Ganesh Chaturthi 2008

“In Hinduism, Ganesha possesses an elephant head and human body and is the God of intelligence and remover of obstacles. Some say that Ganesha has an elephant head because an elephant can use sheer force to plow through any obstacle; however, what force could be used for by an animal translates into intelligence for a human being. Lord Ganesha’s two characteristics, intelligence and remover of obstacles, are connected: with keen intelligence comes the power to become aware of obstacles and how to best surmount them, and Lord Ganesha represents intelligence to the highest and most absolute degree. Thus, every time you invoke Ganesha, you tap into divine intelligence which naturally helps you find solutions to your problems.”

—Swami Sai Premananda

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced deity of intelligence and success over obstacles who is worshiped by devotees of all paths. The beloved, first son of Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva, Ganesha represents the higher intelligence in the aspirant which can successfully clear any obstacle in the inner and outer world. By invoking Lord Ganesha at the beginning of any new endeavour or worship and celebrating his divine significance on Ganesh Chaturthi, we ensure the smooth and successful completion of all our strivings.

Program Includes:

• Opening Invocation
• Ganesha Abhishekam
• Chanting of the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra
• Bhajans

Ganesha Gayatri Mantra

Om Eka Dantaya Vidmahe
Vakra Tundaya Dheemahi
Thanoh Dhanti Prachodayat

“Realizing the elephant-faced one with one tusk is God. Meditate on the one who has a curved trunk. May he enlighten our intellect.”