Lord Ganesha, revered as the deity closest to physical creation, governs Riddhi and Siddhi. Riddhi represents the force that bestows material success, encompassing wealth, prosperity, and fame. Siddhi, on the other hand, facilitates the development of higher senses, enabling the manifestation of thoughts and speech and expediting the achievement of desires. While the pursuit of Riddhi and Siddhi consumes much of human existence, these represent merely the initial step in a larger journey. Ganesha’s birth from the dirt of Mata Adi Shakti during her bath symbolizes the transient nature of these forces. Riddhi and Siddhi, though alluring, are but fleeting aspects of Maya, the illusionary realm of the material world. Despite their impermanence, humanity often fixates on these ephemeral pursuits, overlooking their true nature. This focus on the material explains Ganesha’s title as ‘Ganesh’ – the lord (ish) of the masses (ganas).
Ganesha’s emergence coincided with the creeping influx of impurities into society. As worldly desires gradually overshadowed spiritual aspirations, various mantras and sadhanas (spiritual practices) emerged, each designed to invoke specific aspects of Ganesha to fulfill particular desires within the physical realm, the grossest layer of creation. These practices, while potent, are deeply nuanced and tailored to individual needs and capacities, underscoring the importance of guidance from a Guru. The Guru’s role is paramount, not just in imparting the mantra but also in providing the necessary context, ensuring its proper utilization, and mitigating potential karmic repercussions.
Uchchhishta Ganapati, for example, is invoked through specific mantras for diverse purposes, including the bestowal of boons, the protection of the motherland, or the mastery of the five senses. Heramba, the five-headed, golden-hued form of Ganapati, mounted on a lion, is invoked to cultivate fearlessness and overcome adversaries. Mahaganapati, associated with wealth, pleasure, and bliss, is sought for material and emotional fulfillment. Balaganapati, depicted in red-gold, embodies good health and a promising future, while Haridra Ganapati, with his turmeric complexion and yellow vestments, signifies prosperity and protection. Each form of Ganesha, accessed through specific mantras and sadhanas, addresses a distinct facet of human aspiration.
The potency of these sadhanas necessitates careful application under the expert guidance of a Guru. The Guru, recognizing the individual’s unique requirements and capabilities, bestows the appropriate mantra, infusing it with blessings. Crucially, the Guru also emphasizes the inherent karmic balance: every action generates an equal and opposite reaction, every pleasure carries an associated pain. The Guru’s guidance extends beyond mantra initiation, encompassing instruction on duration of practice, correct pronunciation (uchharan), emotional connection (bhaav), and complementary practices to enhance the sadhana’s efficacy. Upon completion of the mantra sadhana, a yagya (sacred ritual) is performed to solidify the mantra’s power (siddhi).
While numerous mantras exist for invoking Ganesha’s shakti (divine energy), “gama ganpataye namah” is considered one of the safest for general practice. Even this seemingly simple mantra, however, requires the Guru’s guidance to channel its energy towards specific outcomes. Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival celebrating Ganesha, holds special significance as a night conducive to siddhi mantra and mantra initiation (diksha) under the Guru’s presence (sanidhya). This highlights the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship in navigating the intricate landscape of spiritual practices.
Dhyan Foundation, under the guidance of Ashwini Guruji, offers free classes worldwide, providing access to these ancient practices. Ashwini Guruji, the driving force behind Dhyan Foundation’s initiatives, serves as a prominent authority on Vedic sciences. His acclaimed book, “Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension,” delves into the intricacies of anti-aging practices. The Foundation conducts regular sessions on Sanatan Kriya globally, furthering its mission of disseminating these time-honored techniques. For those seeking further knowledge and guidance, Dhyan Foundation’s website and contact information are provided as resources. Through these resources and teachings, individuals can embark on a deeper exploration of the multifaceted nature of Lord Ganesha and the path towards spiritual growth.
