Ganesha's Three Ideals

Excerpts from  GANAPATHY ATHARVASHIRSHA

Ganapathy Atharvashirsha extols Lord Ganesha as the primordial being. It is a Vedic text in praise of Ganesha and is central to the theme of Gaanaapathyam ( one of the six systems of theistic worship, which uphold one central deity as the supreme being- all equally valid means of moksha. The others are Sauram, Shaivam, Vaishnavam, Shaaktam based on the exclusive worship of Surya, Kumaara or Subrahmanya, Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti or Devi respectively). This particular article focuses on a set of very interesting aspects of Ganesha,  which surely inspire a seeker. Atharvashirsha presents Ganapathy in the most powerful manner as transcendental (nirguna), supreme (para) and all-encompassing (sarvavyapaka) and more...

Here I present, three select and very interesting aspects of Ganesha, upon hearing or meditating, instantly uplift the human mind from feelings/thoughts of entrapment or suffering. True to the name of Vighneshwara, He removes obstacles at every stage of spiritual learning and bestows progress upon hearing or reciting this invocation.

1. "Tvam Kaalatrayatetaha" means " you are above the 3 aspects of time"

Ganesha is beyond the three aspects of time - past, present and future. He is in fact beyond all notional and absolute understandings of temporality. His existence is not contingent upon such divisions or dimensions of time. He is therefore timeless and eternal. There has never been a time when he was not. He is. (Sat - that which is. When one rises above the notions of time-bound existence, one becomes immortal)

2. "Tvam Dehatrayaateetaha" means " you are above the 3 types of bodies"

Ganesha is immeasurable and beyond the grasp of 3 states of embodiments - sthula, sukshma and karana shariras - Gross physical, subtle mental or atomic causal body states. One whose presence is not limited by spatial parameters. Thus, he is formless and limitless in his presence. (Mahakaya). (Cit - undifferentiated pure consciousness. When one rises above the identification with one's name and form one attains and operates from the field of pure consciousness)

3. "Tvam Gunatrayaateetaha" means "you are above the 3 gunas".

Ganapathy is one who transcends the realm of three gunas. The 3 gunas are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. They are the raw material for the manifestation of the primal life force along various forms as well as dispositions. As long as they remain in equilibrium, there is no manifestation of anything mental or material. Ganesha is that transcendental one, who intertwines them in equilibrium as well as triggers them into activity. Whereas He himself remains unaffected by the plays or transmutations of the 3 gunas. (Ananda - bliss. When one is beyond the affectation of 3 gunas, one moves to state of bliss)

Thus, just the above three aspects alone bring out the greatness of Ganesha as SatCitAnandamaya. Many more such wonderful gems are found in this simple incantation. In a way, it brings our attention to our own self and feel the power, peace, and beauty within. A good place to start.