Ganesha

India ganesha

Ganesha Nurpur miniature circa 1810 Dubost p64

Thajavur Ganesha

Ganesha asianartmuseumsf

Ganesha Kangra miniature 18th century Dubost p51

Ganesha is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Known as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom, Ganesha is revered not only in India but also in other countries that follow Hindu practices. His image is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.

Etymology

The name Ganesha is a Sanskrit compound, joining the words gana (meaning a group, multitude, or categorical system) and isha (meaning lord or master). Thus, Ganesha essentially means "lord of the multitudes."

Iconography

Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. He is typically depicted with a human body and an elephant's head. This imagery symbolizes the unity of the small man and the ultimate reality or existence. Ganesha has a single tusk, which is why he is also called Ekadanta, meaning "One tusked." His four hands usually carry a Pasha (noose), an Ankusha (goad), a modak (sweet), and a broken tusk, which he used to write the Mahabharata. The mouse is his vahana (vehicle), symbolizing the mind's ability to penetrate the most secretive places.

Mythology

Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati, two of the most prominent deities within the Hindu pantheon. The story of his birth and how he came to have an elephant's head is one of the most famous myths in Hindu mythology. According to the lore, Parvati created Ganesha out of dirt to guard her door while she bathed. When Shiva wanted to enter, Ganesha did not recognize him and blocked his path. In anger, Shiva decapitated him. After realizing his mistake, Shiva replaced Ganesha's head with that of an elephant and brought him back to life.

Worship and Festivals

Ganesha is worshipped before the worship of any other deity. He is invoked at the beginning of prayers, important undertakings, and before any new venture. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in honor of his birth. During this festival, clay models of Ganesha are made, worshipped for several days, and then immersed in water.

Symbolism

Ganesha's form and his attributes are rich with symbolism. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. The wide mouth represents the natural human desire to enjoy life in the world. The large ears signify that a perfect person is one who possesses a great capacity to listen to others and assimilate ideas. The trunk relates to the power of human potential, which is said to be like an elephant's trunk, capable of uprooting a tree as well as picking up a needle. Ganesha's pot belly contains infinite universes. It signifies the bounty of nature and also that Ganesha swallows the sorrows of the Universe and protects the world.

In Popular Culture

Ganesha's image is found in the work of art, literature, and has been appropriated in many commercial and cultural contexts outside of traditional Hindu practice. His figure adorns everything from wall hangings to desktop wallpapers, showcasing his continued relevance and appeal across different cultures and communities.