“Ganapathi” means the master of all knowledge, wisdom and intellect.
He is the master of thoughts of different nature, He can manage our
thoughts, because He is the master of knowledge, knows how to manage
thoughts. He is one who has no master above Him. He is the master of
masters. He is the one with the elephant head and human body. Whenever
we want to commence any undertaking, we first offer worship to
Vinaayaka or Vignaraja. He is also called Lambodhara, which means the
one with unlimited creative power or Lakshmi Svaruupa. Here Lakshmi
represents all wealth and prosperity. He is the lord of the wealth of
all wealth.
Ganapathi’s elephant head symbolises the head free from ignorance. The
head – anthakarana where continuous shravana, manana and nidhidyasana
happens – the place of continuous reflections. If shravana or grasping
happens, then alone manana or reflection will happen. This process of
shravana or grasping is portrayed as the large ears where one listens.
It also symbolises that even the wisest people are always open to
listen ideas and opinions. In other words, the wise are those who
always keep an open mind.
Emerging from His head is the elephant trunk, which represents a well
clarified choice that arises out of wisdom, the elephant head. Viveka
or intellect discriminates between right and wrong. It gives clarity
in thinking and a clear sense of right and wrong. Intellect helps to
bring in clarity in choices. Without clarity in thinking, our view is
bound to be driven by ‘likes and dislikes’ coloured by our own
prejudices and preconceptions. Ganapathi’s well-shaped trunk depicts a
crystal clear choices happening by viveka. If the trunk turns left, it
signifies blessings of wealth, success and pleasure. To his right, the
trunk represents moksha – self-knowledge, understanding that all
pleasures on earth are momentary and to take the path of knowing.
Likes and dislikes are part of our lives, one should grow over these
opposites. When we grow over our likes and dislikes, life becomes
celebration and we give our best at every juncture, yet understanding
that, in the ultimate analysis, it is only an objective living.
Growing over likes and dislikes is indicated by the broken tusk. It is
only when we grow above the influences of opposites, we can accept the
challenges that come on our way. Then alone we can handle all our
problems creatively, this idea is depicted by the large stomach. Such
an individual come with tremendous mental strength and inner maturity.
This is also seen as a symbol of determination, acceptance, strength
and demonstrates that we must finish what we determine and start.
Ganapathi’s posture with one foot on the ground and the other folded
up conveys perfect balance and control. The food at the feet symbolise
what we should give or leave to grow. Through this, we can understand
that the world rewards those live a life of truth. The mouse is the
mode of transport magnifies the challenge that a spiritual person
faces when trying to communicate the true knowledge through the finite
means of body, mind and intellect. Mouse also a symbol of all -
pervasiveness. The rat can be interpreted as under total control,
which is symbolic of a purified mind to attain realization and grace.
In his four hands, Ganapathi holds an axe, a rope, a modaka and a
lotus. The axe represents the annihilation of likes and dislikes with
the axe of clear choice. The rope helps us to remove ourselves from
the difficulties of everyday living, material world, that we are
entrenched in. The modak symbolises the happiness and joy a seeker
derives from the spiritual pursuit. And the lotus stands for that
state of realisation that every human being aspires for, consciously
or unconsciously. The lotus sustains itself in dirty ponds but yet is
above it all. Similarly, a person of Perfection can live in the world,
enjoy life and yet be above it all by identifying with the Self.
The occasion of ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ reminds us, as spiritual seekers,
an opportunity to remember what Ganapathi stands for. A chance to
reignite ourselves in our search for ‘oneself’.