Ishti (Yagam) Anushtanam

Lord Ganapathi is the primordial deity for Gaanapatyam. He is worshipped throughout India and by Jains & Buddhists too. He is present in all the temples and there are innumerable temples for worship of Ganapathi. He is the first to be worshipped before we do any puja. We even invoke Ganapathi in turmeric or even cow dung or clay idols on Vinayaka Chaturthi and worship him with Arugampil (Dhruva). Bhakti is more in Bhavana than in form.

His ears, head and trunk are in the form of “Om” kara with the chandrabindu on his forehead. His body represents the entire creation, which is manifestation of togetherness of Shiva & Shakti. The snake worn as a belt by Him, represents the Shakti, the power to hold the universe in an orderly manner. In his upper hands, he holds Angusam & Pasam, the former being a stick used to guide the elephant and the latter a rope used to tie it up. This is to mean that he shall guide the willing devotees and holds the ill-willed in troubles.