GANAPATHI ADHARVA SIRSHA M

 Ganapathi Adharva Sirsham is a Sanskrit text considered as a late minor Upanishad. It asserts that Ganesha is same as the ultimate reality, Brahman. The text is attached to Adharva Veda. It is also  called “ Adhrva Sirsha”. Earliest mention of the word Ganapathi is found in the hymn 2.23.1 of the Rig Veda. Literally the word Ganapathi means ' Leader of the multitudes'. Adharva Sirsham is listed at No: 89 in the Muktika Canon of 108 Upanishad compiled in the middle of 17th century. Ganapathi Adharva Sirsham forms a part of the Five Adharva Sirsham Upanishads named after the main deities of Sirshas Ganapathi, Narayana, Rudra, Surya and Devi. The meaning of the Mantras is given below:

On bhadram karnebhi……swasthino Bruhaspathir dadhatu: O Devas! Let our ears hear only good things and eyes see good things only! With bodies blessed with strong limbs provided by God, let us praise Him and enjoy the bliss! Let the All knowing Aditya, Indra and all other deities shower their Grace on us! Let Garuda, the punisher of evil and Brihaspathi, the preceptor of  Devas grant us our well being! Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.

On Namasthe Ganapathaye……team sakshaadatmasi nityam

We are preparing ourselves to read “Ganapathi Adharva Sirsham” that praises Lord Vinayaka. Adharvana  Maharshi, blessed with the vision of Maha Ganapathi directly,  describes his great experience in the form of slokas for our welfare. It is a well known custom to propitiate Ganapati before we start any activity. Accordingly, Adharvana Maharshi eulogizes Ganapathi in this manner: “ O Ganesha, the Lord of Deva ganas! I offer my obeisance to you! You have appeared as the very first part of the Parabrahman! You are the Creator of the universe. You are also capable of protection and destruction of the universe. You are the Victor in the universe. You are the Eternal and Truthful Atman!

Rutam vach mi: Satyam vacmi:  I speak Rutam only. Speak only the Truth!

Ava twam maam……..sarvatho maam pahi pahi samanthaath.  O Ganesha!  Protect and save me! Protect all those who have heard about your compassion and taken refuge in you.  Protect your disciples and all others. Protect me by warding off all impediments from the East, west, North, South, above and below and other directions during my daily regimen.

Twam vangmayastwam chinmayaha………jnaanamayo vijnaanamayosi

You are ‘chinmaya' in Literature ie you are the Lord of Speech. You are full of bliss. You are full of Brahman. You are the embodiment of Sat chit Ananda- Existence, Awareness and Bliss. There is none second to You. You are the Parabrahman. You are the embodiment of Jnaana and Vijnaana. In other words, You are the repository of all the physical as well as the subtle  aspects of Jnaana or Knowledge!

Sarvam jagadidam……….twam chatwaari vaak padaani

The entire universe has manifested out of you! It is maintained by You!  It merges itself in You! You are the five elements- Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Akaasa or Space! You are the four  types of Speech? You are the Sabda Brahma—Brahman in the form of Sabda or naada or sound!

Twam gunatrayaa titaha………….yetat tava manu swarupam

You transcend the three Gunas—Satwa, Rajas, and Tamas as well as the three stages—wakefulness, dreams and sushipthi or deep sleep! You also transcend the three times- present, past and the future! You always occupy the Moolaadhara Chakra in my body! You are the very embodiment of the three Shakthis—Iccha, Kriya, and Jnaana! Maharshis and Yogis always meditate on you! You personify the creator Brahma, Vishnu the protector and Maheswara the destroyer! You are the Lord  of  the three worlds! Agni, Vayu, Sun and the Moon are under your control! Entire creation rests within You! You are also Omnipresent! 

Gakaarah purva rupam…….On Gam Ganapathaye nanamaha

After describing the qualities and features of Ganapathi, Adharvana Maharshi reveals the mantra  “Ganesa Vidya” that unveils the pure form of Ganapathi! In the pure mantra ‘Gam' , ‘Ga' is the purvarupam ie the first form. ' Akara' is the middle form. Anuswaara or the cipher(0) is the end form! Bindu or full stop is the ‘uttara' or later form! Activating ‘Gam' with the Pranava OM and chanting “Om Gam” shall bring Pranava Swarupa Ganapathi to one's immediate presence! This Ganesa Mantra, in Nichruth Chandas, was obtained by  Ganaka Maharshi!  The devotee should prostrate by chanting “ Om Gam Ganapathi!

Ekadantaya vidmahe……….prachodayaath

I meditate on Ganesa who has one tusk and curved trunk! Let that Lord grant me the fortune of Jnaana and brighten my intellect!

Ekadantam chaturhastham……………sa yogi yoginaam varaha.

The form of Ganapathi and how to meditate on Him is explained in this mantra. The one tusked and four armed Ganapathi has pasa or rope in one hand and 'ankusa'  in the  other hand. In the other two hands He sports ' abhaya' and ' varada' mudras!  He has the flag of the mouse, is of red color, pot bellied,  and has winnow shaped large ears! Dressed in red attire, He is smeared with red sandal paste! Bhakthas worship Him with red flowers! He is compassionate towards His devotees! He is the cause of creation! He is eternal and the embodiment of the Parabrahman! He was present long before creation! One who meditates on such form of Ganesa is the greatest of all yogis!

Namo vraata pataye…………varada’ murthaye namaha.

O Ganesa, the Lord of all Devas and the Pramatha ganas(devotees of Shiva) my pranams to You! You are pot bellied, have only one tusk, remover of all obstacles and the son of Parameswara. O Vinayaka! You satisfy the desires of Your devotees! We prostrate before You!

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