Ganesha is the God of auspicious beginning. No human endeavor should begin without invoking this elephant headed God, who is worshiped all over India and east Asia. The fourth day (Shukla Chaturthi) of the waxing moon of the month of Bhadra is the most important day for devotees of Ganesha. Some believe that Ganesha was born on this day, while some others say that Ganesha got his elephant head on this day. Yet there are stories saying that Ganesha proved his superior intelligence over his younger brother Kartikeya on this day by winning the mango contest.
There are even stories that say that on this day Ganesha overate modaka and his stomach burst and then he took a vow only to eat puffed rice. It is also said that the crescent moon giggled seeing the big stomach bursting open and the embarrassed and angry Ganesha barred the public from viewing the moon on this day. Hence the usage 'chaturthi' for 'irritating sight' in many Indian languages. But the true significance of this day is transcendence of the three bodies, going beyond the play of three energies, and realizing the fourth dimension of consciousness as our real nature.
The Ganesha Atharva Sirsha declares that Ganesha is manifest Brahman and the import of the mahavakya, tattvamasi. Ganesha was born from the essence of Parvati in the absence of Shiva. Meaning that Ganesha is the unconscious in us that stands as a bridge between our higher and lower consciousness. An encounter with Shiva and loss of ego-head and acquisition of a discerning trunk is required to gain oneness with Shiva and the experience of Shiva-Sakti union.
Ganesha is the eternal symbol of spiritual regeneration and redemption. Nothing is complete nor successful without Ganesha's blessings. Therefore let us all chant the mantra:
AUM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAH.
Swami Bodhananda
28 August 2014
College Station, Texas