UCCHISTA GANAPATI ASHTASTOTRAM LEARNING SERIES: Verse 13

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UCCHISTA GANAPATI ASHTASTOTRAM LEARNING SERIES:

oṃ jagatsṛṣṭitirodhānakāraṇāya namo namaḥ oṃ

ॐ जगत्सृष्टितिरोधानकारणाय नमो नमः ॐ

Salutations to the one, who’s the very cause of the universe and also for the reabsorption of the same. Brahman creates, sustains, destroys, dissolves and recreates everything including the universe and all beings. This reference is to these qualities of Brahman and to perceive Lord gaṇeśa as Brahman HIMSELF.

Commentary:

This verse from the Ucchista Ganapati Stotram pays homage to Lord Ganesha as the ultimate cause of the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe. It recognizes Ganesha’s identity with Brahman, the supreme cosmic principle in Hindu philosophy.

oṃ (ॐ): The sacred syllable “oṃ” begins the verse, representing the primordial sound and the essence of the ultimate reality. It serves as an invocation, sanctifying the prayer.

jagat (जगत्): “Jagat” means the universe or the cosmos. It encompasses all of creation, including all beings and matter.

sṛṣṭi (सृष्टि): “Sṛṣṭi” refers to creation. In Hindu cosmology, creation is seen as a divine process where the universe and all life forms come into existence.

tirodhāna (तिरोधान): “Tirodhāna” means concealment, dissolution, or reabsorption. It signifies the process through which the created universe is eventually dissolved or absorbed back into the primordial source.

kāraṇa (कारण): “Kāraṇa” means cause or reason. It denotes the underlying principle or force responsible for the processes of creation and dissolution.

namo namaḥ (नमो नमः): This phrase expresses deep reverence and devotion, meaning “salutations” or “I bow repeatedly.”

Interpretation: The verse as a whole pays homage to Lord Ganesha as the ultimate cause of the universe’s creation and reabsorption. This imagery carries profound symbolic meaning:

1. Supreme Causality: By recognizing Ganesha as the cause of both creation (sṛṣṭi) and dissolution (tirodhāna), the verse acknowledges his role as the ultimate source and governing force of all existence. It emphasizes his omnipotence and omnipresence.
2. Cyclical Nature of Existence: The processes of creation and dissolution reflect the cyclical nature of the universe, a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy. Ganesha, as the embodiment of this cycle, signifies the perpetual renewal and transformation inherent in the cosmos.
3. Identification with Brahman: The verse encourages devotees to perceive Lord Ganesha as Brahman, the supreme, unchanging reality. Brahman is described in the scriptures as the ultimate cause of creation, preservation, and destruction. By equating Ganesha with Brahman, the verse highlights his transcendental nature and infinite power.

Brahman’s Role in Creation and Dissolution: In Hindu philosophy, Brahman is the ultimate reality, from which everything emanates and into which everything eventually returns. Brahman is often described in terms of its creative (Brahma), sustaining (Vishnu), and dissolving (Shiva) aspects. This verse encapsulates these functions, attributing them to Lord Ganesha:

• Creation (Brahma): Ganesha as the initiator of creation, bringing forth the universe from the primordial state.
• Sustenance (Vishnu): While not explicitly mentioned, sustenance is implied as part of the cycle, where Ganesha maintains the balance and order of the cosmos.
• Dissolution (Shiva): Ganesha as the force of dissolution, absorbing the universe back into the primordial essence.

Devotional Context: In the Ucchista Ganapati Stotram, various forms and attributes of Ganesha are invoked, each highlighting different aspects of his divine nature. This particular verse encourages devotees to recognize Ganesha’s supreme role in the cosmic order, deepening their reverence and understanding of his divine powers.

Spiritual Significance: By meditating on this verse, devotees can connect with the profound truth of Ganesha’s omnipresence and omnipotence. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the physical world and the eternal nature of the divine. It inspires devotees to seek spiritual growth and enlightenment by aligning themselves with the cosmic principles embodied by Lord Ganesha.

This expanded commentary aims to provide a deeper understanding of the verse, emphasizing its symbolic significance and the profound devotion it inspires in the worship of Lord Ganesha. By contemplating this imagery, devotees can appreciate Ganesha’s role as the ultimate cause and sustainer of the universe, reinforcing their faith in his divine power and presence.