Tanno Dantih Prachodayat…

After an interlude, it is time to rejoice welcoming the Prime Deity, Lord Ganesha, The Lord Whom Bhagawan often refers to as The Lord Without an Over Lord. When the festivity, Ganesh Chaturthi, returns to Prasanthi Nilayam with great devotional fervour, let us bask in His glory propitiating Lord Ganesha’s benevolent blessings…a poem from Sri Jullie Chaudhuri.

Ganapati Bappa Morya,
Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa…
…Oh! Dearest Lord, our fervent plea kindly do hear,
Return swiftly, quickly, promptly the following year…
That is how devotees in vast multitudes,
Hail and bid Him a fond farewell,
As the ten day festivities conclude,
But now…let us shrug off and say farewell to the interlude…
Rejoice…let the heart beat in ecstatic exultation,
Temple bells peal in euphoric celebration,
Joy, joy, joy…what an abundant shower,
‘Pudhchya Varshi’ is here…
Heralding the arrival of the dearest of the dear,
…the year long wait is at last over…
…it’s time to commemorate the Presence,
Of the most lovable and endearing diety by far,
Of Lambhodara -
The most auspicious One – with a belly so enormous,
That it can absorb anything in the Universe -
The innumerable trials and tribulations,
All that is negative or poses a threat or is in any way harmful,
For those that call out to Him,
Steeped in admirable adoration and true devotion…

Om Namaste Ganapataye…
Hey Vakratunda,
You, with the curved trunk,
That does signify and embody the Pranava,
Hey Mahakaya…Hey Surya Koti Samaprabha,
Indeed Your form is truly gigantic,
Verily it does represent the Cosmos…
With the radiant brilliance of a zillion Suns,
Oh! Beloved Ganesha,
So do I beseech You with reverence and humility,
…Nirvignam Kurume Deva…Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada…
Kindly bestow Your benevolence to ceaselessly eliminate,
And forever sever…
All obstacles from my earnest endeavour…

Oh! Ekadantaya…Lord with the single tusk…
What can I accomplish without Your grace and guidance?
Help me to break free from the web of maya ever so dense,
Hey Vigneshwara, come purify my body, heart, mind and soul,
Lead me on towards my spiritual goal…
Confer the required wisdom and knowledge,
Oh! Granter of Siddhi and Buddhi,
Hear my plea…set me free…

Oh! Varada Murthaye…Oh! Benevolent Granter of Boons,
I salute You – who has a countenance ever so pleasant,
With You, one feels an instant and a constant bond,
You, who are so amiable, amicable and approachable,
You, who are the beloved valiant child of Shiva and Gauri,
You fit the picture of a Brother and Ally so perfectly,
Oh! My Sweet Friend Ganesha,
Hold my hand…guide me,
Tvameva Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmasi,
Tvam Sakshat Atmasi Nityam,
You are the all conquering Formless Supreme,
Indeed You are the embodiment of the Eternal Soul…
Help me to play my role,
With these lyrics I do You intently extol,
Sarvato Maam Pahi Pahi Samantat,
Protect me continually from any and every direction…
You,
Who uses the mouse as a vehicle,
Denoting a conquest of ignorance,
Only You,
Can alleviate me to transcend the dark abyss of material existence…
Oh! Beloved Lord…Oh! Gajanana, indeed You are the goal and the path…
Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dheemahi,
Tanno Danti Prachodayat…

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II