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Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is the Hindu god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. He is depicted with an elephant’s head, four arms, and symbolic tools for enlightenment. Hindus pray to him before any endeavor for success. His image represents domestic harmony and hangs on many doors.
Ganesh is probably the most beloved Hindu deity of all. Eldest son of Lord Shiva the Destroyer and his wife Parvati, Ganesh is the god of wisdom, scribes, learning and the remover of obstacles. Before embarking on any endeavor, a prayer to Ganesh is said to ensure success.
Ganesh appears as a gentle, pot-bellied figure with an elephant’s head, four arms, and a broken tusk. He is often depicted seated with one leg tucked under him. In three of his hands he holds various objects that are symbolic tools for enlightenment: a pasam or rope, a goad or ax, and a bowl of rice or dessert ball.
The pasam or cord has three braids, each braid representing a different cautionary lesson: arrogance, Maya or the illusory nature of the world, and ignorance. The goad is a stick used to herd elephants and reminds the devotee to avoid a self-destructive path, while the ax represents the ability to cut through unhealthy attachment to the material world. The rice or sweet dessert represents the reward, or sweetness of living in enlightenment, and the fullness of wisdom. It promises happiness in exchange for devotion.
Ganesh’s fourth hand is always free, the palm outstretched in blessing.
Ganesh’s belly is bound by a cobra, representing Shiva, reminding us that Ganesh is the son of Shiva, while Ganesh’s vehicle is a rat, representing not only how much importance a wise man attaches to the smallest of creatures, but also agility and resourcefulness.
There are many legends about how Ganesh ended up with an elephant’s head. In one, Shiva was at war and Parvati wanted someone to stand guard while she bathed. She created a normal boy, Ganesh. She ordered him to prevent anyone from entering. When Shiva returned home, the boy faithfully barred the way. Enraged, Shiva cut off his head. Parvati came out and saw what she had done, grieving for her son. Shiva relented, promising to attack the head of the first creature he came across, which was a baby elephant. Shiva cut off the elephant’s head and placed it on the boy, bringing him back to life. Parvati wasn’t entirely satisfied, so Shiva further blessed the boy, decreeing that everyone would pray to Ganesh before enlisting any ventures.
To this day, faithful Hindus all over the world send a prayer to Ganesh before starting a job, entering into a relationship or embarking on any new project. Ganesh lovingly represents domestic harmony and happiness and his image hangs on many doors, guarding the entrance from evil and removing any obstacles from the path to success.
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