oṃ surāpagāsitāmbhojasaṃsthitāya namo namaḥ oṃ
ॐ सुरापगासिताम्भोजसंस्थिताय नमो नमः ॐ
Salutation to the One who stands on a white lotus in the river of the gods.
Commentary:
This verse from the Ucchista Ganapati Stotram is rich in symbolic meaning and devotional reverence, invoking the divine presence of Lord Ganesha in a specific, exalted form.
oṃ (ॐ): The verse begins with the sacred syllable “oṃ,” which is considered the primordial sound and the essence of the universe. It represents the ultimate reality, the source of all creation, and is a common invocation in Hindu prayers, signaling the start of a sacred recitation.
surāpagā (सुरापगा): The term “surāpagā” refers to a river of the gods. In Hindu mythology, celestial rivers are often depicted as pure and divine, flowing from the heavens. One of the most revered celestial rivers is the Ganga (Ganges), believed to originate from the feet of Lord Vishnu and descend to earth, sanctifying all it touches.
sitāmbhoja (सिताम्भोज): “Sitāmbhoja” translates to “white lotus.” The lotus flower is a powerful symbol in Hinduism, representing purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. Despite growing in muddy waters, the lotus remains unstained and rises above, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and purity of heart and mind.
saṃsthitāya (संस्थिताय): This means “standing” or “residing.” It conveys the idea of being established or present in a particular place. In this context, it refers to Lord Ganesha being seated or standing on the white lotus.
namo namaḥ (नमो नमः): This phrase means “salutations” or “I bow repeatedly.” It is an expression of deep reverence and devotion, acknowledging the divinity and supreme presence of Lord Ganesha.
Interpretation: The verse as a whole is a salutation to Lord Ganesha, visualized as standing or seated on a white lotus in a celestial river. This imagery combines several layers of symbolism:
- Divine Presence: The celestial river symbolizes the divine realm, suggesting that Lord Ganesha’s presence is both pure and otherworldly.
- Purity and Enlightenment: The white lotus represents purity and spiritual enlightenment. By standing on this lotus, Lord Ganesha embodies these qualities, reminding devotees of the importance of purity and wisdom in their spiritual journey.
- Supreme Reverence: The repeated salutation “namo namaḥ” underscores the devotee’s humility and deep respect for the divine form of Ganesha.
Devotional Context: In the Ucchista Ganapati Stotram, Lord Ganesha is invoked in a unique form, Ucchista Ganapati, associated with specific powers and attributes. This verse highlights the sanctity and exalted status of this form of Ganesha, encouraging devotees to connect with his divine qualities through their prayers and meditations.
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