Happy Ganesh Chaturthi - Symbolism of Physical and Spiritual worlds

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

Lord Ganesh is considered the Lord of beginnings and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles.

Often mistranslated in English as the Elephant God, Ganesh can seem like a strange phenomenon in the West to non-Hindus or suspicious nonbelievers.

However, in reality, these deities, or Gods, are not as they appear in images. 

The images and stories of Hindu or Sanatan deities are symbolic. 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, earnest attention to the symbolism in these seemingly strange images of the gods, we can understand the hidden meaning behind them.

The literal meaning of Ganesha (Gan+Esha) and the Ganpati (Gan+Pati) is the Lord of people and the leader of people, respectively.

Like the images of most other Hindu deities, Ganesha's symbolism carries deep meaning in both the physical and spiritual worlds.

                        Ganpati's Symbolism in the Physical world

Much of Ganpati's symbolism in the Physical world represents the qualities of a great leader, relating to 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.

The elephant, a native animal of India, symbolizes strength and power and is mostly friendly and protective.

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

Since Ganesh, the ruler or leader, represents protection and power, 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 ability to think outside the box.

The small mouth 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 he should overlook followers' shortcomings and mistakes 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 others' secrets 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 because they symbolize how a good leader can help his followers 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 in 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 followers' safety and protection.

                         Ganpati rides the mouse:

A mouse is shown held under Ganpati's foot.

The mouse symbolizes stealing and collecting what belongs to others. It lives in the house, steals, and collects food in its hiding place. 

Ganesha, Ganpati, or the good leader, keeps such people under his control and does not let them steal what others have earned .

       Ganesh as a symbol of individual spirituality

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

However, 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 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.

The small mouth and the large ears represent the concepts of Mauna (silence) and Shravanan (Listening).

They show that the Gyani, or seeker, talks less and listens more to the true teachings of the enlightened.

His small eyes signify concentration and one-pointed focus. 

He can avoid seeing others' faults and focus on his own goal of achieving liberation.

                          Ek Dant - One tusk: 

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

                  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.

                  Ganesha's four hands hold various objects in each hand.

These objects also symbolize how a good, strong mind can control the senses and progress on the path of spirituality.

In one hand, he holds a rope, which represents the ability to pull himself up from all negativity toward the ultimate goal of realization and liberation.

He holds an ax in another hand - to cut all attachments to 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, also a 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 does he frighten 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 of or following them unthinkingly.

                                   'Rajan Sachdeva'