The Blessings of Shri Ganapati

 

The Blessings of Shri Ganapati

Lord Ganapati, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom, is the first to be invoked at the commencement of every auspicious act. His blessings are believed to flow into every sphere of life, guiding devotees towards peace, prosperity, and righteousness.

Blessings of Wisdom (Buddhi)

Ganapati is Buddhipriya, the beloved of wisdom. His elephant head symbolizes intelligence, foresight, and clarity of thought. By meditating upon Him, devotees receive the strength to distinguish right from wrong and the wisdom to make choices that uplift their lives.

Blessings of Prosperity (Sampatti)

Ganapati is also Siddhidata, the bestower of success. His blessings ensure not only material prosperity but also spiritual fulfillment. He teaches us that true wealth lies in contentment, harmony, and devotion, more than in possessions.

Blessings of Harmony (Shanti)

The calm face of Ganapati radiates serenity, reminding us that patience and tolerance remove conflicts. His presence in our homes blesses the family with unity, understanding, and peace of mind.

Blessings of Strength (Shakti)

His large ears remind us to listen with care, His trunk reflects adaptability and strength, and the small mouse at His feet inspires humility. Through His blessings, devotees learn to overcome obstacles with inner strength and determination.

A Universal Blessing

Ganapati does not belong to any one household, caste, or creed—He belongs to all. Children call Him Bappa, students worship Him for knowledge, businessmen for success, families for harmony, and seekers for spiritual liberation. His blessings are universal, showering grace on anyone who remembers Him with sincerity.

As we fold our hands and bow before Him, let us carry His blessings not only in ritual, but in our daily conduct—removing hurdles for others, spreading compassion, and walking the path of truth.

May Shri Ganapati bless us all with wisdom, prosperity, and peace.

Ganapati Bappa Morya!

Shri Ganapati – The Vighnaharta

 

Shri Ganapati – The Vighnaharta

Among all the deities of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Ganapati holds a very special place in the hearts of devotees. Known as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles) and Buddhi-Pradaayaka (the giver of wisdom), He is invoked at the beginning of every prayer, ceremony, and auspicious undertaking.

The origin of Ganapati is filled with divine symbolism. It is said that Maa Parvati created Him from the sacred turmeric paste of her own body, and breathed life into Him, blessing Him as her son. When He once stopped Lord Shiva at the entrance, not knowing who He was, a fierce battle followed that ultimately led to the beheading of the boy. Parvati’s sorrow shook the cosmos itself, and to console Her, Shiva placed the head of a young elephant upon the child, granting Him a new life. From that moment, Ganapati became the beloved Ganapati Bappa of the universe.

Every part of His form teaches us deep truths—His large elephant head symbolizes wisdom and patience, His big ears remind us to listen more, His small eyes denote concentration, and His trunk reflects adaptability and strength. The mouse at His feet signifies that even the smallest of creatures can achieve greatness when guided by wisdom and discipline.

Ganapati is not only the remover of obstacles but also the bestower of success, prosperity, and harmony. During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees welcome Him into their homes and hearts with immense devotion, chanting “Ganapati Bappa Morya”, seeking His blessings for peace, happiness, and fulfillment.

As we bow before Him, let us remember that true worship lies in embodying His virtues—humility, wisdom, compassion, and steadiness of mind. May Lord Ganapati bless us all, remove the hurdles from our paths, and guide us towards the light of knowledge and righteousness.

“Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha;
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva, Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada.”

Ganapati - the elephant-headed god

 Long ago, on the sacred mountain Kailash, Parvati Devi wished for a companion who would always stay by her side. From the turmeric paste she used for her bath, she gently shaped a boy and breathed life into him. This boy became her beloved son, Ganapati.

One day, when Lord Shiva returned home, Ganapati—unaware of who Shiva was—stood guard at his mother’s command and refused to let him enter. Shiva, surprised at this defiance, tried to explain, but the boy remained firm. Angered, Shiva’s attendants fought with the child, but Ganapati’s strength was unmatched. Finally, in the heat of the battle, Shiva severed his head.

When Parvati discovered this, her grief shook the heavens. To console her, Lord Vishnu advised that the first living being’s head, facing north, be brought to restore the boy’s life. Nandi and the divine beings found a young elephant, whose head was offered reverently. Shiva placed it upon the child, reviving him.

Thus was born Ganapati, the elephant-headed god—symbol of wisdom, remover of obstacles, and beloved of both gods and humans. Since then, devotees begin all their prayers and ventures by remembering him first, invoking his blessings for success and harmony.

Water logging in kolkata

Waterlogging in Kolkata

Kolkata, often described as the “City of Joy,” faces a recurring challenge during the monsoon season—waterlogging. Every year, even moderate to heavy rainfall leads to streets, residential areas, and marketplaces getting submerged, bringing the city to a standstill.

The causes of waterlogging in Kolkata are both natural and man-made. The city’s geography, being low-lying and situated along the banks of the Hooghly River, makes it prone to flooding. In addition, age-old drainage systems, clogged sewers, unplanned urban growth, and encroachments over natural canals (khals) worsen the problem. With increasing concretization and reduced green cover, rainwater finds little space to percolate into the ground, resulting in quick accumulation on the roads.

The impact of waterlogging is severe. It disrupts transportation, damages property, affects trade, and causes immense hardship for daily commuters. Waterlogging also poses serious health hazards, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and spreads waterborne diseases like dengue, malaria, and diarrhea.

Authorities like the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Irrigation & Waterways Department have taken steps such as modernizing pumping stations, desilting canals, and introducing high-capacity drainage pumps. However, these measures often fall short in the face of intense rainfall. Long-term solutions require scientific urban planning, restoration of natural water bodies, stricter regulation on construction, and community participation in maintaining drainage cleanliness.

Waterlogging in Kolkata is more than just a seasonal inconvenience—it is a serious urban challenge that calls for sustainable planning and coordinated action. With thoughtful strategies, improved infrastructure, and citizen awareness, the city can overcome this recurring problem and ensure smoother living conditions for its people.

Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

For the past ten years, Advocate Ashok Kumar Singh has upheld a beautiful tradition at the Alipore Criminal Court, Kolkata—the annual worship of Lord Ganapati during Ganesh Chaturthi.

What began as a personal act of devotion has grown into a collective celebration, drawing the participation of many esteemed members of the Bar, including Sri Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, Alokasish Bandyopadhyay, Mukulda, Rabindranath Das, Santu Majumdar, Sanjoy Das, Deobrat Singh, Digbijoy Nag, Tanima Biswas, Kanchan, Biplab, Pritam Das, Pritilata Sardar, Madhusudan Sardar, Shewtalina Majumdar, Samir Saha, Mangal Santra, Kuntal, Manabda, Tirthankar Roy, and several others.

The fragrance of incense, the chanting of aarti, and the offering of modaks in Advocate Singh’s chamber create an atmosphere of serenity amidst the pressures of court life. For all who participate, Lord Ganapati becomes not only the remover of obstacles but also the guiding spirit of wisdom, patience, and unity in their professional journey.

This tradition now stands as a cherished reminder that law and devotion can walk hand in hand, and that in the pursuit of justice, the blessings of Lord Ganapati inspire strength, humility, and clarity of thought.

Ganapati Bappa Morya!

Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

For the past ten years, Advocate Ashok Kumar Singh has upheld a beautiful tradition at the Alipore Criminal Court, Kolkata—the annual worship of Lord Ganapati during Ganesh Chaturthi.

What began as a personal act of devotion has grown into a collective celebration, drawing the participation of many esteemed members of the Bar, including Sri Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, Alokasish Bandyopadhyay, Mukulda, Rabindranath Das, Santu Majumdar, Sanjoy Das, Deobrat Singh, Digbijoy Nag, Tanima Biswas, Kanchan, Biplab, Pritam Das, Pritilata Sardar, Madhusudan Sardar, Shewtalina Majumdar, Samir Saha, Mangal Santra, Kuntal, Manabda, Tirthankar Roy, and several others.

The fragrance of incense, the chanting of aarti, and the offering of modaks in Advocate Singh’s chamber create an atmosphere of serenity amidst the pressures of court life. For all who participate, Lord Ganapati becomes not only the remover of obstacles but also the guiding spirit of wisdom, patience, and unity in their professional journey.

This tradition now stands as a cherished reminder that law and devotion can walk hand in hand, and that in the pursuit of justice, the blessings of Lord Ganapati inspire strength, humility, and clarity of thought.

Ganapati Bappa Morya!

A Decade of Devotion: Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

A Decade of Devotion: Ganapati Worship at Alipore Criminal Court

In the corridors of law where arguments rise, judgments are pronounced, and justice is sought, there also beats a heart of devotion. For the last ten years, Advocate Ashok Kumar Singh has brought to the Alipore Criminal Court, Kolkata, a tradition that blends the spirit of faith with the solemn pursuit of justice—the annual worship of Lord Ganapati during Ganesh Chaturthi.

What began a decade ago as a personal vow of faith has, with time, become a collective celebration for the legal fraternity. Every year, a simple clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in Advocate Singh’s chamber. The fragrance of incense, the glow of lamps, the resonant chants of aarti, and the offering of modaks transform the space into a sanctum of serenity, drawing advocates, clerks, and well-wishers together in shared reverence.

The tradition has grown beyond one chamber—it has touched the entire court. Distinguished colleagues and fellow advocates have stood shoulder to shoulder in this worship: Sri Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, Alokasish Bandyopadhyay, Mukulda, Rabindranath Das, Santu Majumdar, Sanjoy Das, Deobrat Singh, Digbijoy Nag, Tanima Biswas, Kanchan, Biplab, Pritam Das, Pritilata Sardar, Madhusudan Sardar, Shewtalina Majumdar, Samir Saha, Mangal Santra, Kuntal, Manabda, Tirthankar Roy, and many others. Their presence has given the celebration a collective character—a reminder that in devotion, there are no hierarchies, only unity.

Lord Ganapati, the remover of obstacles, is remembered at the beginning of every undertaking. For the advocates who gather here, He is invoked not only as a deity of prosperity but as a guiding light—bestowing clarity of thought, patience in adversity, and wisdom in judgment. In His broken tusk lies the lesson of sacrifice; in His large ears, the message to listen deeply; in His calm eyes, the focus needed to pursue truth.

This annual worship has become more than a ritual. It is a symbol of harmony within the legal community, a moment of peace amidst the demanding cadence of trials and hearings. It reminds us that the practice of law, though rigorous, is not divorced from the values of humility, spirituality, and fellowship.

As the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi at Alipore Court enter their second decade, they stand as a shining testimony to the vision of Advocate Ashok Kumar Singh—a vision where justice and faith walk together, and where the wisdom of Lord Ganapati continues to inspire all who step into the court in search of truth.

“Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!”

May His blessings always guide the hands that argue for justice, the minds that reason with law, and the hearts that believe in truth.