Purva Phalguni nakshatra (Pubba)

Urdhva Ganapati is associated with Purvaphalguni Nakshatra

Significance of Urdhva Ganapati

Urdhva Ganapati is regarded as 19th among the 32 different forms of Ganapati. The Sanskrit word ‘Urdhva’ means ‘up,’ ‘upwards’ or ‘above,’ and here it means ‘lofty.’ Urdhva Ganapati hence denotes ‘the Lord, who is elevated or exalted.’ True to his name, Urdhva Ganapati is in a sublime form, sitting in the tantric posture and also seating his consort Shakti Devi on his left lap. He is shining in golden yellow color and has as many as eight hands, the main left of which gently embraces Shakti, while the principal right holds his own broken tusk. He holds, in his other six hands, a mace, a lotus, a blue lily, a sprig of paddy, a sugarcane bow, and an arrow. He is normally shown with his trunk curling near the breast of his consort.

This form of Ganesha can be seen as a painting in the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram and as a sculpture in some temples in Mysore region, where all the 32 Ganapati forms are on display. Urdhva Ganapati can also be worshipped in an idol form, in the Mahalingeshwara temple in the city of Madurai, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Pooram Star, also known as Purva Phalguni Nakshatra is said to be related to this aspect of Ganapati.

Blessings of Worshipping Urdhva Ganapati

Urdhva Ganapati remains an elevator and a benefactor, who improves the lot of his devotees. It is believed that his worship would provide refuge to them from all difficulties, and help them to overcome impediments and rise high in life.

Mantra for Urdhva Ganapati

The mantra, which reads as under in Sanskrit, glorifies him as ’the raising Ganapati,’ describes his appearance and prays for his blessings.

Kalhaarshaali Kamala Khsukchaapabhaan

Dhantha prarohakghadhikako Jvalaangha

Aalinganodhyathkaro harithaangyashtyaa

Devyahaakarothu shubh mudhvaganaadhipo me

Chanting the Urdhva Ganapati mantra with faith, can be an effective means of propitiating the powerful Lord.

Purvaphalguni Nakshatra - Tree

Purvaphalguni Nakshatra

Key words: Sweet speech, charitable, generous, philanthropic, full of splendour, full of joy, mirth and brilliance, exuding confidence, dignified, fond of travelling, adventurous, fond of change, dislike monotony, royal servant, diplomat, embassy, administration, fond of art forms such as dance and music, balanced mind, act after proper assessment of pros and cons, talented, skilful, dextrous, fast learner.

Deity: Bhaga (Aditya): Marital bliss, prosperity, good fortune, blessings.

Symbol: Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree: Relationship, marriage, comfort, social gathering, fun loving, pleasure seeking, bed pleasures and sex.

Varahamihira: Sweet speech (priyavaak), charitable (daataa), resplendent (dyutimaan), fond of traveling (atano), royal servant (nrpa-sevaka).

Horasara: Affable speaker, charitable, anxious, much expenditure, obedient servants, famous, dear to the king, shy away from war.

Hora Ratnam: Resplendent (dhyutimaan), wanderer (atano), charitable (daata), adept in dance (nrtya-shaastra-vishaarada), acts after proper evaluation of pros and cons (karya-akarya-vicharagno) and skilful (patu).

Purva-phalguni means the 1st part of the Phalguni nakshatra and is lorded by Bhaga aditya and symbolised by bed or swinging hammock. This nakshatra falls immediately after Magha, the nakshatra of victory and achievements. Thus this represent the next phase- time of relaxation and enjoyment of victory and achievements.

The lord Bhaga Aditya stands for marital bliss and prosperity. This suggests that the natives of this nakshatra value relationship, albeit that is not only restricted to marital relationships. They are social and feel comfortable to be in company of their friends, kith and kin. They are very amicable and easily approachable people and are affectionate, loving, caring and compassionate. They are moved by sorrow in the world and like to extend their helping hand when needed. In addition, they intuitively know when people around them are in need and are eager to help them. Thus they naturally attract many friends in life and others think good about such natives.

They are pleasure seeking people and attracted to events such as partying with friends, especially those of opposite sex. Their attractive demeanour and amicable speech also encourage others to join them. Males of this nakshatra are handsome and females are beautiful and both have an attractive charm on their face. They are sensual and actively seek sensual pleasure. Although most are bound by the societal norms, there are many who don’t care much and have many sexual partners. Thus many have extra marital affairs to fulfil their carnal desires. Those who have learnt to control their sexual passion, channelize their energy towards charity and larger social good. They also need to control their propensity towards indulgence and their drive for stimulation through praise and sex. They also have the propensity to get addicted to psychotropic drugs which can take one to alternate realities and give unbridled pleasure.

They are artistic in nature and thus are interested in various forms of art such as music, fine arts, literature, photography, fashion etc. Thus they are attracted towards events and career where they can give expression to their creative potencies. Thus there is high propensity for them to pick up activities related to art, writing, film or fashion. Even if they are engaged in other professions, they may be known for their creative bent of mind and could be engaged in innovations, and thinking out of the box.

They are timid and shy away from direct confrontation and conflict. They do not believe that war can resolve the problems in the world, which they think can be resolved by having proper dialogue and negotiations. They make up their inability to confront by having a polished and suave behaviour. They are good in negotiations, dialogue and reaching common ground with conflicting parties. They naturally learn the art of influencing others using persuasion and dialogue. Due to their mentioned way of working many think that they are coward, which, in actual fact, they are not. They are forthright and straight in whatever they believe and do not hesitate to put forth their stand, but they do it in a pleasing manner, without hurting the opposite party outrightly. They try to be politically correct in most situations.

They are honest, sincere and have high integrity in their work. They are hard worker and driven by the need of affiliation and recognition rather than tangible monetary rewards. Thus, they are motivated when people around them recognise their contributions and think high of them. The negative side is, they get easily demotivated and demoralised, when they are not able to make their presence felt. The notable aspect of their work life is that they are pragmatic and do not believe in day-dreaming. They jump to work based on whatever resources they have at their disposal instead of making big plans which can’t be executed. They have high concerns for their reputation and recognition hence they do not do things which can potentially ruin their name and honour. They are dignified and also treat others with dignity.

They are extremely cautious in decision making and have a tendency to delay until they have all the facts at their disposal. They are often restless and have a vacillating mind. To be successful in life, they need to put reins on their mind and steady it. Having said that, they are steady in their demeanour and have good inner strength and self confidence. They can’t be pushed around by others as they resist such actions. They are usually calm and resolved and not easily agitated.

They are independent and seek freedom in work and life. They can’t be constrained with tasks which does not allow them to think or act freely. Work that gives good amount of space for thinking and creativity are well suited to them. They can be given broader responsibilities where they can plan, organise and execute on their own. Thus they are do well senior management role which need one to work with vagueness, manage and lead people, and be persuasive. They also do well as diplomats where one needs to be good in persuasion and be calm under conflicts and threats.

In summary, they are good natured, amicable and dignified people who are artistic in nature and seek pleasure and recognition from work.