ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्महे
वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि
तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat
Meaning: We meditate upon the One-tusked Lord (Ekadanta), we contemplate upon the curved trunk Lord (Vakratunda); may that Lord Ganapati inspire and enlighten us.
Benefit: Bestows wisdom, focus, and spiritual awakening.
“Vakratunda Mahakaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva
Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada.”
Meaning:
O Lord with a curved trunk and mighty body, whose splendor is equal to millions of suns, please remove all obstacles from my endeavors, always and forever.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Meaning:
Om – the primordial sound, invoking universal energy.
Gam – the bija (seed) mantra of Lord Ganapati, carrying His divine vibration.
Ganapataye – to the Lord of the Ganas, the remover of obstacles.
Namah – I bow with reverence.
This mantra is a prayer to Lord Ganapati to remove obstacles, bless new beginnings, and grant wisdom, prosperity, and success. Chanting it with devotion brings inner strength, peace, and clarity of mind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.
