गणपत्यथर्वशीर्ष (with translation) /6

or Kaārtika Kumaāra or Skanda, the elder son of Siva and

Ganesha became his younger son.
 

 
The modification of Aryan religion by the Dravidian
concept of a cosmic force activising the eternal processes

concept of a cosmic force activising the eternal processes
of creation, preservation and destruction is symbolised by

the Hindu triad of Bramhaā, Vishnu and Mahesh. The
problem of the creation of the universe deeply intrigued

problem of the creation of the universe deeply intrigued
the Rigvedic seers as is reflected by the monotheistic

character of the famous Näsäāsādīya hymn of the Rigveda,

which is the basis of later day Advaita philosophy.
 

 
Gradually the concept of an Abstract Principle, beyond

the ken of the body, mind and intellect, not imaginable,

not approachable, incomprehensible, "not this, not this,

not this", and perceivable only by the introspective process

of constant meditation became crystallised amidst the then.

polytheistic superstructure of Hindu religion. The difficulty

of meditating upon such an Abstract Principle has been

admirably solved in Hindu religion by this very poly-

theistic superstructure, the various Divinities being merely

various symbols or facets of this Abstract Principle and

endowed with human form and figure, but supernatural

powers, for convenience of the various devotees' medita-

tional practices.
 

 
Ganesha is one of the most popular of such symbols

facets and represents auspiciousness, prosperity and

well-being. He is the very embodiment of wisdom. He is

moved by the supplications of His devotees and removes

obstacles in their way. No work is undertaken without

praying to Him in the beginning and seeking His blessings.

Veda Vyaās, the writer of the Eighteen Puranas, was directed

by Brahma to pray to Ganesha in order to get inspiration.

for his monumental work and it is only when he did as

directed that he could get the necessary inspiration.
 
or
 

 
 
 
Ganesha himself advised householders to establish
earthen images of himself in the homes so that they should

earthen images of himself in the homes so that they should
always remember and pray to him¹0. Many Hindu families

bring home earthen images of Ganesha every year on the
 

 
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