Lord Ganesh - Symbol of Physical and Spiritual worlds

Lord Ganesh, also known as Ganapati is one of the most well-known Hindu deities.

He is considered the Lord of beginning and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles.

Ignorantly translated in English as the Elephant God Ganesh is seen as a strange phenomenon in the western world by the Non-Hindus or the suspicious nonbelievers.
However, in reality, these deities, Gods are not as they are shown in the images.
They are extremely representational. The various markings, colors, faces, and features hold deep significance.
Even the objects surrounding them have great meanings.
By paying close and earnest attention to the symbolism presented in the seemingly strange images of the gods, we can understand the hidden meaning behind these images.

The literal meaning of Ganesha (Gan+Esha) and the Ganpati (Gan+Pati) is the Lord of people and the leader of people respectively.
Just as the images of most other Hindu deities, Ganesha's symbolism has deep meanings in both, the physical and the spiritual worlds.

                        Ganpati's Symbolism in the Physical world

Much of the symbolism of the Ganpati in the Physical world represent the qualities of a great leader, relating to the welfare of society and safeguarding people from the physical and subtle obstacles. These qualities can be applied to all political, social, or spiritual leaders - to lead their subjects and followers efficiently.

The elephant, a native animal of India is a symbol of strength and power, and is mostly, friendly and protective.
Since Ganesh, the ruler or the leader is all about protection and power, therefore he is portrayed with an Elephant head - showing that a good leader should be as strong and confident as an elephant - to lead his followers.

His large head symbolizes his intelligence and thinking ability - to be able to think out of the box.

The smallmouth and the large ears show that he may talk less and listen more to those who come to him asking for help.

The small eyes mean that he should overlook the shortcomings and mistakes of the followers and continue to guide and lead them regardless.

His one tusk represents working for one reason only - the welfare of others.

A large stomach Shows that a good leader can keep the secrets of others within himself and not condemn anyone in public. 

It shows that he can consume and digest all the good and bad done by others.

Long and flexible trunk - Just like an elephant gathers his food with his long and flexible trunk, a good leader should be able to find large resources with his far-reaching but flexible approach.

Ganesha's four hands:

a symbol of multitasking - holding various objects in each hand
These objects are particularly important for symbolizing how a good leader can help his followers to progress throughout their lives.
In one hand he holds a rope, which represents the leader's ability to help pull everyone up - from poverty and misery to a better and prosperous life.
In another hand he holds an ax, to destroy the bad elements - including false concepts and traditions present in the society.
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, a promise to bring true and favorable results for the people - to help them achieve the fruits of their actions.
His fourth hand is shown in the blessing mudra - assuring his follower's safety and protection.

Ganpati rides the mouse:

A mouse is shown held under Ganpati's foot.
The mouse is a symbol of stealing and collecting which belongs to others. It lives in the house - steals and collects food in its hiding place. 

Ganesha, Ganpati, the good leader keeps such people under his control and does not let them steal what belongs to others - which is earned by others.

       Ganesh as a symbolism of individual spirituality

Ganesha - Gan+Esha means the lord of people or a group.

In the context of spirituality, Mind - the Consciousness can be seen as the lord of the senses - the five Gyanendriya and the five Karmendriya.
The various organs of the Ganesha and the objects around him convey deep messages to the seekers of the truth.

                                           The large head 

Symbolizes the intelligence - the Gyana and Vichar-Shakti, the thinking ability of the spiritual person or the seeker of Truth.

                                                  Small mouth and the large ears

The small mouth and the large ears represent the concepts of Mauna (silence) and Shravanan (Listening).
They show that the Gyani or a seeker talks less and listens more to the true teachings of the enlightened ones.

                                                        Small Eyes

His small eyes are a sign of concentration and one-pointed focus. 

He has the ability to avoid seeing the faults of others and focusing on his own personal goal of achieving liberation.

                                             Ek Dant - One tusk 

Represents retaining the good, and positive only - and throwing away the bad or negativity around him.

                                         Large Belly

A large stomach - means a large capacity to digest. 

Life is a combination of Sukh and Dukha - pleasure and pain. 

The Gyani can peacefully handle and digest all the good and bad in life.

                                        Four Hands 

Ganesha's four hands represent multitasking - holding various objects in each hand.
These objects are also important for symbolizing how a good and strong mind can control the senses to progress on the path of spirituality.

In one hand he holds a rope, which represents the ability to pull himself up from all negativity - towards the ultimate goal of realization and liberation. 
He holds an ax in another hand - to cut all attachments with the impermanent and material world which everyone continually tries to grasp.
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, meaning he only holds and retains the sweet - only the good and positive, which is necessary for spiritual development.
His fourth hand is often shown in the blessing mudra, which is also the symbol of Abhaya or fearlessness.

A Gyani is free from the fear of false concepts and notions - and continues his spiritual journey - not because of fear, but with the knowledge of Truth. Nor he frightens others by inculcating fear in their minds. 

He neither intimidates anyone nor gets frightened by them or by the circumstances.

                                     Mouse under his foot

The mouse is a symbol of greed - of stealing and collecting.
Ganesha, the Gyani mind keeps greed - a natural human tendency under his control. 

He earns his living by honest means - not by cheating. 

He lives a life of simplicity and purity.

By understanding the symbolism presented in the seemingly strange images of the gods, we can learn the proper ways to progress and achieve Enlightenment and Liberation.

May we all see the Truth and continue our journey by learning and understanding the real meanings of the Scriptures, traditions, and rituals - instead of making fun or following them blindly.

                                           'Rajan Sachdeva'