THE SYMBOL:
Lord Ganesha or the loving elephant God is a symbol of Ketu as per Astrology and Buddhi or wisdom. The elephant head is a symbol of a huge head full of wisdom.
Lord Ganesha is sitting on the psychic lotus of Muladhara chakra which governs time, matter, and memory. He is the remover of obstacles and your guide as well towards the right path or dharma. The noose and goad in his hands are there to strike and repel obstacles in your path. Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh sculpted during the 5th century and Vatapi Caves in South India from the 6th century are the oldest Lord Ganesha temples known in India.
SUPERSTITION AND MIRACLE
Miracle news started with the most popular elephant-faced god when it was found that the idols are drinking milk. The “Milk Miracle” as it is popularly known was dismissed by scientists as mass hysteria, but it shook the masses and made them wait for hours to feed the deity. In Sep 1995 it started from India and reached London, Bangkok, Germany and so on.
It was hysteria or faith or superstition?
Well, faith says never ask questions and just believe and trust it. But the brain keeps asking questions. Again, how to justify thousands of devotees standing in long queues to feed an idol for days? This miracle happened not only in India but worldwide. Scientists were applying the theory of capillary action, but the suction was about hundreds of liters of milk by a small idol for days. It was not seen flowing out of the body or around the bodies of idols made of stone or metal.
This incident happened when there were no social media but the news of “Ganesha drinking milk” started from Delhi and spread worldwide. Hindus kept flocking outside temples almost everywhere possible.
From “OM” to “Swastika” we have a long list and history of symbols.
“Om” and “Swastika” are the two most popularly used symbols in Ganesh pujas and mantras.
Some of the popular and beneficial mantras are as below:
- Sri Ganesha Moola Mantra
- Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
- Ganesha mantra
- Gam
Three popular Ganesha Gayatri Mantra:
- Om ektantaya vidmahey
Vakratundaya dhimahi
Tanno danti prachodayat.
- Om Tatpurushaya vidmahey
Vakratundaya dhimahi
Tanno danti prachodayat.
- Om Tat karataya vidmahey
Hastimukhaya dhimahi
Tanno danti prachodayat.
Panchmukhi Ganesha
The Five-Headed Ganesha (Panchmukhi Ganesha)
Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) because his name is enough to get rid of all the obstacles. He is the sign of joy, success, and prosperity. It is believed that he is the remover of obstacles and thus he is worshipped before beginning of any auspicious ceremony or new venture.
In the Vedas, the origin, development, destruction, and movement of the soul have been explained through Panchakosha.
Pancha means Five and Mukhi mean Faced. Panchmukhi Ganesha means having five faces. All these five faces personify the strengths. Let’s have a look at the head symbolize the five Kosha-
- Annamaya Kosha signifies the flesh body made of matterPranamaya Kosha signifies the breath body or energy body
- Manomayakosha signifies the mental body
- Vighnnamayakosha signifies the body of the upper Consciousness
- Anandamayakosha signifies the body of Cosmic bless.
Panchmukhi Ganesha has gained popularity among South Indians and he has control over all the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Panchmukhi Ganesha can remove all the negative energies and his thought in the mind can bring peace and joy to an individual’s life.
Panchmukhi Vinayak has a special place in Hindu mythology and if it is placed towards the east-facing it will show wonders and an individual will enjoy the profits in his business.
Male Female Ganesha
The fourth day after the New Moon is observed as Vinayaki Chaturthi. This day is dedicated to the feminine aspect of Lord Ganesha. Vinayaki was also considered as Shaktis or yoginis of Parvati.
Top 5 Ganesh Temples in India
Lord Ganesha is one of the much loved Hindu gods who is worshipped at the time of starting a new venture. It is a sign of good fortune and it is also believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha will bring security in the life of the person.
If you are planning to visit the Top 5 Ganesh Temples in India then have a look at them:
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
- Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur
- Ganesh Tok Temple,Gangok
- Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
Do visit these places and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
