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The book Gaṇeśa Purāṇam (गणेश पुराणम्) is an important Hindu religious text dedicated primarily to the deity Lord Gaṇeśa (Gaṇapati).\r\n\r\nThe edition you mentioned, \"Gaṇeśa Purāṇam (Pathabheda tathā Saṅkṣipta Bhūmikā Sahitam)\" means it is a scholarly version of the text:\r\n\r\nPathabheda (पाठभेद): Includes variant readings of the text, which are crucial for establishing the most accurate and authentic version of the ancient Sanskrit manuscript.\r\n\r\nSaṅkṣipta Bhūmikā Sahitam (संक्षिप्त भूमिका सहितम्): Includes a brief introduction/preface, likely discussing the text\'s history, authorship, significance, and content summary.\r\n\r\n🐘 Significance and Content\r\nThe Gaṇeśa Purāṇa is considered a Upa-Purāṇa (Minor Purana) and is the most significant text for the Gāṇapatya sect, who worship Gaṇeśa as the supreme God (Parabrahman).\r\n\r\n1. Structure\r\nThe Purana is traditionally divided into two main parts (Khaṇḍas):\r\n\r\nUpāsanā Khaṇḍa (Worship Section): Focuses on the various forms of Gaṇeśa, the procedures for his worship (pūjā), mantras, and the significance of various festivals like Gaṇeśa Chaturthī.\r\n\r\nKrīḍā Khaṇḍa (Play/Lila Section): Contains extensive mythological narratives (līlās) of Gaṇeśa, including stories of his incarnations on Earth to defeat demons and re-establish Dharma.\r\n\r\n2. Primary Themes\r\nSupremacy of Gaṇeśa: The text elevates Gaṇeśa above all other deities, establishing him as the creator, preserver, and destroyer—the ultimate source of the universe.\r\n\r\nGāṇapatya Philosophy: It details the philosophical basis of the Gāṇapatya tradition, explaining how Gaṇeśa is synonymous with Omkāra (the primal sound) and Brahman (Absolute Reality).\r\n\r\nIconography and Mantras: It provides detailed descriptions of Gaṇeśa\'s form and instructions for the powerful Gaṇeśa Mantras.\r\n\r\nThis edition, with its focus on Pathabheda, is designed for scholars and serious students of Sanskrit and Hindu theology, ensuring textual accuracy and providing essential introductory context.
