Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: What Is Symbolism Of Ganesha's Iconography? How It Is Associated With Human Lives

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Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, and the god of wisdom and good luck in Hinduism. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Majestic animals such as elephants are known as the pathmakers in the forest and the rest of the animals follow their way. In spirituality, Lord Ganesha, who is an elephant-headed God is worshipped first before any puja or starting anything new as it is believed that he removes the obstacles and clears one's path in the journey of life.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on 19 September and continue till 28 September 2023. Lord Ganesha is worshipped under different names such as Gajakarna, Sumukha, Ekadanta, Kapila, Ganadhayaksha, Lambodara, Vikath, Dhumraketu, Vidhnanashaka, Vinayaka, Bhalchandra and Gajanana.

The most interesting part is his iconography, which is vivid, unique, and filled with hidden meanings and symbolism, which convey profound spiritual teachings. Let us know about the symbolism and meaning. Read on.

1. Lord Ganesha's Elephant Head: Icon of Wisdom and Learning
Lord Ganesha's huge elephant head symbolizes intellectual prowess, wisdom, and deep understanding. This signifies the infinite divine knowledge acquired by Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and perform tasks intellectually.

2. Lord Ganesha's Broad Stomach: Abode of Universe and Patience
The big belly of Ganesha represents the entire cosmos and his ability to swallow the bitterness of life without any complaints. It highlights the importance of being patient and staying calm in life's journey.

3. Lord Ganesha's Tusk: Balance of Good and Bad
His single tusk single intact tusk signifies holding onto the good and discarding the bad. It teaches us to glean wisdom from our experiences and rely on our inherent nature which is wisdom and emotion to guide us on the righteous path. This will also help one to attain perfection in their life.

4. Lord Ganesha's Eyes: Surrendering Pride And Attaining Humility
He has elephant eyes which are said to see future events or situations from a distance in a very clear manner. It also symbolizes control over one's own mind to achieve success in life. It also indicates surrendering one's pride and attaining humility.

5. Lord Ganesha's Four Arms: Pure Consciousness Of Soul And Body
His four arms represent four inner attributes of the human- mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned conscience (Chitta). Lord Ganesha represents the pure consciousness, soul, or atma and it is this that allows these four attributes to function in a human.

6. Lord Ganesha's Big Ears, Small Mouth: Listening To Everyone
His big ears mean that Lord Ganesha can hear all the prayers of his devotees. Also, this symbolizes that one needs to listen very clearly and only then assimilate ideas and make a decision or pass judgment. The small mouth of Lord Ganesha represents speaking less.

7. Lord Ganesha's Modak (Sweet) In Hand: Rewards of Meditation and Self-Realization
The modak in Ganesha's hand symbolizes the sweet rewards of meditation, signifying self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. It pays tribute to the seekers of truth, promising them eternal bliss and contentment.

8. Lord Ganesha's Human Body And Clothes: Sense Of Control, Duties, Kindness And Compassion
He is shown in a human body and therefore, he possesses a human heart, which is a symbol of kindness and compassion He is also portrayed wearing red and yellow clothes. While yellow is associated with purity, peace, auspiciousness, a sense of control, and truthfulness; red symbolizes numerous activities in the world. Therefore, it means a person should perform all duties in the world, with purity, peace, as well as truthfulness.

9. Lord Ganesha's Right Foot Over Left Foot: Having Conscience, Balance
The right foot of Lord Ganesha is seen dangling over the left foot and it symbolizes staying grounded and achieving the highest power. It also means staying in a human body but having soul consciousness, which is essential for a happy, peaceful life. It also means staying close to everyone and yet detached.

10. Lord Ganesha's Vehicle, Mooshak: Humility and Devotion
Mooshak, Lord Ganesha's vehicle, is symbolic of sagacity, understanding, and humble dedication. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance, alertness, and sharply honed instincts in our spiritual journey. The mouse represents ego or a wandering human mind and therefore, sitting on a mouse means controlling ego and control over desires, mind with intellect.

11. Lord Ganesha's Weapons: Repealing Obstacles And Blessings
The four arms of Ganesha have four instruments or weapons and it means he possesses all the qualities with which it can strike problems and remove obstacles. The first left-hand holds the axe, which represents righteousness and truth, the first right hand holds the noose represents a force to control desires, pain, and suffering; the second left hand is pointed toward devotees and represents blessings, refuge, and protection (abhaya) and becoming a giver as a human; second right hand or the fourth hand holds a lotus, a flower or modak which means realizing the sweetness of inner self.