Invocation of Gaṇapati’s Grace for Attaining Siddhi in Devī–Muruga Upāsanā
Around the year 1959, in the cremation grounds of Mylapore (Chennai), a realized Siddha by the name of Tiyāgarāja Mudaliyār, a dedicated Muruga upāsaka, received from his Guru palm-leaf manuscripts that contained the yantra and mūla-mantra corresponding to each song of Kandar Anubhūti. He later published these, together with experiential notes of the fruits attained by various practitioners who had used them. This publication has since become a rare treasure for Muruga devotees.
In that work, the very first hymn of Gaṇapati worship is presented as a means for removing obstacles in Devī-upāsanā. Tiyāgarāja Mudaliyār even records how he taught this practice to an American devotee named Edward James, who received tangible experiences by invoking Gaṇapati in this way.
Here, we begin by offering both the practical insights and the mantric prayogas given by Tiyāgarāja Mudaliyār. However, anyone who wishes to practice must necessarily do so under the guidance of their own Guru. No form of mantra or deity worship should ever be attempted merely through books, YouTube, or Facebook, for such attempts only trap the mind in māyā, entangle it in ahaṅkāra (ego), and prevent true progress.
Why then share these details at all? Only so that knowledge becomes available to all; with that spark of inspiration, at least a few may be drawn to approach a genuine Guru and undertake sādhana in the right way.
The First Hymn of Gaṇapati Praise in Kandar Anubhūti
Tamil Verse:
ஆடும் பரிவேல் அணிசேவ லெனப்
பாடும் பணியே பணியாய் அருள்வாய்
தேடுங் கயமா முகனைச் செருவிற்
சாடுந் தனியானை சகோதரனே.
Explanation:
- Āḍum pari (dancing vehicle) → refers to the peacock, Muruga’s mount.
- Vēl → Muruga’s divine spear, symbol of knowledge and grace.
- Aṇi-cēval (the adorned rooster-banner) → the rooster, which decorates the flag as Muruga’s emblem.
The devotee sings: “Bless me that my song may itself be your service. O brother of Him who single-handedly struck down the elephant-demon Gajāsura, O Gaṇapati, grant me your grace.”
Thus, though the hymn outwardly praises Muruga—his peacock, spear, and rooster—its final address is to Gaṇapati, calling Him “Brother.” This is a subtle and profound Gaṇapati stuti hidden within a Muruga hymn!
Symbolic Meanings
- Kayamukha (the elephant-demon) = Greed, pride, and violence – the negative forces in man.
- Muruga’s Vēl (spear) = Divine Knowledge and Grace.
- Slaying of Kayamukha = The triumph of divine knowledge and grace over ego and ignorance.
Thus, this hymn contains deep esoteric truths of Muruga upāsanā:
- The Peacock (Āḍum Pari) – symbolizes the restless prāṇa (life-force). To enthrone Muruga upon it means to stabilize prāṇa by subduing the coiled kuṇḍalinī serpent underfoot.
- The Spear (Vēl) – symbolizes Śakti’s weapon, the power of divine knowledge. Only by Śakti’s grace does Muruga’s grace descend. When impurities are removed, the light of wisdom arises.
- The Rooster (Aṇi-cēval) – symbolizes the mind. Just as a rooster cries boastfully, so too the mind crows with pride and restlessness. But when surrendered to Subrahmaṇya, it becomes His beautiful banner—disciplined and adorned.
Therefore, to attain siddhi in Muruga-upāsanā, the aspirant must:
- enthrone Subrahmaṇya upon the restless prāṇa,
- receive the grace of Śakti through the weapon of wisdom,
- and transform the boastful mind into Muruga’s radiant banner.
To accomplish this, the aspirant must conquer the inner demon Kāyamukha—the conglomerate of greed, pride, and violence. And such victory is possible only through the grace of Gaṇapati, the elder brother of Subrahmaṇya.
Note to Practitioners
This hymn, its mantra, and yantra form part of a sacred Mantra Prayoga of Gaṇapati invocation to remove obstacles in Devī-upāsanā. Those interested in the prayoga connected to this verse may reach out through the given contact. Yet, let it be remembered: practice must always be with the blessings and direction of a living Guru.