Sri Ganesha Chaturthi was observed at all Sivanandashrams and at some Branches and Prayer Groups of the Society on Monday, 14 September 2026. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading and the sacred Sri Ganesha Arati.
Sri Swami Sivananda explains in Hindu Fasts and Festivals, that Lord Ganesha, revered as “Brahman Himself” and the Supreme Lord, is worshipped as the source of bliss, wisdom, virtue and success. Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, celebrated on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August–September), commemorates His birth and is observed by Hindus throughout India and across the world.
The elephant-headed Lord is invoked first before every auspicious undertaking, prayer, study and ceremony. As “the Lord of power and wisdom” and the son of Lord Siva and Goddess Gauri, He represents divine knowledge, strength and righteous action. The story of His birth and restoration with an elephant’s head illustrates His exalted status and explains why Lord Siva ordained that He be worshipped “at the beginning of all undertakings”.
Sri Swami Sivananda further explains that the symbolism of Sri Ganesha’s form conveys profound spiritual truths. He represents the Pranava, or sacred Om. His two feet signify the powers of knowledge and action, while His elephant head symbolises wisdom. His vehicle, the tiny mouse, represents the conquest of egoism and the mastery of the restless mind. Thus, Sri Ganesha stands as the embodiment of wisdom, divine authority and auspiciousness. His Grace removes obstacles and guides the seeker towards righteous action, prosperity and ultimately liberation.
The Story of the Syamantaka Jewel, alluded to in the introduction of the evening’s programme, offers a profound spiritual lesson on greed, suspicion and attachment. Gifted by the Sun-God, Surya to Satrajit, the jewel was said to produce “eight measures of gold daily”, yet became a source of conflict and suffering. Falsely accused of taking it, Lord Krishna sought the truth through action, leading Him to Jambavan, whom He fought for 28 days. Recognising Sri Krishna as the Lord he had served as Sri Rama, Jambavan surrendered. Lord Krishna ultimately returned the jewel, demonstrating freedom from greed. The story reminds seekers that truth, righteousness, devotion and detachment are life’s true treasures.
The Ganesha Arati is a sacred invocation to Lord Ganesha, the Divine Remover of Obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom, knowledge and auspiciousness. Devotees are reminded that the true purpose of worship is to illuminate the inner being and dispel the darkness of ignorance, doubt and fear. With faith and devotion, the chanting turns the mind towards the Divine and creates an atmosphere of peace, joy and surrender. Lord Ganesha is invoked not merely for worldly success, but for the wisdom to use life’s opportunities wisely and the discrimination to overcome its challenges.
As the sacred observance of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi draws to a close, devotees are reminded that the greatest obstacles are often those within—the darkness of ignorance, weakness of resolve and distractions that draw the mind away from the Divine. Sri Swami Sivananda’s message therefore remains a living call to spiritual awakening: pray with faith, renew your spiritual resolves and seek the grace of Lord Ganesha to walk the path with courage and discrimination.
May Sri Ganesha remove every impediment to our spiritual progress, illumine our hearts with wisdom and strengthen us to serve God and humanity. May His Grace lead us beyond worldly achievement to inner peace, spiritual fulfilment and the ultimate goal of human life - spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
