All religious symbols and deities have deep underlying
symbolism that extends beyond their obvious meanings. Start of the Ganapati
utsav is is there so let us analyze the symbolism behind lord Ganesha.
Ganesh belongs to the category of Gods’ which are half human
and half animals, these Gods’ are the most primitive ones and reflect the
ancient men’s deep connection with nature. Hence, Ganesh the
God, with the head of an elephant. Elephant is an animal
revered for its intelligence and strength. Elephants were held in awe by the
ancient farming communities and occasionally a herd of wild elephants would
plunder entire crops, the elephant God therefore serves as a safeguard against
the forces of nature. The hybrid God also serves as a union of the conscious
and unconscious mind. This merging of the conscious and unconscious is
represented throughout ancient mythologies as hybrid god with some godlike and
some animal properties.
Ganesha is also Ganpati - the Leader and hence represents the
attributes of an ideal leader –
The Trunk: the elephant’s trunk is powerful to lift tree
logs yet sensitive enough to find needle in hay, the leader must thus have the
balance of power and sensitivity.
Wide Ears, pot belly: wide ears represent ability to listen
to all and pot belly at the same time shows the ability to keep secrets. A
leader must be a good listener but at the same time should also be able to keep
secrets.
Modak and Kush: these signify the carrot and stick policy,
which a leader has to use. Sometimes a leader punishes and sometimes rewards
the faithful.
Ganesha also has however other symbolism, Ganesh represents
the higher self which rides the mind represented by Ganesha’s rat. Mind like a
rat is fickle and restless; it has to be reigned by the higher self to turn it
into a vehicle for achieving our goals.
Ganesha is also depicted in eight avatars to vanquish the
asuras :
As vakratunda he overcomes Matsara (jealousy)
As Ekdanta he overcomes Madasura (conceit)
As Mahodar he overcomes Mohasura (attachment)
As Gajanana he overcomes Lobhasura (greed)
As Lambodara he overcomes krodhasura (anger)
As Vikata he overcomes kamasura (lust)
As Vighnaraj he overcomes Mamasura(ego)
And finally as Dhoomravarna he overcomes Abhiman asura
(pride)
These eight asuras therefore represent the eight tendencies
which have to be overcome in order to realize the self.
Ganesh is also ekdanta, the one toothed one;
Ganesha’s one tooth is the symbol of Non Dualism, the deep underlying unity
that exists beneath all names and forms and also transcends them.
Tvamev sarv khalvidam Brahmasi,
Tvam sakshat atamsi nityam!!
Aum Gan Ganpatye namah!!
You are the light that shines in everything,
Your are the immortal soul itself,
I bow to Lord Ganesha!!
