Happy Ganesha Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha, 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.
Translated in English improperly and crudely as the Elephant God, Ganesha is seen as a strange phenomenon in the western worlds - by the Non-Hindus and the suspicious nonbelievers.
However, in reality, these deities, gods are not as they are shown in the images.
They are symbolic and extremely characteristic.
The various markings, colors, faces, and features hold deep significance. Even the objects surrounding them have unique and distinctive 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 some deep meanings in both the physical and the spiritual worlds.
Much of the symbolism of the Ganpati in the Physical world represents the qualities of a great leader - which include the welfare of society and safeguarding people from physical and subtle obstacles.
These qualities can be applied to all political, social, or spiritual leaders - to lead their subjects and followers efficiently towards a common goal.
Elephant - a native animal of India, is a symbol of strength and power - which is mostly friendly and protective.
Since Ganesh, the ruler, or the leader is all about strength and protection, 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: Symbolises his intelligence and thinking ability.
The small mouth and the large ears show that he should talk less, and listen more to those who come to him asking for help.
The small eyes mean that he should overlook the faults, shortcomings, and mistakes of the followers and continue to guide and lead them regardless of their weaknesses.
His one tusk represents working for one reason only - the welfare of others.
Large belly: This means that he can keep the secrets of others within himself and not condemn anyone in public.
It shows that he can absorb and assimilate all the good or wrong done by others and continue to help them achieve their goal.
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 extensive resources with his far-reaching but flexible approach.
Ganesha's four hands are a symbol of multitasking - holding various objects in each hand.
These objects are particularly significant for symbolizing how a great leader can help his followers to progress throughout their lives.
In one of his hands, 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.
On the other hand, he holds an ax to destroy the evil elements - including false concepts and traditions present in society.
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, a promise to bring good and favorable results for the people - to help them achieve the fruits of their righteous actions.
His fourth hand is shown in the blessing mudra - assuring his follower's safety and protection.
Ganesha 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 people's homes - steals and collects food in its hiding place.
Ganpati - the great leader - keeps such elements under control who deceive and steal from others - which belongs to others.
These are some of the great qualities of a noble and distinguished leader.
By following these qualities, a good leader can lead the followers to achieve freedom and prosperity - to attain a peaceful life - free of fear, distress, and misery.
' Rajan Sachdeva '
To be continued
Lord Ganesha, 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.
Translated in English improperly and crudely as the Elephant God, Ganesha is seen as a strange phenomenon in the western worlds - by the Non-Hindus and the suspicious nonbelievers.
However, in reality, these deities, gods are not as they are shown in the images.
They are symbolic and extremely characteristic.
The various markings, colors, faces, and features hold deep significance. Even the objects surrounding them have unique and distinctive 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 some deep meanings in both the physical and the spiritual worlds.
Much of the symbolism of the Ganpati in the Physical world represents the qualities of a great leader - which include the welfare of society and safeguarding people from physical and subtle obstacles.
These qualities can be applied to all political, social, or spiritual leaders - to lead their subjects and followers efficiently towards a common goal.
Elephant - a native animal of India, is a symbol of strength and power - which is mostly friendly and protective.
Since Ganesh, the ruler, or the leader is all about strength and protection, 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: Symbolises his intelligence and thinking ability.
The small mouth and the large ears show that he should talk less, and listen more to those who come to him asking for help.
The small eyes mean that he should overlook the faults, shortcomings, and mistakes of the followers and continue to guide and lead them regardless of their weaknesses.
His one tusk represents working for one reason only - the welfare of others.
Large belly: This means that he can keep the secrets of others within himself and not condemn anyone in public.
It shows that he can absorb and assimilate all the good or wrong done by others and continue to help them achieve their goal.
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 extensive resources with his far-reaching but flexible approach.
Ganesha's four hands are a symbol of multitasking - holding various objects in each hand.
These objects are particularly significant for symbolizing how a great leader can help his followers to progress throughout their lives.
In one of his hands, 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.
On the other hand, he holds an ax to destroy the evil elements - including false concepts and traditions present in society.
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, a promise to bring good and favorable results for the people - to help them achieve the fruits of their righteous actions.
His fourth hand is shown in the blessing mudra - assuring his follower's safety and protection.
Ganesha 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 people's homes - steals and collects food in its hiding place.
Ganpati - the great leader - keeps such elements under control who deceive and steal from others - which belongs to others.
These are some of the great qualities of a noble and distinguished leader.
By following these qualities, a good leader can lead the followers to achieve freedom and prosperity - to attain a peaceful life - free of fear, distress, and misery.
' Rajan Sachdeva '
To be continued
Dhan Nirankar Uncle ji
ReplyDeleteSuperbly explained ji. Dhan Nirankar ji.
ReplyDeleteExcellent explanation...
ReplyDeletePerfect description of Lord Ganesha.
ReplyDelete