श्री गणपती अथर्वशीर्ष has a part in which one asks Lord Ganesh to protect us from various directions. It seems ritualistic at first glance, but like most Sanskrit Upanishads, there are layers and layers that can be uncovered and the details within nuances are rich and carry a lot of encoding.
अव पश्चात्तात्। (Protect me from the back)
अव पुरस्तात्। (Protect me from the front)
अवोत्तरात्तात्। (Protect me from the north)
अव दक्षिणात्तात् | (Protect me from the south)
अव चोर्ध्वात्तात्। (Protect me from above)
अवाधरात्तात्। (Protect me from below)
सर्वतो मां पाहि पाहि समन्तात् | (Protect me from all sides)
Let us uncover the layers of the sixth line अवाधरात्तात् | अव = protect; ; अधरात् = low, lower; तात् = that location. Hence अवाधरात्तात् means Protect me from below. Protect me from below can be further visualised as protect me from that below me and also protect me from those below me. As one saw earlier, who will protect and from whom/what? I will protect myself because Ganapati is internalised and I am Ganapati.
1) अवाधरात्तात् – protect me from that below me. As always, the अथर्वशीर्ष can be seen as an internal checklist and a way of deliberate practice of becoming aware without and within. Literally the ground is below me and I must be aware of where I am putting my foot. After this basic step been taken care of, what then comes to mind is the state of mind or the attitude that one brings to a task at the very beginning. The foundation is extremely important for anything and subsequent actions upon a weak foundation can prove to be futile. The entire task literally depends upon the basic step. Let me protect my entire work from fundamental issues that are within my control.
2) अवाधरात्तात् – protect me from those below me. This line of thought too can be developed a bit. Let me behave in such a manner that those who look up to me are inspired to better themselves. Let me be a good parent to my children and a good elder to those younger to me. May I be a strong role model who does not dither when adverse times come. May I be a good boss. May those below me be always helped by me in thought and deed. The Dikpala of guardian deity of the below or nadir is Vishnu. Vishnu is the presiding deity of Sattva or balance/ sustainability and protects that which is created. Let me therefore have the power and wisdom to bring balance into the world within me and around me that is beneficial and not hurtful.
अवाधरात्तात् – a small phrase of oner word, but it is encoded with so much beauty it makes us confront one’s every action and thought, literally because it references the god of Sustainability. This makes us well – centred and gives us a robust compass for our creativity and well-being from below.