UCCHISTA GANAPATI ASHTASTOTRAM LEARNING SERIES: VERSE 41

IMAGE CREDITS: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/646125877823880420/

UCCHISTA GANAPATI ASHTASTOTRAM LEARNING SERIES:

oṃ atharvaśīrṣakāraṇyamayūrāya namo namaḥ oṃ

ॐ अथर्वशीर्षकारण्यमयूराय नमो नमः ॐ

Salutations to the one who has the gait of a peacock wading through the forest of the atharvaśīrṣa Upanishad.The atharva veda is a treatise of mantras and śīrṣa translates to head. Further, the atharvaśīrṣa Upanishad elevates Lord gaṇeśa as Brahman ITSELF.The nāmā represents that Lord gaṇeśa is the fountain head of the atharvana veda, meaning Brahman.

Word-by-Word Meaning:

• Oṃ – The sacred sound symbolizing the Supreme Divine.
• Atharvaśīrṣa – The Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa, a Vedic Upaniṣadic text dedicated to Lord Gaṇapati, regarded as a powerful hymn that reveals His ultimate nature.
• Kāraṇyamayūrāya –
  • Kāraṇya – The cause or reason behind something, indicating the source of knowledge or truth.
  • Mayūra – Peacock, often symbolizing wisdom, beauty, and divine energy.
• Namo namaḥ – Repeated salutations, showing deep reverence.

Commentary:

This verse offers salutations to Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati, linking Him to the Atharvaśīrṣa Upaniṣad and the symbolism of the peacock. The verse suggests that Gaṇapati is both the essence and the reason behind the sacred Atharvaśīrṣa scripture, while also being associated with the grandeur and significance of the peacock.

1. The Significance of the Atharvaśīrṣa Upaniṣad

The Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa is a revered Upaniṣadic text that:

• Declares Gaṇapati as the Supreme Brahman (the ultimate reality).
• Identifies Him as the essence of the five elements (pañcamahābhūta), time, space, and the self.
• Emphasizes His role as the remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom.

By calling Gaṇapati the ‘cause’ of the Atharvaśīrṣa, this verse highlights:

• That He is the inspiration and origin of sacred knowledge.
• That reciting the Atharvaśīrṣa grants deep wisdom and spiritual progress.
• The Vedic authority of Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati, who is often linked with esoteric and tantric traditions.

This reinforces that worshiping Gaṇapati through Atharvaśīrṣa is an act of aligning with divine truth and wisdom.

2. The Symbolism of the Peacock (Mayūra)

The peacock (mayūra) is a significant symbol in Hindu philosophy, associated with:

• Beauty and Divine Splendor – Representing the majestic and radiant nature of the divine.
• Wisdom and Enlightenment – The peacock is linked to Sarasvatī (goddess of wisdom) and is a symbol of spiritual learning.
• Transcendence of Negativity – Just as a peacock transforms poison into beauty (since it is believed to eat venomous creatures), this represents the transformation of ignorance into wisdom.
• Power and Protection – The peacock is also the vahana (mount) of Kartikeya (Murugan), the war deity, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance and inner obstacles.

By linking Gaṇapati to the peacock, this verse conveys that He:

• Embodies divine wisdom, beauty, and transcendence.
• Is the source of spiritual elevation and enlightenment.
• Helps devotees overcome darkness, ignorance, and negativity.

This association with the peacock further enhances Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati’s tantric and esoteric aspects, as peacocks are also linked to mystical knowledge and kundalini energy.

3. Philosophical Interpretation – Gaṇapati as the Supreme Cause

• The Atharvaśīrṣa proclaims that Gaṇapati is both the cause (kāraṇa) and effect (kārya) of the universe.
• He is the ultimate knowledge (jñāna) that leads to liberation.
• Like the peacock that remains untouched by the dust of the earth, Gaṇapati represents the transcendental state beyond worldly distractions.

Thus, this verse glorifies Gaṇapati not just as a remover of obstacles but as the embodiment of divine wisdom, spiritual transformation, and cosmic knowledge.

4. Practical Application for Devotees

• Reciting the Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣa brings wisdom, clarity, and divine blessings.
• Meditating on the peacock as a symbol of beauty and wisdom can help transcend ignorance and negativity.
• Connecting with Gaṇapati through this verse can enhance spiritual insight and remove internal obstacles to learning and enlightenment.

Conclusion:

This verse beautifully connects Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati to the wisdom of the Atharvaśīrṣa and the transformative power of the peacock. It reinforces His role as the source of divine knowledge and spiritual illumination while also acknowledging His esoteric and tantric significance.