Sri Ganesha Purana - Simplified. Part 2 Kreeda Khanda - Maha Rishi Vyasa;Ishwar Joshi Awalgaonkar

Ganesha is arguably the most popular Hindu God in Bharat (India) and also arguably the most recognizable Hindu Deity for Non-Hindus around the world. Yet, this second part of the Ganesha Purana further opens our eyes and expands our mind to see a whole new Roopa (form) of Ganesha. One could say it lets us get a more complete picture of His Grandeur, Majesty, Strength, Power and Tenderness towards his Bhaktas (devotees). And despite the vastness of all those Qualities that we experience as we read, one cannot help feel that its but a drop in the Infinity that is the true nature of Ganesha!

Over the years, Ganesha's tales have been over-simplified to a few about how He broke his Tusk, Cursed the Moon, Loves to eat Modaks and Rides a Rat. The Ganesha Purana is an astounding collection of tales that incalculably expands the horizon of the adventures of Ganesha. It shows us how Common people, Kings, Queens, Rishis (wise teachers), Devas (gods), Asuras & Daityas (demons) and even the Supergods of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva are blessed by Ganesha.

Every year, during the 10 day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi - neighborhood communities celebrate the glories of Ganesha in a communal forum. Giant Moorthi (statue) of Ganesha is established in a festive tent, Kids and Families perform cultural events in front of Ganesha, Adults and Grandparents join the Puja and Prayer ceremonies. Many families also establish a personal Ganesha Moorthi in their respective homes and do Puja, Vrata & Aarti every day during this time. On the last day of Ananta Chaturdashi, a huge crowd of people get into a giant procession party to take all these Ganesha Moorthi's for a Visarjan (dipping) in the Sea or River. They chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!" (Dearest Ganesha, Glory to You! Please come back soon next Year!). Such is the love for Ganesha by his Bhaktaas (Devotees). The origins of all of this is in the Ganesha Purana where Ganesha, in the form of Vinayaka, advises his Bhaktaas to remember him every year in this way.

I hope you join me in drinking deep from the second part of the Ganesha Purana with an open mind & heart. Together may we gain Spiritual fulfillment by the grace of Ganesha. Om Ganeshaya Namaha.