Informative

Secret Avatars of Lord Ganesha Series Part 7: Vighnaraj Avatar

Welcome, dear readers, to our exciting new blog series – “Secret Avatars of Lord Ganesha“! Get ready to embark on a spiritual journey like no other as we unravel the lesser-known manifestations of our beloved Bappa, Lord Ganesha.

In this captivating series, we will delve into the depths of ancient scriptures and sacred texts to uncover the hidden stories behind Lord Ganesha’s enigmatic avatars. These lesser-explored incarnations of the benevolent Lord hold profound meanings and lessons that have the power to touch our souls and enrich our lives.

In this seventh blog of the series, we’ll explore the fascinating “Vighnaraj Avatar,” an enchanting manifestation of Lord Ganesha. As we unravel the spiritual dimensions of this tale, we will uncover its profound significance and the valuable wisdom it imparts. Let’s embark on this voyage together! Ganpati Bappa Morya…

विघ्नराजावतारश्च शेषवाहन उच्यते ।ममतासुरहन्ता स विष्णुब्रह्मेति वाचकः ॥

 Vighnaraaja Avataarashch Sheshavaahan Uchyate । Mamataasura Hanta Sa Vishnubrahmeti Vaachakah॥

The incarnation of Lord Ganapati named ‘Vighnaraj’ (the one who restricts the impediments) is also called Sheshvahana (who rides the celestial serpent Shesha). He is the destroyer of Mamtasur and even the ultimate divinities, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu meditate on His Name.

As depicted in the above mantra, the story of Lord Ganesha’s incarnation is truly fascinating, and it all begins with an intriguing incident. Let’s take a deep dive into this ancient tale, as told in the ancient text of Ganesh Puran. It’s a journey into the mystical world of Sanatana Dharma, where gods and cosmic forces come to life, weaving a captivating narrative that will transport you to a realm where the divine and the mortal collide.

Birth of Mamtasur

In ancient times, Maa Parvati conversed with Her friends atop the sacred gardens of Kailash. Amid laughter, an enchanting man emerged from Her joyful mirth. This man, born of her laughter, stood before Her like a mountain, radiating charm. Mother Parvati, taken aback, beheld the unexpected sight.

With hands folded, the man entreated, “Mother, I am your creation born of your humor and affection. I am bound to your commands.” Maa Parvati replied, “Dear child, I birthed you in a moment of playful anger towards my beloved husband, Lord Shiv. Hence, in reverence to that, I shall name you ‘Mum’ or ‘Mamtasur’ – (Mamta means symbols of affection, Asur means a demon).”

Mamtasur journeyed to the forest for penance, encountering Shambarasura en route. Impressed by Mamtasur’s innate power, Shambarasura accepted him as a disciple. Swiftly, Mamtasur mastered the dark arts, transforming into a powerful symbol of over-affection. Now a pupil of evil, he aimed to conquer the three realms.

Shambarasura commanded Mamtasur to invoke Lord Ganesha through penance yet cautioned never to challenge the Lord in battle. For a millennium, Mamtasur devoutly worshiped Lord Ganesha. Upon earning the deity’s favor, he petitioned for boundless power, rulership over realms.

Mamtasura’s reign

Mamtasur went to Shambarasura and married his daughter Mohini (enchantment). He had two sons, Dharma (righteousness)and Adharma (unrighteousness). Mamtasur made Nirmampuri (Nirmam means ruthlessness) his capital and started living there in a very luxurious grand house. After that, that demon gathered a huge army and raided all the three worlds. He first attacked the kings of the earth and conquered them one by one. Thus it did not take him much time to conquer all the land.

Now he marched on Patal Lok and soon took over the kingdom there. Although the heavens, the abode of the gods, were more organized and mighty, they could not stand in front of Mamtasur, who was stronger due to the boons he had received. In the end, his rule was established even in heaven. In his kingdom, there was an extinction of righteousness and an increase of unrighteousness. Due to this, fear spread in all three worlds.

Emergence of Shri Vighnaraj

Troubled by Mamtasur’s tyranny, the gods grew despondent and sought a solution. Lord Vishnu spoke, “To restore righteousness, we must invoke Lord Vighnaraj. Only He can vanquish this demon.”

Embracing this wisdom, the deities embarked on penance for Lord Ganesha in His Vighnaraj form. On the auspicious Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of Hindu month Bhadrapada), as the sun stood high, Lord Vighnaraj materialized before them. The deities rejoiced, extolling His greatness and recounting their plight. They beseeched His safeguard. Promptly, Lord Vighnaraj strode to the battlefield, summoning Mamtasur to confront him immediately.

The war

The war started by the order of the Lord. Mamtasur appeared on the battlefield with his two sons and his world’s winning army. Lord Vighnaraj stunned each and every weapon on that battlefield. As soon as the Lord raised His arms, all the armies fell on the ground. Then the Lord left His divine lotus amid the demonic army. All the demons fainted from the smell of that lotus. When Mamtasur regained consciousness, he trembled on seeing the lotus and started praising Lord Vighnaraj.

Lord ordered Mamtasur –Oh great one! You should let the gods enjoy their heavenly abodes. Sages and sages must have the freedom to practice Dharma. You also give up unrighteous deeds and keep yourself checked at all times.

Where I am not worshiped, I stay there (in the form of unhealthy attachment and over-affection). Fascinate those people and establish your kingdom in their hearts. Enchant the people who refuse my grace like your wife, Mohini. Whoever lives under her will be pushed towards your son Adharma (Unrighteousness).

As you have been born from the Divine Mother Parvati, you will always be present in the universe, but when it comes to my devotees, keep yourself checked in, never to show your effect on them. Mamtasur accepted His orders and then went away after saluting and circumambulating Lord Vighnaraja’s feet, and peace once again prevailed in the universe.

Just as Lord Vighnaraj subdued the forces of unrighteousness and brought back harmony, may His grace illuminate our paths and protect us from the allure of darkness.

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