Chapter summary
गणेशलीला Gaṇeśa Līlā
The Divine Play of Ganesha
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
The revered sage Kumbhayoni [Agastya], having placed that sacred water from Bhagavān Hari's feet in his water pot beside him, then commenced his penance. It was then that the all-pervading Lord Vighneśvara, assuming the form of a crow, playfully toppled the water pot with his beak. Immediately, the auspicious water from Hari's feet flowed forth, and Agastya became greatly enraged at the crow (v.1-3).
With a clenched fist, Agastya ran to strike the crow. Frightened, the crow flew up and ascended to the peak of Triśīrṣa mountain. Agastya, still consumed by anger, pursued the crow and swiftly reached the same peak (v.4-5).
There, to his astonishment, he beheld Vighneśa, but the crow was nowhere to be seen. He saw the Lord with a single tusk, an elephant's face, ears like winnowing fans, and an ocean of compassion. This was Gaṇeśa, the son of Gaurī, with a large belly, seated upon a lotus pedestal, ever fond of *modakas*. Serene and celibate, he was dear to Viṣṇu, the bestower of boons, and worshipped by all the gods (v.6-7).
Having bowed to Vināyaka, Agastya then made a fist and, now devoid of anger, struck his own head in repentance. With his eyes brimming with tears, he prayed to Lord Vighneśa, Mahāgaṇapati, humbly seeking, "Forgive my offense" (v.8-9).
**Agastya said:**
"Salutations to the Lord of Gaṇas, the remover of all obstacles, who is always served by the gods and bestows all desired things. Salutations to you, the divine form of Brahman, the celibate one. Grant me intellect and knowledge that is free from all doubt (v.10-11).
My salutations to you, Viṣvaksena, the attendant of Viṣṇu. Salutations to you in the very form of Viṣṇu, the bestower of the eight forms of Lakṣmī. Salutations to you in the form of Rudra, the lord of all hosts of beings. For the destruction of all sins, O Lord, destroy my sin (v.12-13).
Salutations to you, whose face embodies the sacred form of Praṇava [Om], who is ever affectionate to devotees. Be pleased, O Supreme Lord, O delight of Pārvatī, O Master! Salutations to the one with a *modaka* in hand, who wears a serpent as a sacred thread. To the one dear to Nārāyaṇa, salutations again and again (v.14-15).
Salutations to the one of white complexion, who wears white garments. Salutations to you, the one with a beautiful face; salutations to you with a handsome form. Salutations to you, Gaṇapati; salutations to you, Brahmaṇaspati. You are the accomplisher of all perfections. Salutations, O one whose vehicle is the mouse (v.16-17).
O God, always create obstacles for the evil-doers in this world. O Vighneśa, remove obstacles for the virtuous in this world. At the roots of trees, on paths, in villages and in cities, on the banks of rivers—everywhere you are seated, O Vināyaka (v.18-19).
Worshipped by women and men, and even by children, you grant good intellect to all beings, O Gaṇanāyaka. You are always well-pleased when worshipped with Dūrvā grass shoots. By your very sight, you destroy the sins of all (v.20-21).
For the welfare of all the worlds, O Lord, make the daughter of Sahya [the river] flow abundantly. May the goddess Earth, adorned with crops, always be glorious" (v.22).
**Śrī Ganesha said:**
"I am well-pleased with your penance, O great sage born from a pot. Behold, O ascetic, this water from your water pot is now expanding! Rushing from peak to peak on the Sahya mountain, this river comes swiftly. Behold, O best of sages! By bathing in and drinking the water of this Sahya-born river with devotion, humans will instantly attain auspiciousness; there is no doubt" (v.23-25).
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
Hearing the words of Gaṇeśa, the revered Kumbhasambhava [Agastya] went quickly to the Sahya mountain to behold her. He saw the river flowing from the Sahya mountain, clear and sin-destroying; the goddess whose garment was waves, whose ornament was a circle of foam. She was adorned with the fragrance of lotuses, water lilies, and blue lotuses, with banks and sandbars strewn with corals and pearls. Frequented by swans and ducks, with fish and turtles playing within, she was always the giver of life to all beings. Adorned with banana, coconut, and areca nut trees, she was always filling the fields, bringing joy to farmers. Worshipped with devotion by Vedic Brahmins and ascetics dedicated to their morning bath between both banks, she was served daily by gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras (v.26-31).
Filled with wonder, the best of sages saw the daughter of the Sahya mountain, whose pleasant, melodious sound was delightful to the ears, and he praised her (v.32).
Thus the nineteenth chapter, named "The Divine Play of Ganesha," in the Fourth Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
