2 Ganesha Green background
Those who have performed pious activities over many lifetimes are qualified to hear it. Those defiant souls, atheists and demons have no desire to hear it. Since Ganesha is eternal, without material qualities and has no beginning, no one seeks to describe his real appearance. However, those who are devoted and worship him can explain his appearance, which is fully transcendental. The blessed Lord Ganesha has the form of OM and he is situated as the first syllable of the Vedas. The great sages and demigods, led by Indra, always remember him in their hearts. Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and Indra continually worship him as the cause of creation and cause of all causes. At Ganesha’s command, Lord Brahma creates the universe. At Ganesha’s command, Lord Vishnu maintains the universe. At Ganesha’s command, Lord Shiva destroys the universe. At Ganesha’s command, the Sun, as the lord of daylight, moves throughout the universe. At Ganesha’s command, Vayu directs the wind. At Ganesha’s command, Varuna causes the waters to flow in all directions.
GANESHA’S SIGNIFICANCE
At Ganesha’s command, the stars shine in the sky. At Ganesha’s command, Agni’s fire burns in the three worlds. O Brahmins, his pastimes are hidden and not just told to anyone, so, as I reveal them to you, please listen carefully. Brahma narrated these to the immeasurably splendid Vyasadeva. Vyasa narrated it to Bhrgu Muni, and Bhrgu, to the great King Somakanta. Immeasurable benefits belong to those who visit sacred places, give gifts in charity, perform austerities, make sacrifices and take vows, but for those who hear the Ganesha Purana, wisdom blossoms, and worldly life becomes insignificant in their minds. They then become attracted to the pastimes of Ganesha, Lord of the Peacocks.
Please hear about Ganesha’s greatness by listening to this Purana’s tale of King Somakanta. In Devanagara, in the province of Surastra, there was a king named Somakanta. He was well versed in the Vedas and understood the meaning of the Sastras. Twenty elephants, two thousand horses and six thousand chariots followed him when he marched out from his kingdom. He also had countless foot soldiers, some of whom carried weapons made of fire and others who carried bows with quivers of arrows.
He surpassed Brhaspati in intelligence, Kubera in wealth, the Earth in patience and the ocean in depth. The King also surpassed the brightness of the sun, the splendor of the moon, and Kamadeva, the god of love, in handsomeness. His five ministers were powerful, resolute, and were expert politicians. In this way they defeated their enemies. The first minister was called Rupavat and another was Vidyadosa. There was also Keshemaukara, Jnanagamya and the fifth was called Subala. Due to their great prowess, they conquered various countries. They were very handsome when dressed up in fine, attractive clothes and ornaments. Always engaged in service to the King, they were all very dear to him. The King had a wife named Sudharma who was endowed with all good qualities. The other wives of the king were named Rati, Rambha and Tilottama. These queens, due to jealousy toward Sudharma, were very unhappy.
On Sudharma’s ears were splendid golden earrings studded with many precious gems. On her neck she wore a golden necklace covered with pearls. On her hips she wore a girdle made of various jewels. She wore matching anklets on her feet along with rings on her fingers and toes. She possessed valuable clothes by the thousands, and of many colours. She was devoted to and revered her illustrious King. She was very generous and hospitable to her guests. Sudharma served her husband day and night, always obeying his command. The queen gave birth to an excellent son called Hemakanta who had the strength of a myriad of elephants. He was wise, courageous, and instilled fear in his enemies. Excellent Brahmins, Somakanta was the best of kings. After he had conquered the entire earth, he established his kingdom based on dharmic law, sacrifice and generosity”. Thus, ends the first chapter of Upasana Khanda of the glorious Ganesha Purana called “King Somakanta”. Chapter 2 Somakanta’s Renunciation Suta Gosvami said, “Sages, now you must all hear about Somakanta’s past life. As a consequence of his accumulated bad karma, he suddenly began to ooze with leprosy, which was very painful. Whether it is good or bad, karma always accompanies living beings. Whatever actions a person performs become their experiences in future lives. As if he was a rudderless boat in the ocean, the King became immersed in an ocean of sorrow. He felt so much pain as if bitten by a snake. The distraught King was completely covered with sores dripping with purulent blood and worms. He became very thin and deranged with anxiety.
