The Inner Significance of Ganesha Worship

Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on August 22, 2001. What is the inner significance of Ganesha worship? Here is what Swami says:

How does it happen that Vinayaka (Another name for Ganesha) has the head of an elephant and has a mouse as his vehicle? The mouse is called Mushika in Sanskrit. It is a sign of night, which signifies darkness. The mouse is a symbol of darkness. Because Vinayaka has control over darkness, He is described as the rider on a Mushika. He is the one who dispels darkness and sheds light on the world.

The Mushika is also a symbol of the sense of smell. The mouse moves about following the direction of the vasana (desire). Vinayaka is the one who has mastery over vasanas, that is, desires and ignorance (represented by Mushika).

What is meant by describing the Mushika as the vehicle of Vinayaka? It means that Vinayaka rides on the Mushika, representing vasanas and ignorance. Vinayaka is one who drives away all sorrows, difficulties and miseries. He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacles to get in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He is the master of all these powers—buddhi and siddhi (the intellect and self-realization). What is this fulfillment? When there is purity of mind you achieve peace, which is siddhi. Vinayaka is thus the Lord of buddhi and siddhi. Hence, every human being should acquire control over the mind.

Consider Vinayaka as the indweller in your heart. He is constantly warning you against what is bad. You ignore the warning and get into trouble. How much will you benefit if you “follow the Master” within you. Your conscience is the Master. Above all, heed the dictates of the Divine. That would be your best safeguard.

Source: “The Significance of Vinayaka Worship,”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XXVIII

There is special significance in placing Vigneswara (another name for Ganesha) in the forefront before embarking on any undertaking. In a forest, when an elephant moves through the jungle, it clears the way for others to follow. Likewise, by invoking Ganesha, the path is cleared for our undertakings. The elephant’s foot is so large that when it moves it can stamp out the footprints of any other animal. Here, again, the symbolic meaning is that all obstacles in the way will be removed when Ganesha is accorded the place of honor. The journey of life is made smoother and happier by the grace of Ganesha.

Vigneswara is described as one wearing a white cloth. His body is ash-gray. He is depicted as having four arms and a cheerful countenance. The white cloth signifies purity of mind and heart. By worshipping Him, you must endeavor to achieve similar purity. Vinayaka always appears serene and calm. By His grace, the devotee must seek to achieve similar equanimity, whatever the ups and downs in life.

Source: “The Ganesha Principle,”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XXII