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Lord Ganesha (Elephant Head God)

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Asian culture is full of religious and spiritual stuff wherein you can find varied god and their respective sotries. Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.

Similar to other god even Ganesha has many names, very famous amongst them are: Ganpati, Vinayak, Pillaiyar, Vighneshwara, Dvaimatura (one who has two mothers), Lambodara (one who has a pot belly, or, literally, one who has a hanging belly), Gajanana (having the face of an elephant), etc. List of 108 names of Ganesha is shown at the end of this article.

Ganesha is widely worshiped for many purposes like removing of obstacles, knowledge, wealth, power, etc. as he is the elder son of the creator, the destroyer Lord Shiva. He is worshiped in many different parts of the world like India, Nepal, United States, Canada, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and Fiji.

Apart from Indians and specially Hindus, the story behind the elephant head is rarely known to others. Let us go through a quick short part of it. Mother of Lord Ganesha, Devi Parvati set him to stand guard at her door while she bathed. Lord Shiva returned and, as Ganesha didn’t know him, he didn’t allow him to enter. Lord Shiva became enraged, severed the head of the child and entered his house. Parvati got angry on Lord Shiva and asked him give her son back alive. Lord Shiva promised her and said that he will fix the head of any one who will come first on the way, suddenly an elephant came on the way and Lord Shiva fixed the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha’s head. In this way, Lord Ganesha came to be depicted as the elephant-headed God.

During Ganesh Chaturthi festival people buy Lord Ganesha idols to make them sit in their particular premises or nearby house/office with an open invitation to all. Prayers and offerings are given to all during the rituals everyday untill the date of Ganesh Visarjan (Ganesh Visarjan – People carry Ganesh idol to the water resources i.e. river, sea, etc. and put it in the water). Ganesh Visarjan ceremony is very glamours, full of traditional music, dance, joy & happiness all around. During Ganesh Visarjan you can also find feeling of losing someone you love the most, people request to the god to come back soon.

In the field of spiritual practices, it is said that Ganesh resides in the first chakra called Muladhar Chakra (Basic Chakra). Muladhar chakra is the chakra for manifestation or outward expansion and in other teachings it is also believed that muladhar chakra is for prosperity and will to live.

One can chant the following mantra as prayer:

Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa.
Om Gum Ganpataye Namah Om
Om Shree Ganashai Namah Om

Chanting can also be done on any one of the names of Lord Ganesh, here is the list of 108 names:

Akhurath – One who has Mouse as His Charioteer
Alampata – Ever Eternal Lord
Amit – Incomparable Lord
Anantachidrupamayam – Infinite and Consciousness Personified
Avaneesh – Lord of the whole World
Avighna – Remover of Obstacles

Balaganapati – Beloved and Lovable Child
Bhalchandra – Moon-Crested Lord
Bheema – Huge and Gigantic
Bhupati – Lord of the Gods
Bhuvanpati – God of the Gods
Buddhinath – God of Wisdom
Buddhipriya – Knowledge
Buddhividhata – God of Knowledge

Chaturbhuj – One who has Four Arms

Devadeva – Lord of All Lords
Devantakanashakarin – Destroyer of Evils and Asuras
Devavrata – One who accepts all Penances
Devendrashika – Protector of All Gods
Dharmik – One who gives Charity
Dhoomravarna – Smoke-Hued Lord
Durja – Invincible Lord
Dvaimatura – One who has two Mothers

Ekaakshara – He of the Single Syllable
Ekadanta – Single-Tusked Lord
Ekadrishta – Single-Tusked Lord
Eshanputra – Lord Shiva’s Son

Gadadhara – One who has The Mace as His Weapon
Gajakarna – One who has Eyes like an Elephant
Gajanana – Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajananeti – Elephant-Faced Lord
Gajavakra – Trunk of The Elephant
Gajavaktra – One who has Mouth like an Elephant
Ganadhakshya – Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Ganadhyakshina – Leader of All The Celestial Bodies
Ganapati – Lord of All Ganas (Gods)
Gaurisuta – The Son of Gauri (Parvati)
Gunina – One who is The Master of All Virtues

Haridra – One who is Golden Coloured
Heramba – Mother’s Beloved Son

Kapila – Yellowish-Brown Coloured
Kaveesha – Master of Poets
Krti – Lord of Music
Kripalu – Merciful Lord
Krishapingaksha – Yellowish-Brown Eyed
Kshamakaram – The Place of Forgiveness
Kshipra – One who is easy to Appease

Lambakarna – Large-Eared Lord
Lambodara – The Huge Bellied Lord

Mahabala – Enormously Strong Lord
Mahaganapati – Omnipotent and Supreme Lord
Maheshwaram – Lord of The Universe
Mangalamurti – All Auspicious Lord
Manomay – Winner of Hearts
Mrityuanjaya – Conqueror of Death
Mundakarama – Abode of Happiness
Muktidaya – Bestower of Eternal Bliss
Musikvahana – One who has mouse as charioteer

Nadapratithishta – One who Appreciates and Loves Music
Namasthetu – Vanquisher of All Evils & Vices & Sins
Nandana – Lord Shiva’s Son
Nideeshwaram – Giver of Wealth and Treasures

Omkara – One who has the Form Of OM

Pitambara – One who has Yellow-Colored Body
Pramoda – Lord of All Abodes
Prathameshwara – First Among All
Purush – The Omnipotent Personality

Rakta – One who has Red-Colored Body
Rudrapriya – Beloved Of Lord Shiva

Sarvadevatman – Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings
Sarvasiddhanta – Bestower of Skills and Wisdom
Sarvatman – Protector of The Universe
Shambhavi – The Son of Parvati
Shashivarnam – One who has a Moon like Complexion
Shoorpakarna – Large-Eared Lord
Shuban – All Auspicious Lord
Shubhagunakanan – One who is The Master of All Virtues
Shweta – One who is as Pure as the White Color
Siddhidhata – Bestower of Success & Accomplishments
Siddhipriya – Bestower of Wishes and Boons
Siddhivinayaka – Bestower of Success
Skandapurvaja – Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)
Sumukha – Auspicious Face
Sureshwaram – Lord of All Lords
Swaroop – Lover of Beauty

Tarun – Ageless

Uddanda – Nemesis of Evils and Vices
Umaputra – The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)

Vakratunda – Curved Trunk Lord
Varaganapati – Bestower of Boons
Varaprada – Granter of Wishes and Boons
Varadavinayaka – Bestower of Success
Veeraganapati – Heroic Lord
Vidyavaridhi – God of Wisdom
Vighnahara – Remover of Obstacles
Vignaharta – Demolisher of Obstacles
Vighnaraja – Lord of All Hindrances
Vighnarajendra – Lord of All Obstacles
Vighnavinashanaya – Destroyer of All Obstacles & Impediments
Vigneshwara – Lord of All Obstacles
Vikat – Huge and Gigantic
Vinayaka – Lord of All
Vishwamukha – Master of The Universe
Vishwaraja – King of The World

Yagnakaya – Acceptor of All Sacred & Sacrficial Offerings
Yashaskaram – Bestower of Fame and Fortune
Yashvasin – Beloved and Ever Popular Lord
Yogadhipa – The Lord of Meditation

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Lord Shiva (father of Lord Ganesha) is a major Hindu deity, and is considered as Destroyer or Transformer. He is believed to be a yogi who has a vision on everything happening in the world. He has great powers but still like to live like a sage (Yogi) on the peak of Himalayan mountain. He works as a creator, preserver, destroyer, concealer, and revealer (to bless).

Amongst all the gods, he is said to be the most kind, benignant, gracious, benign, charitable, benevolent, kindly, sympathetic, good-hearted, openhearted, large-hearted, gentle, kindhearted, kind-hearted, call him with any of these words.

He has got the most aggresive nature but at times he is the only god who can be pleased so easily like a child is pleased just by a chocolate, very caring, friendly, best teacher, almost anything and everything one can think of.

Ok coming back on the topic, meditating on Lord Shiva can give you strength, energy, life-force, devine protection and often it is practiced for the good sake of an ill/dying person.

For Lord Shiva Meditation one can use any one of the following mantras (Chant it for 108 times, recommended):

aum tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pusti-vardhanam urvarukam iva bandhanan mrtyor muksiya mamrtat (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra – Great death-conquering mantra also called Tryambakam Mantra)
Om Namah Sivai (Very basic powerful mantra, can be used everyday)
OM (Purifies, energies – powerful mantra, can be used everyday)

Best time for meditation:

Mid-night

Sitting Position:

East (Sun rise) facing
Folded legs / Padmasan / On chair without crossing your legs or hands (if you are sitting on chair, do not let your back touch the chair)
Rest your hands on your knees / thighs with your palms facing sky
Eyes closed (No Spectacles)

Know Lord Shiva

Lets go through 108 names of Lord Shiva (one can even use one of the following name to meditate):

Aashutosh – One Who Fulfills Wishes Instantly
Aja – Unborn
Akshayaguna – God With Limitless Attributes
Anagha – Without Any Fault
Anantadrishti – Of Infinite Vision
Augadh – One Who Revels All The Time
Avyayaprabhu – Imperishable Lord
Bhairav – Lord Of Terror
Bhalanetra – One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead
Bholenath – Kind Hearted Lord
Bhooteshwara – Lord Of Ghosts And Evil Beings
Bhudeva – Lord Of The Earth
Bhutapala – Protector Of The Ghosts
Chandrapal – Master Of The Moon
Chandraprakash – One Who Has Moon As A Crest
Dayalu – Compassionate
Devadeva – Lord Of The Lords
Dhanadeepa – Lord Of Wealth
Dhyanadeep – Icon Of Meditation And Concentration
Dhyutidhara – Lord Of Brilliance
Digambara – Ascetic Without Any Clothes
Durjaneeya – Difficult To Be Known
Durjaya – Unvanquished
Gangadhara – Lord Of River Ganga
Girijapati – Consort Of Girija
Gunagrahin – Acceptor Of Gunas
Gurudeva – Master Of All
Hara – Remover Of Sins
Jagadisha – Master Of The Universe
Jaradhishamana – Redeemer From Afflictions
Jatin – 0ne Who Has Matted Hair
Kailas – One Who Bestows Peace
Kailashadhipati – Lord Of Mount Kailash
Kailashnath – Master Of Mount Kailash
Kamalakshana – Lotus-Eyed Lord
Kantha – Ever-Radiant
Kapalin – One Wears A Necklace Of Skulls
Khatvangin – One Who Has The Missile Khatvangin In His Hand
Kundalin – One Who Wears Earrings
Lalataksha – One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead
Lingadhyaksha – Lord Of The Lingas
Lingaraja – Lord Of The Lingas
Lokankara – Creator Of The Three Worlds
Lokapal – One Who Takes Care Of The World
Mahabuddhi – Extremely Intelligent
Mahadeva – Greatest God
Mahakala – Lord Of All Times
Mahamaya – Of Great Illusions
Mahamrityunjaya – Great Victor Of Death
Mahanidhi – Great Storehouse
Mahashaktimaya – One Who Has Boundless Energies
Mahayogi – Greatest Of All Gods
Mahesha – Supreme Lord
Maheshwara – Lord Of Gods
Nagabhushana – One Who Has Serpents As Ornaments
Nataraja – King Of The Art Of Dancing
Nilakantha – Blue Necked Lord
Nityasundara – Ever Beautiful
Nrityapriya – Lover Of Dance
Omkara – Creator Of OM
Palanhaar – One Who Protects Everyone
Parameshwara – First Among All Gods
Paramjyoti – Greatest Splendour
Pashupati – Lord Of All Living Beings
Pinakin – One Who Has A Bow In His Hand
Pranava – Originator Of The Syllable Of OM
Priyabhakta – Favourite Of The Devotees
Priyadarshana – Of Loving Vision
Pushkara – One Who Gives Nourishment
Pushpalochana – One Who Has Eyes Like Flowers
Ravilochana – Having Sun As The Eye
Rudra – The Terrible
Rudraksha – One Who Has Eyes Like Rudra
Sadashiva – Eternal God
Sanatana – Eternal Lord
Sarvacharya – Preceptor Of All
Sarvashiva – Always Pure
Sarvatapana – Scorcher Of All
Sarvayoni – Source Of Everything
Sarveshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Shambhu – One Who Bestows Prosperity
Shankara – One Who Gives Happiness
Shiva – Always Pure
Shoolin – One Who Has A Trident
Shrikantha – Of Glorious Neck
Shrutiprakasha – Illuminator Of The Vedas
Shuddhavigraha – One Who Has A Pure Body
Skandaguru – Preceptor Of Skanda
Someshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Sukhada – Bestower Of Happiness
Suprita – Well Pleased
Suragana – Having Gods As Attendants
Sureshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Swayambhu – Self-Manifested
Tejaswani – One Who Spreads Illumination
Trilochana – Three-Eyed Lord
Trilokpati – Master Of All The Three Worlds
Tripurari – Enemy Of Tripura
Trishoolin – One Who Has A Trident In His Hands
Umapati – Consort Of Uma
Vachaspati – Lord Of Speech
Vajrahasta – One Who Has A Thunderbolt In His Hands
Varada – Granter Of Boons
Vedakarta – Originator Of The Vedas
Veerabhadra – Supreme Lord Of The Nether World
Vishalaksha – Wide-Eyed Lord
Vishveshwara – Lord Of The Universe
Vrishavahana – One Who Has Bull As His Vehicle

Disclaimer:
The physical and psychological conditions of each practitioner vary. Therefore, the author, publisher and this website will not be held liable for any adverse effects arising from the practice of any meditation and/or other spiritual/religious practices. If any discomfort or adverse effect is experienced, the practitioner is advised to stop the practice immediately and consult a Medical Doctor and a Certified Spiritual Practitioner (Take salt water bath at least twice a day along with guidance of medical doctor and/or certified spiritual practitioner).