lord Ganesha is a perfect example of delicate balance between spiritual aspirations and worldly concerns, writes VIJAY SINGAl
Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped before starting any important work such as solemnisation of a marriage, laying the foundation of a new building, opening of a new business or unveiling a social event. His name is invoked even before making prayers to other deities because he is considered the remover of obstacles. This easily accessible, gentle and affectionate deity is also known as God of wisdom.
There are many stories in the Puranas regarding the birth of Ganesha. According to the most popular legend, Parvati in the absence of her husband, lord Shiva, created Ganesha out of dust and oil from her body and asked him to guard the door while she was taking bath. When Shiva came home, Ganesha did not let him in. Angered by his audacity, Shiva cut his head off. later, in order to pacify Parvati, Shiva asked his ganas (followers) to find a head for replacement. They came back with the head of a baby elephant which was put in place. After coming to life, Ganesha endeared himself to Shiva by worshipping him and was made the head of his entourage. Hence, the name Ganesh (lord of the ganas).
Ganesha is married to Siddhi (achievement or success) and Riddhi (wisdom). His vehicle is rat. He is also known by various other names which describe his attributes. Ganapati (head of the multitude), Gajanana (elephant faced), Vinayaka (the one who has no leader above him), Vighanharta (the destroyer of obstacles) and Vakrakunda (of the twisted trunk) are some of the most invoked titles of Ganesha.
This deity of good luck is a delight for the creativity of any artist on account of his mystical form and unique features such as an elephant’s head, a pot belly, a broken tusk and one leg folded up with the other resting on the ground. Creative imagination of common people is at display in Mumbai and Pune during Ganesha Chaturthi when various Ganesha mandalas construct large statues of God, some in traditional style and others in contemporary settings. During the early 20th century, lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak promoted the celebration of Ganesha festival in the western part of India as a means of instilling national pride and rallying Indians for the cause of national liberation.
Ganesha is worshipped not as much for freedom from rebirth as for success in this life. Still, a mythological story related with Ganesha highlights the fact that only materialistic pursuits can never bring peace and happiness to mankind. Once Kubera, God of wealth, invited Ganesha for dinner. Ganesha ate all the food prepared for the entire gathering but still remained hungry. Then, Shiva appeared and offered him a handful of roasted rice. After consuming it, Ganesha was satisfied.
Another interesting legend speaks of Ganesha’s wisdom. Once Shiva and Parvati asked their two sons — Ganesha and Kartikeya — to circle the world three times. The one who would come first would get a prize. While Kartikeya flew throughout the space, Ganesha simply walked around his parents three times. For him his parents were the whole world. Within them was his entire universe. Naturally, he got the prize.
Ganesha is a perfect example of delicate balance between spiritual aspirations and worldly concerns. He represents simplicity, wisdom, success and auspiciousness.
Excerpts from the book Hinduism: From Maya to Moksha, published by Vision India