Happy Ganesh Chathurthi !
On this hearty occasion, I wish all of you a very happy Ganesh Chathurthi. May Ganesha shower you all with happiness, health, success and prosperity all the year round.
Though the qualities of Ganesha have often been repeated, I take this opportunity of the glorious occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi to explain them to you again.
Ganesha, in many ways is a unique God blessed with unique characteristics. Be it the unique Elephant Head, the wide ears, the huge belly and the mouse next to him: each characteristic of Ganesha teaches us something unique. Let's take a look at each of them:
1) The wide head: The Wide Elephant head of Ganesha symbolizes wisdom. Ganesha says that we should endeavor to keep our mind wide and open to drink in all the wisdom and the knowledge the universe has to offer. Wisdom is the path to enlightenment.
2) The Trishul mark on the forehead: The "Trishul" (Trident) mark on Ganesha's forehead symbolizes harmony with time. Each spike of the Trishul represents the three aspects of time: The past, the present and the future. Ganesha teaches us to be cognizant of all the three aspects of time. The spike on the left represents the past, what is left behind. Though it has happened, Ganesha encourages us to learn from any mistakes we might have made. The spike on the right is the future. Ganesha says that we should spend some time considering about our future and plan for it. The center-most spike and the longest one symbolizes the present. It is the largest in size as is is the most important for us. Ganesha advises us to invest some of our time and energy thinking of the past and the future, but always be in the present moment.
3) The large ears: The large ears signify listening skills and empathy. Ganesha says that a true leader should always be a good listener and should be unbiased and patient to listen to all inputs before coming to a conclusion.
4) The Trunk: There are two common forms of Ganesha's trunk, which depend on the direction which the trunk turns.
The most common form visible is the trunk turning to the left side (right side of the facing viewer). This form symbolizes calmness of mind, success and happiness. This form is most commonly seen and is worshiped by most of us.
The second form visible is the trunk turning to the right side (left side of the facing viewer). This form of Ganesha symbolizes liberation from the birth-death cycle and everlasting enlightenment. This form is associated with the sun and requires careful and elaborate rituals for worship. Hence, this form of Ganesha is found mostly in temples and not very often worshiped by the common folk.
5) The large belly: Ganesha's large belly symbolizes strength and determination. Ganesha says one should have the stomach to digest all things in life; good or bad as they happen, and move ahead.
6) The feet: Most Ganesha idols have one feet on the ground and one folded before the body. This unique arrangement of Lord Ganesha's feet teaches us to maintain balance in our life; between materialistic pleasures and inner happiness.
7) Small eyes: Ganesha's small eyes symbolize focus and concentration. Ganesha's small eyes tell us that we should always be focused on our goal and never lose sight of it.
8) Single Tusk: The single tusk of Ganesha symbolizes courage, grit and the spirit to never give up even under the toughest circumstances. Legend has it that when Ganesha was busy writing down the Mahabharatha epic from Sage Veda Vyasa, his pen began to wear away. And since, he was forbidden to ask the sage to wait, he broke off one of his tusks and used it as a pen so that the continuity would not break.
9) The small mouse at Ganesha's feet: The small mouse present at Ganesha's feet called as Krauncha or Mooshika symbolizes humility and loss of ego. The small size of the mouse in contrast to Ganesha's huge form also symbolizes respect and love towards all creatures, regardless of their size and color.
Once again, on this auspicious occasion, I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous Ganesh Chathurthi. May Ganesha smile upon you.
Ganapati Bappa Morya !!