Today is the sacred festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ga symbolises intellect (buddhi), Na stands for wisdom (vijnana). So Ganapati is the master of buddhi and vijnana. He will bless you with good intellect and confer wisdom. Vinayaka is also called ‘Vighneshwara’ (remover of obstacles). No obstacle can come in the way of one who prays to Vinayaka. Worship of Vinayaka confers success in spiritual as well as worldly endeavours. Ganapati is also called ‘Mooshika Vahana’ (the one who has a mouse as His vehicle). You may wonder how a small mouse can carry on its back a hefty personality like Vinayaka. Here mooshika does not mean a mere mouse. It symbolises the darkness of ignorance because it is in darkness that the mouse moves about. Hence the name ‘Mooshika Vahana’ refers to the one who subdues ignorance and dispels darkness. Invest time to understand the inner significance of the Ganapati principle and worship Vinayaka on this auspicious day and receive His blessings.

- Divine Discourse, Sep 10, 2002.