Who is Lord Ganesh?
Ganesha is the formless divinity. As per Hindu mythology, he is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
He is the supreme consciousness that pervades all and brings order in this universe.
Though Ganesha is worshiped as the elephant headed God , the form is just to bring out the formless, he is Ajam ( unborn) , andhe symbolizes the consciousness which is omnipresent.
Why Lord Ganesha has an Elephant head?
Elephants don't walk around obstacles neither are they stopped by them. They just remove them and walk ahead with effortlessness. When we worship Ganesh we reinforce the same qualities within us.
Symbolism and Significance of Ganesh
Ganesha's big belly represents generosity and total acceptance .
Ganesha also has a single task which signifies one-pointedness.
He carries in his hands the 'Ankusa' (awakening) and the 'Paasa' ( control) . With awakening there is a lot of energy that is released and it needs to be channeled with proper control.
One of the symbolism of this God that I love the most is the one of remover of ignorancewhen knowledge is obtained . It is seen in the story of his birth and it is also seen in the mouse in which the God travels- The mouse represents the mantra which can cut through sheaths and sheaths of ignorance , leading to the ultimate knowledge.
I am reminded every day that whenever I feel fear or anxiety most likely it is because of a thought that I have magnified and projected in the future and it only existsas a problem without a solution. I remind myself to be aware of that thought and I let it go at the same time. I look for a solution by getting knowledgeand I learn, and when I learn I cut through ignorance .
May Lord Ganesh remind us of the power of knowledge in every level of consciousness and guide us in moving forward embracing obstacles as opportunities in a very effortless way. May we be generous and acceptance of our imperfections and of others.
Namaste!