The spiritual symbolism of Ganesha
Each Body Part Tells A Story
Let us know the spiritual significance of each part of his body...being an elephant god, his body characteristics are also those of an elephant...
Large Forehead
Ganesha's large forehead, or mashtishk, denotes great intelligence...the same is said to be true for humans beings with large foreheads as well...
Big Ears
Ganesha's big ears symbolise great listening powers. No wonder, it is customary for people to whisper their wishes into the elephant god's ears during Chaturthi.
Small Eyes
Ganesha's small eyes imply high concentration powers.
Long Trunk
Ganesha's long trunk represents high efficiency and adaptability.
One Tusk
Ganesha's one tusk, because of which he is also known as ekadanta, signifies retaining the good and throwing away the bad.
Four Arms
Ganesha's four arms each stand for something, especially because of what they hold: for instance, in one hand, he holds the ankush, meaning control over one's mind; in the second hand, he holds a laddoo, which is symbolic of happiness; in a third hand, he holds the pash, or axe, which means cutting off all bonds and attachments; and with his fourth hand, he blesses his devotees by making the sign of an "ashirvad mudra".
A Large Stomach
Ganesha's large stomach represents his great capacity to digest all the good and bad in life.
Snake Around His Waist
The snake tied around Ganesha's waist is symbolic of energy in all forms.
Short Legs
Ganesha's short legs symbolise tolerance and power.
Ganesha's Vehicle
Ganesha rides the back of a rat. The hidden meaning is that a rat stands for greed and the mind of a wise man is one that knows how to control such greed.
Divine Image
Hope you all - young or old - enjoyed these meanings of Ganesha's image
Om Namah Shivay
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