The approach to the mythology of Ganesha is eclectic but necessarily so to account for the multivocality of the myths themselves. His four arms stand for his immense power in helping humanity. He holds a noose in one hand. Ganesha's magnificent mind, like the noose, draws close those he loves most dearly and reaches out to encircle and save strayed ones in extraordinary ways. In the other hand, he holds a lotus, as he wants all minds to be as the flower "Coming from the depth of the mud into the opening of the bud high above the water's edge." In one of the normal hands he holds a bowl of sweets. The modaka in his hand is symbolic of jnana, conferring bliss. With the right hand, he makes a 'fear not' or protection-assuring gesture. In this hand-pose, the hand is lifted and the palm of the hand with the fingers extended upwards, face outwards. He sits on a pedestal with one leg pendant and the other across the knee. He wears an ornate crown over the large ears. The pedestal has an elaborate back and Ganesha's mount, the mouse at the bottom. This tiny mouse attests to the all pervasiveness of the elephant God. This description by Renu Rana
Click Here to read the Article: Ganesha - the Elephant Headed God, Art and Mythology
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist