DEVOTEE:
Pronam Gurudev.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Pronam, baba. Pronam. Bolo.
DEVOTEE:
Tomorrow is Ganesh Chaturthi. We’d like to hear about the story of Ganesha’s birth and his significance from you today. If you could shed some light on this, it would be wonderful.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
First, let me say that Ganesha is Narayana himself. He holds the Shanka (conch shell), Chakra (divine discus), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus). Mahalakshmi is always by his side. He was exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted, which is why businessmen always keep Ganesha and Lakshmi in their places of business. If you look at any businessman, you’ll find Ganesha and Lakshmi together.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Ganesha is Narayana; he is the sustainer. Now, there are many Puranas (ancient scriptures), and each tells a slightly different story. I will share a version with you that is scientifically grounded. There are many forms of Ganesha—Kanchi Ganesha, Siddhivinayak—worshipped in various ways across different regions. This worship is particularly prominent in Maharashtra, which is an industrial hub. It is gradually gaining popularity here in Bengal as well. We Bengalis love to follow traditions, and so we are increasingly observing Ganesh Puja. But Ganesha is worshipped every day; in every industry and business, you will find Ganesha and Lakshmi.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
The Puranas mention that one day, Ma Durga (Parvati), the consort of Shiva, was bathing in Manasarovar. Narayana had long desired to be born from her womb. He was looking for an opportunity, as reaching the Mother is difficult. One day, while traveling on Garuda, he saw the Mother bathing in the waters of Manasarovar. Whenever the Mother bathes, the gods shower flower petals from above—this is the tradition.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Narayana told Garuda to land near her. When Narayana approached, the Mother was displeased. She asked, "I am bathing; why have you come here? One should not observe us at this time." Narayana replied, "I had no choice. I have a request: please hold me in your womb once." The Mother agreed, saying, "I will hold you in my womb. Now, leave this place immediately." Narayana returned on Garuda. Later, the Mother gave birth to Vishnu, to Narayana. This is why she is called 'Vishnu Prasobhini'—one who gave birth to Vishnu.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Narayana took a human-like form and was born from the Mother. Later, two additional arms were added, but we won't get into that discussion now. Narayana grew up and began guarding the Mother's abode on Mount Kailash. He wouldn't let anyone see her. One day, Nandi and Bhringi approached and said to Shiva, "Father, we wish to see the Mother. Please give us permission." Shiva replied, "Who am I to give permission? Go and see her."
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Overjoyed, they went to Kailash, but Narayana stopped them. He told them, "The Mother is busy; you cannot see her today." They were indignant, "We are Shiva’s followers, Nandi and Bhringi! How can we not see the Mother? Who are you?" A fight broke out, and Narayana beat them so severely they were left in a terrible state.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
They returned to Shiva, who asked, "Who did this to you? You were just here!" They replied, "There is a guard at Kailash who did this." Shiva, enraged, picked up his trident and went to see who this guard was. He threw his trident, and it severed Narayana's head.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
When Ma Durga saw her son's headless body, she was consumed by a terrifying rage. she began a dance of destruction (Pralaya) and took on various forms—Kali, Tara, Chinnamasta, Bagala, Kamala—the Dasha Mahavidya. Seeing her in this fearsome state, even Shiva was terrified. He couldn't even go near her.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
The Mother declared, "You have killed my son! I will bring destruction to the entire world!" Shiva, desperate to calm her, called upon Lord Brahma. Brahma arrived and, seeing her, was also fearful. He approached her gently and said, "Mother, please do not do this. Your Ganesha will live again."
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
But she was inconsolable and continued her dance of destruction. Brahma then instructed, "Go to Indra's court. An elephant is sleeping there. Sever its head and bring it here. Place it on the boy's neck, and he will live." They did as instructed, and with Brahma's grace, Ganesha was restored to life.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
However, the Mother was still not satisfied. "The body is human, but the head is an elephant's! Who will worship him?" She began her dance again. After much effort, Brahma calmed her and declared, "Mother, listen. This deity will be worshipped first. He is Siddhivinayak, the giver of success. No deity's worship will be complete without first worshipping Ganesha. Any offering made without acknowledging Narayana Ganesha will not be accepted by any god."
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
This is why, even today, Ganesha is worshipped before any other deity. Even when we begin our prayers, we chant: "Om Gana-tvam Gana-pati-m hava-mahe priya-nam-tva priya-pati-m hava-mahe..." Ganesha's name is always first.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Another story involves Parashurama. When he came to Kailash, Shiva was resting. Ganesha, who by then had the elephant head, stopped him. Parashurama was furious that a guard would stop him. A fierce battle ensued. Parashurama used many weapons, but none worked. Finally, he used the Pashupata weapon—an axe given to him by Shiva himself. Seeing his father's weapon, Ganesha thought, "This is my father's weapon. I must respect it." He allowed the axe to hit him, and it broke one of his tusks. This is why he is known as 'Ekadanta' (the one with one tusk).
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
As I mentioned, Ganesha is worshipped in many forms—Kanchi Ganesh, the Ganesha in the Puri temple, and many others. He is the giver of all success, 'Sarva-siddhidata'.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
There is also a discussion about the direction of Ganesha's trunk—whether it should turn left or right. People have different beliefs about this, and it seems that as time goes on, more such ideas emerge. Generally, the left side is considered auspicious and is more common, though some prefer the right. This is 'Vakratunda'—the curved trunk.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Another story tells of Kubera, the god of wealth, who once wanted to host a grand feast for Shiva and Parvati to show off his immense riches. Shiva, sensing his pride, said, "We cannot come, but we will send Ganesha. If he is fed, we are fed." Kubera agreed. When Ganesha arrived, he ate everything Kubera had prepared. He even began eating the furniture and the house! Kubera was terrified and realized his arrogance. He apologized to Ganesha, who then calmed down.
DEVOTEE:
Gurudev, you once told us a story about a competition between Kartikeya and Ganesha to see who could circle the universe first.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Yes, indeed. One day, Ma Durga said, "Go and circle the entire world and return to me. Let's see who is greater." Kartikeya, with his peacock as his mount, immediately set off. Ganesha, whose mount is a mouse, knew he couldn't compete in speed. So, he circled his mother three times and bowed at her feet. He said, "Mother, I have circled the universe."
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
When Ma Durga asked how, he replied, "The parents are the universe." The Mother was pleased. Kartikeya returned much later, having traveled the entire world. The Mother told him, "He who honors his parents and circles them, circles the entire world. Ganesha is the greatest." Kartikeya accepted his defeat.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
In terms of worship, Ganesha is fond of Laddus, but the most important offering is Durva (grass). Ganesha's puja is incomplete without Durva. We typically make bundles of 108 or 28 blades of grass. For the fire ritual (Homa), we use only these Durva bundles. No woodapple leaves or basil leaves are used in Ganesha's Homa; only Durva. This is the tradition according to the Puranas.
DEVOTEE:
Thank you, Gurudev. We have learned so much about Ganapati from you today. Pronam to you.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Pronam, baba. Pronam.