The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a
symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Maharabhata. The rosary in
his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The
laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover
the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears
to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all
forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.
How Ganesha Got His Head
The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva
Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy
out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance
to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a
stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati
broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana)
to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company
found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then
attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the
leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also
bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before
undertaking any venture.
No comments:
Post a Comment