Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.14

v1.c9.14

“ The Elephant-headed then thus spoke to thee, O Dēvī:—‘ Command, O lovely goddess! What I shall do.’ Thou didst reply,—‘ Oppose obstacles to men’s visiting Sōmanātha, and entice them to give up such a purpose by allurement of wives, children, possessions, and wealth. But from those who propitiate thee by the following hymn, do thou remove all difficulties, and enable them to obtain the favour of Śiva by worshipping at his shrine of Sōmanātha :—Om, I praise thee, O lord of difficulties! The beloved spouse of Siddhi and Buddhi, Gaṇapati, invincible, and the giver of victory, the opposer of obstacles to the success of men who do not worship thee, I praise thee O Gaṇēśa! The dreadful son of Umā, but firm and easily propitiated! O Vināyaka, I praise thee! O elephant-faced, who didst formerly protect the gods and accomplish their wishes, I praise thee! Thus, continued Pārvatī, ‘shalt thou be praised and worshipped on the fourth of each half month; and whoever previously invokes the god Vināyaka, no difficulties shall impede the attainment of his proposed object, and a most beneficial result shall he derive from sacrifices, pilgrimages, and all other devotional acts.’ ”*