Meaning of Ganesha

Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in a clearly recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta Period, although he inherited traits from Vedic and preVedic precursors. The meaning of Ganesha and his popularity rose quickly, and he was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism in the 9th century. Lord Ganesh is a Hindu deity who is quite easy to identify with his elephant head. When Lord Shiva in his ire removed the head of his own son, the inconsolable Devi Prbati threatened to annihilate the world. In order to placate the griefstricken Parvati,Shiva immediately asked his envoys to bring back the head of any living creature that facing north. After much searching the ganas, as they were called, found an elephants head. Shiva took the head and attached it to ganeshas body. And so the loyal, loving son was returned to his mothers lap happy and alive albeit a bit altered. There is a lot behind the meaning of Ganesha and the symbolism inherent in the way mythology has conjured up the image of Ganesha. In order to uncover the meaning of Ganesha one must look beyond the obvious and understand the symbolisms behind Ganesha. First of all let us take a look at the trunk itself. It is really a versatile appendage. Not only is it all-powerful with the ability to wreath destruction in its worst form but it can also get on with delicate tasks with finesse. The extra-large ears of Ganesha are for hearing with any problems everything that his devotees ask. Besides his trunk and his large ear, there are four hands holding separate items. There is a lotus, a hatchet, a Modak and the fourth hand is held up palm forward in the form of a blessing. The vahana or vehicle of Ganesha is a rat. By riding a rat, Ganesha shows himself as a wise man who has been able to control all his senses and has emerged victorious. Ganesha the elephant equals dignity and maintaining a cool head in any situation. When we gradually uncover the meaning of Ganesha a lord with calm and even happy disposition comes to mind, with wisdom and intellect shining through.