was written by Ganesh. As soon as the war between Pandavas and Kauravas was over, the Rishi Ved Vyas observed the penance. Then he saw in his mind the complete picture of Mahabharat incidents. At that time Lord Brahma came to meet Vyas. Vyas told Brahma that he intended to tell the story of Mahabharat so he was looking for a suitable person to write it down as he tells the story without halt. Then Brahma remembered Ganesh and at once Ganesh appeared before them. Vyas briefed Ganesh about his intention of telling the story of Mahabharat and Ganesh whole-heartedly consented to write it down. Vyas continuously told the story without any break and Ganesh wrote it without committing any mistakes. It took three years to write the whole story of Mahabhrat! (Mahabharat, Aadiparva, Chapter 1, Shlokas 74-80).
Ganesh Chaturti and the Moon: Ganesh was born on the day of Chaturti, the forth day after Amavasi in the month of Chingam (Shravan). If anyone looks at the moon on the day of Chaturti it is believed that they may have to face scandal, dishonour etc. for next one year. There is a story even related to this in Brahmavaithapuran: Ganesh is very fond of ‘modak’ (a special delicacy that is offered to Ganesh). Once on the day of Ganesh Chaturti, after eating modak from each and every house, Ganesh was returning in the night, riding on a rat - Ganesh’s Vaahan (vehicle) is rat. On the way the rat got scared as it saw a snake. Suddenly Ganesh fell down and his stomach broke open, all modak came out and dispersed here and there. He took them and put them back in his stomach; then took the snake and tightly tied it around on His belly! (It is believed that the ‘whole universe’ is accommodated in the belly of Lord Ganesh). The Moon was watching all this when the incident took place and he mocked at Ganesh. Ganesh got very angry. He cursed moon saying: “If anybody looks at you on the day of my chaturti they will definitely face scandal, dishonour etc. for the next one year”. Since then people would never knowingly look at the moon on the day of Ganesh Chaturti!
Wives: There is an interesting story regarding the marriage of Ganesh. When Ganesh and His brother Kartikeya reached their youth they told Shiva that they want to marry. Shiva decided to test both of them and told them that the person who circumnavigate the earth first would be allowed to marry first. Hearing this Kartikeya suddenly climbed on peocok and commenced the journey to circumnavigate the earth. Few minutes later Lord Ganesh went around Shiva and Parvati. When Shiva asked why did he do this, Ganesh answered: Obviously the earth is filled with Shiva and Parvati and therefore, going around both Shiva and Parvati is equivalent to going round the earth! Lord Shiva and Parvati were delighted and they decided to arrange Ganesh’s marriage and they selected Siddhi and Buddhi as his wives.
In addition to Siddhi and Buddhi, it is believed that Ganesh has many other wives namely – Modha, Pramodha, Sumuha, Sundhari, Manorama, Mangala, Kesini, Katha, Charushaasa, Sumadhyiama, Nandhini and Kamedha.
Other Names: Ganesh is also known in many names as it is said in the following sloka:
“Vinayako Vignaraja
Thoimaathura Ganaathipa:
Apyekathentha Heremba;
Lambhodhara, Gajanana. [Amaram]
(Vinayak, Vighnaraja, Thoimaathura, Ganaathipa, Ekadantha, Heremba, Lambhodhara and Gajanana). Also He is known as Kumbhodhara, Gajamuha, Vighnarraja, Vighneswara, Ganesa etc.
Ganesh Puja in South India: In South India especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Ganesh Puja was said to have started from A.D. 640. In that year the King Narasimha Pallava conquered the Vataapi (Batami) city which was the capital of Chalukyas. Thereafter he brought the Ganesh idol from the famous temple of Vataapi to Tamil Nadu and started the Ganesh Puja.
The following are the Gayatri Mantras of Lord Ganesh:
1. “OM Maholkaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
2. “OM Thatpurushaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
3. “OM Vinaayakaaya Vitmahe
Gajavaktraaya Dheemahi
Thannohvigna Prachothayaat”
4. “OM Yekadamshtraaya Vitmahe
Gajaananaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayat”
5. "OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Thanno Danti Prachodayat"
Ganesh Idol: The Ganesh Idol is seen in the different postures such as sitting posture, standing posture, padmasana posture, dancing posture etc. But the proper form of the Ganesh idol is sitting posture, holding the broken tooth on the right hand.
Edempiri and Valampuri: The trunk of Ganesh idol which is twisted on the left side is known as ‘Edempri” i.e. twisted on the left-side and trunk which is twisted on the right-side is known as “Valampiri” i.e. twisted on the right side.
The commencement of Ganesh Festival: Ganesh festival was started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893. In 1893, when Hindus and Muslims clashed in Mumbai for four days from August 11, members of the two communities went on a rampage, leaving some 80 people dead, 530 injured and 1505 arrested. Tilak arranged a mass meeting in Pune on September 10, 1893 to discuss the riots. One week after the meeting, he launched the first Ganesh festival. At that time Tilak had accurately judged then need to give a more forceful interpretation to Indian nationalism. By reviving an old institution like the Ganesh festival and transforming it into a public celebration, Tilak set the agenda for social and political reforms in the country. He recognized the need to form a national political movement and utilized the festival to send a clear message to the colonial rulers about his strength and hold over the masses.
It was a time when political movements were banned by the Colonial British government in India. Ganesh festival was established by Lokmanya Tilak to orgnise the people and inculcate nationalistic spirit among Indians through this medium. British Government could not ban a religious festival/movement like Ganesh festival.
Ganapati Mandals: There are many Ganesh mandals in Pune. In the last year about 4000 Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals had been erected in Pune in every nook and corner. All of us are aware that of these only a few mandals are doing proper pujas. It seems that some of the mandals are in fact mocking the Ganesh by playing vulgar film songs as well as the nasty political replicas etc. It is sad to say that Lord Ganesh is displayed (as advertisement) in cartoon model by some establishments to promote their products. In future this should be strictly banned by concerned authorities/devotees.
Blaring film music which has no connection at all to the religious proceedings, huge pandals which block roads, causing re-routing of traffic and traffic jams, and groups of youths forcibly collecting funds for the celebration (which are ultimately wasted on decorations are the latest deviation!), are of the negative aspects which have reared their ugly heads. It is indeed a far cry from the vision that was Lokmanya Tilak when he initiated the first community Ganesh festival. In the olden days the leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and others delivered lectures on social reforms and nationalism. But today we all are aware that the political leaders are delivering the lectures that have no connection at all with Lord Ganesh!
Therefore the activists of Ganesh mandals are kindly requested to pay attention to the following in future Ganesh festivals:
1. Display only the mythological replicas;
2. Ganesh idol should be proper and as per the tradition;
3. Ganesh should be worshipped in proper puja for 10 days;
4. During the festival play only the spiritual/devotional songs;
5. Mandal authorities should arrange to deliver the lecture/talk by spiritual leaders with regard to Lord Ganesh and other Gods as well as on the subject of Vedas/Puranas/Upanishads etc. so that people will gain spiritual knowledge.
Immersion: According to the Hindu rituals, immersion of the idol should be performed in proper way with proper ceremony. First of all the selected river-basin for the immersion should be very clean. There should be enough flow of water in the river. Immersion should not take place in contaminated water.
In conclusion we are interested more and more of our culture in general and in particular about Lord Ganesh and to worship Him in a proper way. To all of us this is 10 days entertainments only and as such we are eagerly awaiting for year-by-year Ganesh festival to show our pomp and entertainments, purposely, chanting:
“Ganapati Bappa Morya
Pudachya Varshi Laukar Ya!”
^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Published in the Maharashtra Herald, Pune, Saturday, August 30, 2003]
(Although there are 365 days in a year India has 366 festival – MARK TWAIN)
Hindus have numberless festivals. One of them is Ganesh festival which is widely celebrated in India especially in Maharashtra. As this year’s Ganesh festival is drawing nearer, it will be interesting to look back on Lord Ganesh and Ganesh Festival.
Who is Ganapati? Ganapati is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He was born on the day of Chaturti (shuklapaksha chaturti i.e. the fourth day after the Amavasi) in the month of Chingam (Shravan). [According to Marathi calendar it falls in the month of Bhadrapad). Lord Shiva appointed Ganesh as the leader of all other Gods; so He is known as Ganapati (Pati of all Ganas i.e. Leader of the Commune].
Birth: The Uthara Ramayan legend goes like this: While Shiva and Parvati were roaming in the wilderness they disguised as male-elephant and female-elephant respectively. During this period Parvati got conceived and gave birth to a baby-boy with an elephant face.
Other stores:There are two stories according to Padmapuran:
1. Once Parvati showed Ganesh the planet Saturn. While he was looking at the planet his head instantly melted away. Suddenly Parvati replaced his head with an elephant head instead.
2. Once Parvati was on her way to have a bath. Seeing this Shiva also felt like following her. But Ganesh prevented Shiva. Shiva got very angry and decapitated Ganesh as he was not allowed to follow Parvati. Thereafter Shiva replaced the head with an elephant-head instead.
Vinayak/Vigneswar: Lord Ganesh has the ability to annihilate all obstacles. There is a belief among the Hindus that a deed cannot be fulfilled if there is any obstacle put by Lord Ganesh; but at the same time with His grace all deeds can easily be fulfilled as well. So He is known as Vighneswar. For example, there is a story in KathaSaritsagara Lavankalunbhaka, 6th Chapter: Once the Devas (Gods) decided to appoint Lord Kartikeya (Subramanya) as a chief in order to kill demon Tharakasura. On this auspicious occasion Indra did the libation on the head of Kartikeya. Suddenly Indra’s hands started shivering and the remaining rituals got interrupted. Watching this, Shiva told them that this happened because of Ganesh’s obstacle. At once Indra performed a special puja for Lord Ganesh following which the rest of the libation was successfully carried out. Since then all pujas are performed only after doing the Ganesh puja.
Mahabharat written by Ganesh: According to The Mahabharat it is said that Mahabharat was written by Ganesh. As soon as the war between Pandavas and Kauravas was over, the Rishi Ved Vyas observed the penance. Then he saw in his mind the complete picture of Mahabharat incidents. At that time Lord Brahma came to meet Vyas. Vyas told Brahma that he intended to tell the story of Mahabharat so he was looking for a suitable person to write it down as he tells the story without halt. Then Brahma remembered Ganesh and at once Ganesh appeared before them. Vyas briefed Ganesh about his intention of telling the story of Mahabharat and Ganesh whole-heartedly consented to write it down. Vyas continuously told the story without any break and Ganesh wrote it without committing any mistakes. It took three years to write the whole story of Mahabhrat! (Mahabharat, Aadiparva, Chapter 1, Shlokas 74-80).
Ganesh Chaturti and the Moon: Ganesh was born on the day of Chaturti, the forth day after Amavasi in the month of Chingam (Shravan). If anyone looks at the moon on the day of Chaturti it is believed that they may have to face scandal, dishonour etc. for next one year. There is a story even related to this in Brahmavaithapuran: Ganesh is very fond of ‘modak’ (a special delicacy that is offered to Ganesh). Once on the day of Ganesh Chaturti, after eating modak from each and every house, Ganesh was returning in the night, riding on a rat - Ganesh’s Vaahan (vehicle) is rat. On the way the rat got scared as it saw a snake. Suddenly Ganesh fell down and his stomach broke open, all modak came out and dispersed here and there. He took them and put them back in his stomach; then took the snake and tightly tied it around on His belly! (It is believed that the ‘whole universe’ is accommodated in the belly of Lord Ganesh). The Moon was watching all this when the incident took place and he mocked at Ganesh. Ganesh got very angry. He cursed moon saying: “If anybody looks at you on the day of my chaturti they will definitely face scandal, dishonour etc. for the next one year”. Since then people would never knowingly look at the moon on the day of Ganesh Chaturti!
Wives: There is an interesting story regarding the marriage of Ganesh. When Ganesh and His brother Kartikeya reached their youth they told Shiva that they want to marry. Shiva decided to test both of them and told them that the person who circumnavigate the earth first would be allowed to marry first. Hearing this Kartikeya suddenly climbed on peocok and commenced the journey to circumnavigate the earth. Few minutes later Lord Ganesh went around Shiva and Parvati. When Shiva asked why did he do this, Ganesh answered: Obviously the earth is filled with Shiva and Parvati and therefore, going around both Shiva and Parvati is equivalent to going round the earth! Lord Shiva and Parvati were delighted and they decided to arrange Ganesh’s marriage and they selected Siddhi and Buddhi as his wives.
In addition to Siddhi and Buddhi, it is believed that Ganesh has many other wives namely – Modha, Pramodha, Sumuha, Sundhari, Manorama, Mangala, Kesini, Katha, Charushaasa, Sumadhyiama, Nandhini and Kamedha.
Other Names: Ganesh is also known in many names as it is said in the following sloka:
“Vinayako Vignaraja
Thoimaathura Ganaathipa:
Apyekathentha Heremba;
Lambhodhara, Gajanana. [Amaram]
(Vinayak, Vighnaraja, Thoimaathura, Ganaathipa, Ekadantha, Heremba, Lambhodhara and Gajanana). Also He is known as Kumbhodhara, Gajamuha, Vighnarraja, Vighneswara, Ganesa etc.
Ganesh Puja in South India: In South India especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala Ganesh Puja was said to have started from A.D. 640. In that year the King Narasimha Pallava conquered the Vataapi (Batami) city which was the capital of Chalukyas. Thereafter he brought the Ganesh idol from the famous temple of Vataapi to Tamil Nadu and started the Ganesh Puja.
The following are the Gayatri Mantras of Lord Ganesh:
1. “OM Maholkaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
2. “OM Thatpurushaaya Vitmahe
Vakrathundaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayaat”
3. “OM Vinaayakaaya Vitmahe
Gajavaktraaya Dheemahi
Thannohvigna Prachothayaat”
4. “OM Yekadamshtraaya Vitmahe
Gajaananaaya Dheemahi
Thannodhanthi Prachothayat”
5. "OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakkratundaya Dheemahi
Thanno Danti Prachodayat"
Ganesh Idol: The Ganesh Idol is seen in the different postures such as sitting posture, standing posture, padmasana posture, dancing posture etc. But the proper form of the Ganesh idol is sitting posture, holding the broken tooth on the right hand.
Edempiri and Valampuri: The trunk of Ganesh idol which is twisted on the left side is known as ‘Edempri” i.e. twisted on the left-side and trunk which is twisted on the right-side is known as “Valampiri” i.e. twisted on the right side.
The commencement of Ganesh Festival: Ganesh festival was started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893. In 1893, when Hindus and Muslims clashed in Mumbai for four days from August 11, members of the two communities went on a rampage, leaving some 80 people dead, 530 injured and 1505 arrested. Tilak arranged a mass meeting in Pune on September 10, 1893 to discuss the riots. One week after the meeting, he launched the first Ganesh festival. At that time Tilak had accurately judged then need to give a more forceful interpretation to Indian nationalism. By reviving an old institution like the Ganesh festival and transforming it into a public celebration, Tilak set the agenda for social and political reforms in the country. He recognized the need to form a national political movement and utilized the festival to send a clear message to the colonial rulers about his strength and hold over the masses.
It was a time when political movements were banned by the Colonial British government in India. Ganesh festival was established by Lokmanya Tilak to orgnise the people and inculcate nationalistic spirit among Indians through this medium. British Government could not ban a religious festival/movement like Ganesh festival.
Ganapati Mandals: There are many Ganesh mandals in Pune. In the last year about 4000 Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals had been erected in Pune in every nook and corner. All of us are aware that of these only a few mandals are doing proper pujas. It seems that some of the mandals are in fact mocking the Ganesh by playing vulgar film songs as well as the nasty political replicas etc. It is sad to say that Lord Ganesh is displayed (as advertisement) in cartoon model by some establishments to promote their products. In future this should be strictly banned by concerned authorities/devotees.
Blaring film music which has no connection at all to the religious proceedings, huge pandals which block roads, causing re-routing of traffic and traffic jams, and groups of youths forcibly collecting funds for the celebration (which are ultimately wasted on decorations are the latest deviation!), are of the negative aspects which have reared their ugly heads. It is indeed a far cry from the vision that was Lokmanya Tilak when he initiated the first community Ganesh festival. In the olden days the leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and others delivered lectures on social reforms and nationalism. But today we all are aware that the political leaders are delivering the lectures that have no connection at all with Lord Ganesh!
Therefore the activists of Ganesh mandals are kindly requested to pay attention to the following in future Ganesh festivals:
1. Display only the mythological replicas;
2. Ganesh idol should be proper and as per the tradition;
3. Ganesh should be worshipped in proper puja for 10 days;
4. During the festival play only the spiritual/devotional songs;
5. Mandal authorities should arrange to deliver the lecture/talk by spiritual leaders with regard to Lord Ganesh and other Gods as well as on the subject of Vedas/Puranas/Upanishads etc. so that people will gain spiritual knowledge.
Immersion: According to the Hindu rituals, immersion of the idol should be performed in proper way with proper ceremony. First of all the selected river-basin for the immersion should be very clean. There should be enough flow of water in the river. Immersion should not take place in contaminated water.
In conclusion we are interested more and more of our culture in general and in particular about Lord Ganesh and to worship Him in a proper way. To all of us this is 10 days entertainments only and as such we are eagerly awaiting for year-by-year Ganesh festival to show our pomp and entertainments, purposely, chanting:
“Ganapati Bappa Morya
Pudachya Varshi Laukar Ya!”
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