Sitaraam devotees,

Shubh Ganesh Jayanti to all you wonderful devotees.

Today, Hindus throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large are celebrating Ganesh Jayanti,
the manifestation of Bhagwan as Shree Ganesha. Ganesh Jayanti is one of the most important festivals
in the hindu calendar and is celebrated during the months of August and September. Shree Ganesha is
worshipped as the giver of knowledge and wisdom and the remover of obstacles. Ganesh Jayanti marks
the beginning of Ganesh Utsav which is celebrated for the next ten days.

Year after year we have all heard and read about the kathas and leelas of Shree Ganesha. Foremost
amongst them is his unique manifestation from the body of Parvati mataa and the katha that tells of him
getting an elephant head. We have also heard of his firm commitment to Ved Vyas to script the
Mahabharat so much so that he broke of one of his tusks to continue the writing and uphold his
commitment.

Another beautiful katha speaks about blessings showered by Shiva and the other devas and devis
recognizing him as pratam poojya (or first to be worshipped in all rituals and ceremonies).

Today I am going to stress on Shree Ganesha as the bestower of knowledge and wisdom and the
destroyer of problems and obstacles, and how our lives can be more meaningful and purposeful in every
way possible.

On a daily basis we are constantly challenged with problems and difficulties which can make life really
miserable and difficult. However, with knowledge and wisdom we will definitely be able to deal with
them. Prayer and devotion to Shree Ganesha gives us that knowledge and wisdom.

Love and devotion to parents by children results in children wishes being fulfilled. In the same way
sincere love and devotion to Bhagwan Shree Ganesha gives us the knowledge and wisdom we need to
overcome the problems and challenges. It allows us to deal with situations with a calm and powerful
mind.

When the mind is calm we can easily discriminate right from wrong and good from bad which leads to
clear and correct decisions. We will also have firm determination and firm resolve in pursuing our goals.
We will definitely thread the path of truth and honesty, fearlessly.
Prayer and devotion should be an everyday duty for all of us, we should not only wait for special
occasions like Ganesh Jayanti.

How many times have we kept putting off daily devotion to Bhagwan?

How many times have we kept saying next time?

How many times have we kept saying later?

How many times have we kept saying when we become older?

Today I ask you all, if not now, when?

Let us all stop procrastinating and begin our daily devotion NOW!

Devotees, we must always see these auspicious occasions like Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Utsav as
golden opportunities for positive change and transformation of our thoughts, words and actions.

Let us all use this auspicious period to recommit ourselves to our families, to our communities, to our
country and our beloved Sanatan Dharma. Let us all at this time reflect on our goals and purpose in life
making sure our main goal is pure love and devotion to Bhagwan. Let us all keep the flame of Sanatan
Dharma lighting brighter for the next eleven days and beyond.

I urge you all to offer abundance of flowers and fruits thanking Bhagwan for all the wonderful gifts of life
including health, wealth, prosperity, peace and happiness.

Also be reminded that in any occasion if u are unable to attend a mandir you can make your offerings at
home. Please ensure the entire family is involved in devotion to Bhagwan.

Sitaraam and have an enjoyable and divine Ganesh Jayanti

Bhagwan’s most wonderful blessings to you

Shubh Ganesh Jayanti!

Prem se bholo shree satya Sanatan Dharma ki jai!!!