Post by Amritha Varshini on Aug 13, 2013 19:12:53 GMT 5.5
DHUNDHI GANAPATHI - Article by Sri P.R. Kannan (prkannanvashi@yahoo.com)
Of the many manifestations of Ganapathi, Dhundhi Ganapathi is perhaps the most interesting as can be seen from the enchanting story narrated in detail by Lord Subrahmanya to sage Agastya in Skanda Puranam in Kashi Khandam. In this story, all Devas play a role in performing service of Siva. ‘Dhundhi’ means searching (the common Hindi term ‘ ‘ is derived from the Sanskrit root). What was Ganapathi searching for?
Dhundhi Ganapathi’s association with Kashi is clear from the following common prayer of pilgrims at Kashi:
“I pray to Visveswara, Mahavishnu, Dhundhi Ganapathi, Dandapani, Kalabhairava, Kashi kshetra, the Cave of Siva, river Ganga, Devi Bhavani and Manikarnika Ghat.”
The Dhyanasloka for Dhundhi Ganapathi is as under:
“May that Ganapathi called by the name of Dhundhi, holding in his hands the rosary of rudrakshas, axe, cup of gems, and his own tusk, be pleased with us.”
Brahma meets King Divodasa
During the reign of Swayambhuva Manu, the first Manu, in Padma kalpa, there was a period of unprecedented drought on earth, lasting for sixty years. There was absolutely no rain, no water, and no food. All humans became eaters of animal flesh. Robbery and theft were the order of the day. As no yagnas were conducted, Devas were deprived of Havirbhaga and became weak and emaciated. People started perishing in large numbers. This led to Lord Brahma himself getting worried as to how to continue with the task of creation on earth. It then occurred to him to speak to King Ripunjaya, who was engaged in severe penance in Kashi, totally unconscious of his surroundings. The king was a descendant of Swayambhuva Manu. Brahma came down to earth and pleaded with the king to marry the Naga girl, Anangamohini, daughter of Vasuki and to rule over and protect the earth. Only if a dharmic king like him rules the world, Devas would shower rain on earth. He told Ripunjaya: “Devas are willing to give you even the rulership of heaven with all its splendour. You will henceforth be known as Divodasa (meaning that he made Devas give away even Swarga)” and blessed the king profusely with all capabilities. Ripunjaya expressed his gratitude to Brahma and accepted the request with great reverence; but he wished to impose a strange condition. The rider was that Devas should leave earth and occupy only Swarga; Nagas should similarly go to Nagaloka. The king would rule the earth without interference. Brahma readily agreed.
Siva’s Departure from Kashi
Brahma then proceeded from there to Lord Visvanatha. Visvanatha said to him that Mount Mandara had come to Kashi from Kusadvipa and was doing severe penance. Saying this, Siva went to where Mandara was and asked him to express his wish. Mandara prayed that Siva, along with Uma and followers, should adorn the peak of Mandara mountain and the place should be as famous and sacred as Kashi. At this point, Brahma conveyed to Siva the fact that he had granted Divodasa’s request for Devas to leave the earth. Siva consented to Mandara’s prayer, which would also simultaneously honour Brahma’s commitment to Divodasa. Siva immediately left Kashi for Mandara, accompanied by all Devatas, including Parvathi, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganapathi, Subrahmanya, Brahma, Saraswati and others. Before he left Kashi, he left behind a Lingam there as his representative without the knowledge of even Brahma. Kashi is known as ‘Avimukta kshetra’, as it is never deserted by Siva. Even during Pralaya, when the whole earth is immersed in water, he holds Kashi alone above water on the tip of his Trishula. After reaching Mount Mandara, Siva felt quite unhappy on being separated from Kashi.
Divodasa’s Rule in Kashi
Divodasa commenced his rule of earth with capital in Kashi. His rule was marked by very strict adherence to Dharma established in Vedas and Shastras. He was a just and compassionate king. He burnt the forests of his enemies like Agni. He bound his enemies even from a long distance like Varuna uses his rope. Like Vayu he was praised by his citizens as their Prana. Like Kubera he made the country very prosperous. Like Rudra he frightened his enemies. In Vaikuntha there is only one Lakshmi; but in Divodasa’s kingdom every home had a Lakshmi. Varna dharma and Asrama dharma were strictly followed. There was not a single unchaste woman. Not even a trace of Adharma could be found anywhere. In short there was Ramarajya. This went on for 80,000 years.
In due course Devas started becoming jealous of Divodasa. They wished to create obstacles in his kingdom; but not finding any Adharma, they were powerless. However on Brihaspati’s advice, Indra decided to withdraw some of the assistance of Devas. He started with Agni. Agni withdrew his form from earth through Yogamaya. It so happened that the king’s own lunch could not be prepared in the palace that day. Hordes of citizens came to the king and complained. Divodasa understood promptly that this was the handiwork of the jealous Devas. He announced: “Don’t worry. Let Agni go away. Let Varuna, Vayu and Chandra also go away. I shall myself perform the functions of all these Devas. As far as Surya is concerned, let him perform his routine function as he is the forefather of our family”. It was amazing that with his Yogic power Divodasa performed on earth the roles of all the Devas.