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It may be due to his intimacy with the Shakti that Lord Ganesha has been
very much part of Tantra in its various grades – from the superstitious god-
fearing approach to the reliance on divine help for yogic sadhana by invoking
higher forces and superior entities.
And in fact, very much like the Shakti, the aspects and powers and faculties
of Lord Ganesha make it mandatory that there be many different
representations with various postures and numerous instruments or objects
Lord Ganesh alternately holds in his two, four, six, eight and even more
arms, depending on the need and on the kind of help one seeks, with the
corresponding rituals.
Some of his representations are of course more widely popular and they are
mostly of his benign, gentle, cheering and protective spirit, with a little
emphasis on his taste for good things; but one finds him also very often in
his majestic form set in refined opulence, a wise king giving audience, a
uniquely beautifully proportioned figure attired and adorned with wonderful
garments and jewels.
Through the many past centuries he has also travelled the world, spreading
his familiar benevolence into Asia mainly but in Tibet as well and, more
recently, across continents as a mascot and talisman and comforting
universal presence.
For his countenance and character make him accepted beyond any religious
conformity, free of doctrine and dogma, near to the human heart.
Children of course are most fond of him, with his figure marrying the three
reigns, animal, human and divine in one wholesome physicality.
In this way, like Hanuman and Garuda, he unites in his very self the
seekings of all creation but, while the other two represent the deepest love
for the divine presence and for the incarnation and accomplishment of true
dharma, Lord Ganesh may himself be approached as the very One, as the
Supreme Brahma.
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In his combined capacities as remover of obstacles, bringer of prosperity and
protector, Lord Ganesha will be sought by all, in all social classes and walks
of life; from the very poor to the very rich, everyone will wish to secure Lord
Ganesh’s blessings, whether to help attain a minimal level of well-being or to
guard one’s established welfare, or to guarantee some degree of success
and harmony in one’s ventures or commitments.
And since he has been designated by the entire council of the gods as the
first to be propitiated and as their common representative, he will be