One fine morning, after a few days of my stay in the hostel, an incident occurred which revealed to me my true friend. After the bell had rung I started for the Institute. I stopped awhile to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha installed in front of our hostel. When I opened my eyes I heard, “Why do you boys leave me alone at the hostel?”

I thought of the loneliness that pervaded the hostel after all the boys had left for the Institute. A little surprised I replied “Oh! Lord, why don’t You accompany me to the Institute? I would be blessed to have Your company.”

Lord Ganesha seemed pleased with my words. He stepped out of His beautiful little enclave and I could see His little vehicle following its Master. I wondered about the merit that I must have acquired in my past lives to have this blissful vision. His form was small, coming only up to my chest. Wooden sandals adorned his feet. A vision of that beautiful dancing trunk would rid one of all the sorrows of this world. The trunk sometimes made movements in the air or rested on the protruding belly. Dressed in yellow and green silk, Lord Ganesha looked more beautiful than anything in the world. The little mouse was very happy, as it was moving out with its Master after many days.

Crossing the hostel gate we moved on towards the Institute. After a while our conversation began. With keen interest I listened to Him narrate the events relating to His birth, getting an elephant head and how He became the Agrapujya. This narration thrilled me to the core. Once in a while I tried to speak as He was narrating and whenever I did such a mistake He would punish me by hitting me with His trunk. It was more than a welcome reward for me. Of course they served the purpose too.

As we moved towards the institute a lot of vehicles were moving about on the road, and He was on my right. So every time a vehicle neared me I was afraid that they would collide with Lord Ganesha. Understanding my thought He replied, “Do not worry. None can harm Me. I am invisible to everyone else except you.”

On reaching the Institute we walked towards the temple built for Him. As we ascended the steps He was ready to receive the prayers of many students who were waiting there. I made pradakshina, offered prayers and left for the classroom.

The forenoon session was over. I descended the steps on my way back to the hostel for lunch. He was there throughout, overlooking the studies and classes of all students. Now He too was ready to come back to hostel.

I was blessed again. This time we talked things which were material and spiritual. We reached the hostel gate. A sudden thought seized me: “What about lunch for Lord Ganesha?”

The all-knowing Ganapathi immediately said, “I need none of the food you take. Your Vidya and Jnana (knowledge and wisdom) are My food. If you study well My hunger is satisfied. So you go and have your lunch. I shall wait for you.” I walked into the hostel. He waited for me in His beautiful little enclave.

I had my lunch. I was filled with the thoughts of Lord Ganesha. Soon I left my room for the afternoon session of classes. He was waiting for me. As I offered my prayers He came out to walk with me. I had thought about talking to Him on some topics and questions. However He said, “We have spoken a lot this morning, from now on we shall walk quietly.” I obeyed His command. As had happened in the morning He came back with me to the hostel after the classes.

Our walks continued every day. He came with me to the library often. He always had the blissful smile on His enchanting face. I had at last found my friend, my soul companion. 

Today is the sacred festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. ‘Ga’ symbolises buddhi (intellect), ‘Na’ stands for vijnana (wisdom). So Ganapati is the Master of Buddhi and Vijnana. The universe is sustained by Ganas (gods) and Ganapati is their Master. In this world, everybody has a master, but Ganapati has none; He is a master unto Himself. This is the birthday of the Master of Masters.

Ganapati is also called Mooshika Vahana (One who has a mouse as His vehicle). You may wonder how a small mooshika can carry on its back a hefty personality like Vinayaka. Here mooshika does not refer to a mere mouse. It symbolises the darkness of ignorance because it is in darkness that the mouse moves about. Hence Mooshika Vahana is One who subdues ignorance and dispels darkness. It is only when we understand the inner significance of the Vinayaka principle that we will be able to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi properly.

If you want to lead a life of happiness, free from troubles and difficulties, you have to pray to Ganapathi, the Remover of all Obstacles. There is no need to go to any temple. Vighneshvara dwells in each one of you as your Buddhi (intelligence) and Vijnaana (wisdom). When you make proper use of your inherent intelligence and wisdom, you will be successful in life.

Students! Realise that you have a conscience which is your guide and that it represents your divinity. Ganapathi, who presides over the senses, should be your guide in acquiring mastery over the senses. There is an inner meaning in worshipping Ganapathi for ten days. The idea is, each day should be dedicated to acquiring control over one of the indriyas (sense organs).

Students and devotees should realise that control of the senses is quite simple. What is necessary, is to not encourage negative feelings when they arise, and to adopt a positive attitude. For instance, Buddha confronted the anger of a demon with his love and transformed him.

Many students today are subject to depression and are confused. The reason for this is their weakness owing to lack of self-confidence. When there is total faith in God there will be no room for depression.

Students! There is need for observing festivals like Vinaayaka Chathurthi for external satisfaction, but what is more important is to realise the inner significance of Vinaayaka worship. This is likely to grant you lasting effect. The worship of inanimate idols should lead to contemplation on the subtle spiritual entity represented by the idol. This is the process by which realisation of the Atma (Self) takes place.

Realise and act on the basis that the living Divinity is within you; Ganapathi represents the ideal person who is guided by intelligence and wisdom. Engage yourself in acts which will please the Divine such as moderation in speech, giving up ill-will and hatred, and eschewing all bad thoughts and restraint on desires. Combining spiritual practices with academic studies will make your life fruitful.