January 2005

Ganesha Prayer

The first assignment of year 2005 for kids is “Ganesha”. There is an assignment for parents, too. Please help kids cut and paste a nice small picture of Ganesha in their journal.

The mantra of the month is:

VAKRA TUNDA MAHAA KAAYAA

SURYA KOTI SAMA PRABHAA

NIRVIGHNAM KURU MEY DEVA

SARVA KARYESHU SARVADAA

Meaning: O Lord Ganesha! The one with the curved trunk (Vakratunda) and huge body (Mahaakaaya), the one who shines like ten million suns (Surya koti samaprabha), please make all my efforts and endeavors free from obstacles.

Message from the symbol/image of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha holds a very important position among the galaxy of Devtas in Hindu mythology. Lord Ganesha is worshipped and these virtues every individual should try and acquire.

1. Ganesh has big ears: they indicate that we should be good listeners and think before we speak. We enhance our knowledge by listening to others. A leader should listen to both parties and then give his verdict.
2. The Third Eye in the center of the forehead. This is the intellectual eye (also called gyan chakshu). It implies intellect (buddhi) sees beyond the vision of eyes.
3. The long nose: Be farsighted, think ahead, do not go for quick result and shortcuts, have a vision of the future and then strive hard to achieve what you desire.
4. Ganesh has the power of four hands:
   1. There is a lotus in one hand. The lotus has the uniqueness of not getting even a drop of water to remain on it even being in the water all the time. Be like the lotus. Even though you are surrounded by worldly attraction all the time, remain detached and unaffected.
   2. The second hand has the modak (sweets made of roasted rice) in it. Be sweet to everybody.
   3.  The third hand has the hatchet. We must put an end to our vices of hatred, jealousy, lethargy, untruth and greed.
   4. The fourth had showers blessings on everybody. Spread happiness and always wish well of others.
5. One leg is on the earth and the other higher up on the knee. Have a good combination of materialism and spiritualism in your life. One leg is on the earth and the other is in heaven.
6. The rat near the foot. The rat is a very industrious animal. It is always doing something. Make the best use of the time that God has given us. Find new paths if the old one come to a dead end. Be quick in your decisions and actions.

It is not enough to perform the ritual of “Ganesh Pooja” but while doing the pooja we must think of all the things for which Ganeshs stood. Then we must try and follow them in our life. That will be real “Ganesh Pooja”.

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