The Symbolism Of Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya are the sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Hindus propitiate Lord Ganesha before conducting any Puja or Yagya. He is the auspicious one and only the aura of positivity surrounds his frame. It is said that Veda Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.

He is bestowed with large ears as he considers several views and winnows out the unnecessary and assimilates the proper and righteous. His large elephant head signifies the big mind as opposed to the small mind. This is almost akin to thinking out of the box for various solutions. The Lord utilises his intellect to the optimum and fullest potential. The Anukusha (goad) indicates that ego and pride ought to be conquered. His vision sees the big beyond perception and senses.

The broken tusk articulates the opposites and also the quest for acquiring knowledge and wisdom. The Pasha (noose) symbolises the control of the wavering mind. The adaptable trunk demonstrates that any task be it big or small ought to be accomplished. And the Padma (lotus) in his hands signifies awakening of consciousness.

The Abhaya Mudra blesses humans with intellect, refuge and protection. The axe in his hands cuts off all materialistic bonding of attachments. He has an enormously gargantuan belly which digests all positive and negative experiences in life and also displays the ability and courage to stomach secrets.

With one leg folded and another on the floor enjoins upon us that we need to remain detached while enjoying all pleasures of life and constantly dive within our inner self. He rides the Mooshaka (mouse). The mouse represents the desire and ability of Lord Ganesha to reach out to all the corners of every mind. The Ladoos, sweetest of them all are rewards for hard work; ‘prasad’ represents sharing and giving to humanity. The unconsumed sweets are a salutary warning that we should not be distracted by pleasures.