Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha
Historically speaking, the worship of Ganesha dates back to prehistoric times. In the ancient world he was probably worshipped for the protection of farmlands against wild elephants and the menace of rats. The Ganapathi-Brahmanaspati and the Maruts of the Rigvedic hymns have some aspects of Ganesha. Brahmanaspati is Indra's lovely friend, who is known for his knowledge, wisdom and leadership, gives wisdom, heals diseases, increases agricultural wealth, and protects people from their enemies. As the teacher of gods or the priest of heaven, who makes the oblations to prosper, he occupies an important place in Vedic rites and rituals. Without him no sacrifice is supposed to be complete. There is also a reference to the elephant in his descriptions as an epithet. The Maruts are known for their fierce form and destructive nature. They send rains to the earth and cause fierce storms. In Ganesha we can see a fine integration of the qualities of an excellent teacher and a fierce warrior.
From the copious references available in the Puranas such as the Skanda, Padma, Vamana, Brahmanda, Varaha and Mudgala puranas, we can estimate the extent of his popularity even in earlier times. Historians believe that a prototype of Ganesha was worshipped in prehistoric times outside the Indian subcontinent in such faraway places as Afghanistan, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Java, Iran, Cambodia, Borneo, Japan and Mexico. Images of Ganesha were found in Afghanistan and also in Iran. The image of Ganesha found at Luristan in Iran dates back to 1200 BC to 1000 BC. Many Ganesha type idols were also found in Mexico from excavations and ancient temple ruins.