ಗಣೇಶ ಚೌತಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ ಸಡಗರ

 

ಭಾದ್ರಪದ ಮಾಸದ ಗಣೇಶ ಚೌತಿಯು 
ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ವಿನಾಯಕನಿಗೆ ವಾಹನ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಇಲಿಯು 
ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಕ್ಷಿಪ್ರ ಪ್ರಸಾದನ  ಬುದ್ಧಿವಂತಿಕೆಯು 
ದೇವರಿಂದ ಜನ್ಮ ಪಡೆದ ನಮ್ಮ ವಿಶ್ವಮುಖನು

ಶಿವ ಪಾರ್ವತಿಯರ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಸ್ಕಂದಪೂರ್ವಜನು
ವಿದ್ಯೆಗಿವನೇ ಭೂಷಣ ನಮ್ಮ ಗಜಮುಖನು 
ನಿನ್ನ ಪೂಜಿಸಿದೊಡೆ ಗಾನಪತ್ಯನಾದೆ ನಾನು 
ಸದಾ ಕಾಪಾಡುವ ದೇವಲೋಕದ ದೈವ ನೀನು 

ಮತ್ತೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ ಸಡಗರದ ಯಜ್ಞಕಾಯನ ಉತ್ಸವವು 
ತುಂಬಿದೆ ಹರ್ಷ ಭೂಮಿಯ ತುಂಬೆಲ್ಲವು 
ನಿತ್ಯ ಕಡಬು ಹೋಳಿಗೆಯ ನೈವೇದ್ಯವು 
ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಗಣಪತಿಯ ಪೂಜಿಸೋಣ ನಾವು ನೀವು 

ಸಿಡಿಸದಿರಿ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ಪಟಾಕಿಗಳನ್ನು 
ಗೊತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ ನಾಶಮಾಡಬೇಡಿ  ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಸೊಬಗನ್ನು 
ಮಹಾ ಗಣಪತಿಯ  ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆಯಲಿ ಮರೆಯದಿರಿ ಪ್ರತಿಜ್ಞೆಯನ್ನು 
ನಿರ್ವಿಘ್ನತಾ ಸಿದ್ಧಿಗಾಗಿ ಮೊದಲ ಪೂಜೆ ದೇವಾ ನಿಮಗಿನ್ನು

ಸಕಲ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಿಗೂ ಮುಂದಿರುವ ಸಿದ್ಧಿವಿನಾಯಕನೇ 
ನಂಬಿದ ಪಾಲಿನ ಭಕ್ತರ ಕೈ ಬಿಡದ ಮೂಷಿಕವಾಹನನೇ 
ಭೂಮಿಯ ಮೇಲಿನ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಕಷ್ಟ ನಿವಾರಿಸುವ ವಕ್ರತುಂಡನೇ 
ಭೂಲೋಕದ ಉದ್ಧಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಜನಿಸಿದ ಲಂಬೋದರನೇ

ಏಕದಂತ  ಬಂದು ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಹರ್ಷವ ತಂದನು 
ನಲಿಯುತ ಕುಣಿಯುತ ನಾನಾವೇಷದಿ ಬಂದನು 
ಗರಿಕೆಯ ಹುಲ್ಲಿನಲಿ ಸಕಲರ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಕಂಡನು 
ಬೇಡಿದ ವರವನು ಭಕ್ತರಿಗೆ ದಯಪಾಲಿಸಿಹನು 

ಲೇಖಕರು  - ಶ್ರೀ ಮುತ್ತು ಯ.ವಡ್ಡರ ,  ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ,  ಬಾಗಲಕೋಟ , 9845568484      

 

Ganesha sthotra , Vakratunda Mahakaaya meaning

Lord Ganesha, also called Vighneshwara (the remover of obstacles), is always invoked at the beginning of any new venture, puja, or spiritual practice. Among the many slokas dedicated to Him, the “Vakratunda Mahakaaya” is one of the most popular. It is short, powerful, and easy to remember, making it a favorite among devotees. This stotra not only praises Ganesha’s divine form but also seeks His blessings for wisdom, clarity, and success in all endeavors.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभः ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

Vakratunda Mahākāya Sūryakoṭi Samaprabhaḥ
Nirvighnaṁ Kuru Me Deva Sarva-kāryeṣu Sarvadā ||

 

Meaning

• Vakra-tuṇḍa → One with a curved trunk (symbol of unique strength and wisdom).

• Mahākāya → The one with a huge, majestic body, signifying grandeur and power.

• Sūrya-koṭi-sama-prabhaḥ → Whose brilliance is equal to that of millions of suns combined.

• Nirvighnam kuru me deva → O Lord, please remove all obstacles from my path.

• Sarva-kāryeṣu sarvadā → In all my tasks, at all times.

Spiritual Significance

1. Vakratunda (Curved Trunk):
   Symbolizes the ability to overcome difficult and twisted challenges of life. Just as Ganesha’s trunk can move in any direction, a devotee learns flexibility and adaptability.

2. Mahākāya (Great Body):
   Represents vastness and strength, reminding us of Ganesha’s ability to hold the universe within Himself. It also signifies the importance of thinking big and expanding one’s vision.

3. Sūrya-koṭi-sama-prabha (Radiance of a Million Suns):
   Ganesha’s brilliance destroys ignorance and darkness, bestowing wisdom, clarity, and enlightenment upon His devotees.

4. Nirvighnam Kuru:
   The prayer directly requests Ganesha to remove hurdles, making it a common invocation before exams, business ventures, marriages, journeys, or any important undertaking.

5. Sarva-kāryeṣu sarvadā (Always, in All Tasks):
   It reminds devotees that divine guidance is not only for spiritual practices but also for everyday life — work, studies, relationships, and goals.

Devotees of Ganesha chant this early morning, before starting daily activities or any auspicious task. Traditionally recited 3, 11, or 21 times for focused devotion ,  Before beginning new projects, during puja, at the start of prayers, or when facing challenges. The “Vakratunda Mahakaaya” stotra is much more than a prayer — it is a call for wisdom, strength, and the removal of obstacles that hinder growth. By chanting it with faith, devotees invite Lord Ganesha’s divine energy into their lives, ensuring success and peace in every endeavor.

Ganapathi Sthotra , Shuklaam Bharadaram meaning

In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha (also called Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighneshwara) is revered as the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings. Before any puja, learning, or auspicious activity, devotees invoke his blessings by chanting stotras (hymns).

One such powerful verse is the Sri Ganapathi Stotra

ಶುಕ್ಕಾಂಬರಧರಂ ವಿಷ್ಣುಂ ಶಶಿವರ್ಣಂ ಚತುರ್ಭುಜಂ ।
ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ವದನಂ ಧ್ಯಾಯೇತ್ ಸರ್ವವಿಘ್ನೋಪಶಾಂತ್ಯಯೇ ॥

Shuklaam Bharadaram Vishnum
Shashi Varnam Chaturbhujam ।
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighnopashaantaye ॥

 

Meaning of the Verse

• ಶುಕ್ಕಾಂಬರಧರಂ – The one who is clothed in pure white (symbolizing purity and peace).

• ವಿಷ್ಣುಂ – All-pervading, like Lord Vishnu.

• ಶಶಿವರ್ಣಂ – Whose complexion is like the cool, bright light of the moon.

• ಚತುರ್ಭುಜಂ – Who has four arms (each holding symbolic objects like the modaka, goad, noose, and broken tusk).

• ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ವದನಂ – With a pleasant, smiling face.

• ಧ್ಯಾಯೇತ್ – One should meditate upon him.

• ಸರ್ವವಿಘ್ನೋಪಶಾಂತ್ಯಯೇ – To remove all kinds of obstacles and difficulties. 

This short but powerful hymn is often the first prayer recited before beginning studies, rituals, or important tasks.

• By visualizing Lord Ganesha as white as the moonlight and smiling peacefully, the devotee’s mind becomes calm and focused.

• The four hands represent strength, wisdom, and the ability to guide devotees on the right path.

• The smiling face reminds us that approaching challenges with positivity brings success.

• Reciting this stotra is believed to invoke Ganesha’s blessings for the removal of vighnas (obstacles) in one’s life.

Know reason why Yakka plant (calotropis) flowers are offered to Ganesha

Ganesha Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, success, and good fortune. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Ganesha with various offerings, such as modak (sweet dumplings), durva (grass), and hibiscus flowers. One of the most important offerings that is made to Ganesha is the calotropis plant flower, also known as arka, aak, or madar.

The calotropis plant is a large shrub that grows in dry and wasteland areas. It has clusters of waxy flowers that are either white or lavender in color. Each flower has five pointed petals and a small crown rising from the center, which holds the stamens. The plant also produces milky sap, which is toxic and can cause skin irritation and blindness if ingested.

Despite its poisonous nature, the calotropis plant flower is considered sacred and auspicious in Hinduism. There are several reasons why devotees offer this flower to Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi:

• According to one legend, Ganesha once swallowed a demon named Analasura, who had the power to emit fire from his eyes. As a result, Ganesha suffered from a severe burning sensation in his stomach. To relieve his pain, some sages offered him a garland of calotropis flowers, which had a cooling effect on his body. Since then, calotropis flowers are offered to Ganesha as a symbol of gratitude and devotion.
• According to another legend, Ganesha was once cursed by his brother Kartikeya to have a short lifespan. To save him from this curse, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that whoever worships him with calotropis flowers will attain longevity and prosperity. Therefore, devotees offer calotropis flowers to Ganesha to seek his blessings for a long and happy life.
• According to a third legend, Ganesha was once challenged by his father Lord Shiva to circumambulate the world three times. While Kartikeya took his peacock and flew around the world, Ganesha used his intelligence and circumambulated his parents, saying that they are his world. Impressed by his wisdom, Lord Shiva gave him a garland of calotropis flowers as a reward. Hence, devotees offer calotropis flowers to Ganesha to honor his wisdom and cleverness.
• Apart from these legends, calotropis flowers are also offered to Ganesha for their spiritual significance. The five petals of the flower represent the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), which are the basis of creation. The crown in the center represents the supreme consciousness or Brahman, which is the source of all existence. By offering calotropis flowers to Ganesha, devotees acknowledge his role as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
• Moreover, calotropis flowers are also offered to Ganesha for their medicinal value. The flowers have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. They are used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments, such as skin diseases, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, fever, and snake bites. By offering calotropis flowers to Ganesha, devotees seek his protection from diseases and ailments.

 

To prepare garlands of calotropis flowers for Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees first collect fresh and clean flowers from the plant. They then wash them gently with water and dry them with a cloth. Next, they thread a needle with a cotton or silk thread and pierce through the base of each flower. They continue this process until they have enough flowers to make a garland of desired length. They then tie the ends of the thread together and adorn the garland with beads or other decorative items if they wish. Finally, they offer the garland to Ganesha by placing it around his neck or on his trunk during the puja ceremony.

By offering garlands of calotropis flowers to Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees express their love and devotion to him. They also hope to receive his grace and blessings in return for their sincere worship.

Avatars of Ganesha and their significance

Lord Ganesha is one of the most revered and popular gods in Hinduism, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the lord of success. He is also known by many names and forms, such as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Ekadanta, Lambodara, and Vighnaharta. According to the Mudgala Purana, an ancient text dedicated to Lord Ganesha, he has eight avatars or incarnations that he took to save the world from various demons who represented the eight weaknesses or defects of human nature. These are arrogance, ego, desire, anger, greed, illusion, inebriation, and jealousy. In each avatar, Lord Ganesha also has a different vehicle or mount that symbolizes his attributes and powers. Let us look at each of these avatars and their significance.

• Vakratunda: The first avatar of Lord Ganesha is Vakratunda, which means “curved trunk”. In this form, he has a lion as his vehicle and he represents wisdom and courage. He defeated the demon Matsarasura, who was born from the jealousy of Indra, the king of gods. Matsarasura had obtained a boon of fearlessness from Shiva and had conquered the three worlds with his sons Sundarpriya and Vishaypriya. He also created havoc and misery everywhere. Lord Ganesha, invoked by the gods with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Vakratunda and killed the demon and his sons with his curved trunk. He thus restored peace and harmony in the universe. This avatar teaches us to overcome jealousy and selfishness with wisdom and courage.

• Ekadanta: The second avatar of Lord Ganesha is Ekadanta, which means “one-tusked”. In this form, he has a mouse as his vehicle and he represents concentration and focus. He fought against the demon Madasura, who was born from the arrogance of Chyavana, an asura or demon. Madasura was fond of alcohol and had received special powers from the goddess Shakti after performing a thousand years of penance with the mantra “Hrim”. He became intoxicated with his powers and pride and started to conquer the three worlds. He also challenged the gods to a battle. Lord Ganesha, invoked by the sage Sanat Kumara with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Ekadanta and subdued the demon with his single tusk. He then forgave him and made him his devotee. This avatar teaches us to avoid intoxication and arrogance with concentration and focus.

• Mahodara: The third avatar of Lord Ganesha is Mahodara, which means “big-bellied”. In this form, he has a mouse as his vehicle and he represents generosity and compassion. He vanquished Mohasura, who was born from the delusion of Daitya Raj or the king of demons. Mohasura had obtained a boon of invincibility from Surya or the sun god after worshipping him for a long time. He then became deluded by his power and started to oppress the gods and humans alike. He also captured Indra’s throne and declared himself as the ruler of the three worlds. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Brahma with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Mahodara and defeated Mohasura with his big belly. He then released him from his delusion and made him surrender to Indra. This avatar teaches us to overcome delusion and confusion with generosity and compassion.

• Gajanana: The fourth avatar of Lord Ganesha is Gajanana, which means “elephant-faced”. In this form, he has a mouse as his vehicle and he represents strength and dignity. He destroyed Lobhasura, who was born from the greed of King Ravana of Lanka. Lobhasura had acquired a boon of immortality from Shiva after performing severe penance for many years. He then became greedy for more power and wealth and started to plunder the three worlds. He also kidnapped Sita, the wife of Rama, who was an incarnation of Vishnu. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Rama with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Gajanana and killed Lobhasura with his elephant face. He then rescued Sita and helped Rama in defeating Ravana. This avatar teaches us to overcome greed and lust with strength and dignity.

• Lambodara: The fifth avatar of Lord Ganesha is Lambodara, which means “long-bellied”. In this form, he has a mouse as his vehicle and he represents patience and contentment. He annihilated Krodhasura, who was born from the anger of Durvasa, a sage known for his short temper. Krodhasura had obtained a boon of invulnerability from Shiva after pleasing him with his devotion. He then became angry with everyone and everything and started to destroy the three worlds with his fiery breath. He also challenged the gods to a fight and defeated them all. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Vishnu with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Lambodara and swallowed Krodhasura with his long belly. He then calmed down the fire and restored the balance in the universe. This avatar teaches us to overcome anger and violence with patience and contentment.

   

  
  
   

• Vikata: The sixth avatar of Lord Ganesha is Vikata, which means “misshapen” or “unusual”. In this form, he has a peacock as his vehicle and he represents beauty and grace. He eradicated Kamasura, who was born from the desire of Kamadeva, the god of love. Kamasura had received a boon of irresistible charm from Shiva after worshipping him with flowers. He then became obsessed with his own beauty and charm and started to seduce everyone in the three worlds. He also tried to tempt the gods and goddesses and disrupt their harmony. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Shakti with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Vikata and killed Kamasura with his peacock feather. He then restored the purity and sanctity of love in the universe. This avatar teaches us to overcome desire and temptation with beauty and grace.

• Vighnaraja: The seventh avatar of Lord Ganesha is Vighnaraja, which means “king of obstacles”. In this form, he has a mouse as his vehicle and he represents success and prosperity. He eliminated Ahamkarasura, who was born from the ego of Indra, the king of gods. Ahamkarasura had gained a boon of supreme power from Brahma after impressing him with his deeds. He then became proud of his power and status and started to consider himself as the supreme lord of the three worlds. He also insulted the gods and sages and demanded their worship. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Shiva with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Vighnaraja and destroyed Ahamkarasura with his mouse. He then bestowed success and prosperity on the gods and humans who worshipped him sincerely. This avatar teaches us to overcome ego and pride with success and prosperity.

• Dhumravarna: The eighth avatar of Lord Ganesha is Dhumravarna, which means “smoke-colored”. In this form, he has a horse as his vehicle and he represents knowledge and enlightenment. He eradicated Agyanasura, who was born from the ignorance of Surya, the sun god. Agyanasura had obtained a boon of darkness from Brahma after pleasing him with his service. He then became ignorant of his true nature and started to spread darkness in the three worlds. He also blinded the gods and humans from seeing the truth and made them suffer in ignorance. Lord Ganesha, invoked by Saraswati with the mantra “Gam”, appeared as Dhumravarna and killed Agyanasura with his horse. He then dispelled the darkness and illuminated the universe with knowledge and enlightenment. This avatar teaches us to overcome ignorance and illusion with knowledge and enlightenment.

These are the eight avatars of Lord Ganesha that influence human lives in different ways. They show us how Lord Ganesha is not only the remover of obstacles but also the giver of various virtues and blessings that help us in achieving our goals and fulfilling our destiny. By worshipping Lord Ganesha in his various forms, we can overcome our weaknesses and defects and attain happiness and peace in our lives