demystifying the symbolism associated with lord ganesha
TRANSCRIPT
Who is Lord Ganesha?In spite of the fact that many people love to adorn the walls of their homes with Lord Ganesha paintings, not many know who is Lord Ganesha? As per ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology, Lord Ganesha is the son of Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Lord Ganesha – The formless Divinity
In Ganesha paintings, many artists depict the lord in a magnificent form. But, as per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesha is the amorphous divinity. In paintings and sculptures, artists depict this formless divinity in glorious form for the benefit of believers and devotees.
The Meaning of Lord Ganesha
The word ‘Ganesha’ is derived from Sanskrit words ‘Gan’ and ‘Ish’. The word ‘Gan’ means group and ‘Ish’ means God; so, Ganesha means the Lord of all groups. The universe is viewed as a group of various atoms and energies and Ganesha is the Lord of this universe. Lord Ganesha is the embodiment of highest consciousness that infiltrates all and keeps the universe in order.
Understanding the Essence of Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is ‘Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam.’ Ajam is the Sanskrit word for the unborn; Nirvikalpa is the Sanskrit word for attribute-less and Niraakaar means formless. Thus, the unborn, attribute-less and formless Lord Ganesha denotes the omnipresent consciousness and that is the essence of Lord Ganesha.
Symbolism and Significance of Lord Ganesha
Big Belly : You must have noticed that in many Ganesha paintings the Lord is depicted with a large belly. The large belly of the Lord symbolizes generosity and complete acceptance.
Upraised Hand In paintings and sculptures Lord Ganesha is depicted with an upraised hand. For devotees and believers, this posture communicates that there is no need to fear in any situation because I (the Lord) am with you.
Lowered Hand Posture
In paintings and sculptures one hand of Lord Ganesha is depicted in an upraised position, the other hand is usually depicted as a lowered hand with palm facing outwards. This posture denotes the generosity of the Lord. It means uninterrupted giving as well as a call to bow down.
Broken TuskYou must have observed in Lord Ganesha paintings that the Lord has a broken tusk. The broken tusk of the Lord signifies sacrifice. Lord Ganesha sacrificed one of his tusks for a great cause. It was his broken tusk with which the ancient scripture Mahabharata was written.
Elephant Head Elephants are known for their wisdom and effortlessness. The large head of an elephant signifies knowledge and wisdom. An elephant neither walks around obstacles nor can any obstacle stop it. It removes the obstacle and walks ahead. This signifies effortlessness.
Significance of Placing Ganesha Paintings and Sculptures in HomeWhen we place paintings and idols of
Lord Ganesha in our home and worship them, all the qualities of the Lord are kindled within us and we imbibe his qualities.
Where you can buy paintings and sculptures of Lord Ganesha?Other than local markets and art
galleries, you can buy these paintings and idols from any of the reputable and reliable online art selling platform. One such online art selling platform is Indian Art Ideas.
https://www.facebook.com/IndianArtIdeas
https://twitter.com/Indianartideas
https://www.linkedin.com/company/indian-art-ideas
https://plus.google.com/+IndianartideasIn
