Saluting and invoking Sri Ganesh

It may be due to his intimacy with the Shakti that Lord Ganesha has been very much part of Tantra in its various grades – from the superstitious god- fearing approach to the reliance on divine help for yogic sadhana by invoking higher forces and superior entities. And in fact, very much like the Shakti, the aspects and powers and faculties of Lord Ganesha make it mandatory that there be many different representations with various postures and numerous instruments or objects Lord Ganesh alternately holds in his two, four, six, eight and even more arms, depending on the need and on the kind of help one seeks, with the corresponding rituals. Some of his representations are of course more widely popular and they are mostly of his benign, gentle, cheering and protective spirit, with a little emphasis on his taste for good things; but one finds him also very often in his majestic form set in refined opulence, a wise king giving audience, a uniquely beautifully proportioned figure attired and adorned with wonderful garments and jewels. Through the many past centuries he has also travelled the world, spreading his familiar benevolence into Asia mainly but in Tibet as well and, more recently, across continents as a mascot and talisman and comforting universal presence. For his countenance and character make him accepted beyond any religious conformity, free of doctrine and dogma, near to the human heart. Children of course are most fond of him, with his figure marrying the three reigns, animal, human and divine in one wholesome physicality. In this way, like Hanuman and Garuda, he unites in his very self the seekings of all creation but, while the other two represent the deepest love for the divine presence and for the incarnation and accomplishment of true dharma, Lord Ganesh may himself be approached as the very One, as the Supreme Brahma. In his combined capacities as remover of obstacles, bringer of prosperity and protector, Lord Ganesha will be sought by all, in all social classes and walks of life; from the very poor to the very rich, everyone will wish to secure Lord Ganesh’s blessings, whether to help attain a minimal level of well-being or to guard one’s established welfare, or to guarantee some degree of success and harmony in one’s ventures or commitments. And since he has been designated by the entire council of the gods as the first to be propitiated and as their common representative, he will be *

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