Lord Ganesha, the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati comes before the creation of the world and the consciousness — he is an absolute eternal. Ganesha or Vinayaka is invoked/worshipped before starting any work, as he is synonymous with the beginning and symbolises Omkar, which according to the metaphysical knowledge states is the first manifested appearance of that unmanifested Brahma.
Lord Ganesha is the lord of all obstacles too, that’s why he is addressed as Vighneshwara and he is both Vighnakarta, the creator of obstacles as well as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Lord Ganpati’s elephant head stands for superior intellectual power — one should think big; his trunk curled forms an Om representing a symbol of his father Lord Shiva as well as the sacred symbol of the cosmic reality; the snake around his waist signifies the eternal energy; the tusk is for knowledge; elephantine ears connote that he is listening to the entire world with patience, knowledge and wisdom; small mouth indicates talking less; small eyes stand for concentration; big belly symbolises that he has the capacity to take in and absorb the problems of the world and his four arms stand for intellect, ego, mind and conscious power.
The axe in his hand means detaching from the materialistic needs, rope symbolises to attach yourself with the supreme, modak symbolises food, wealth, rewards, and the lotus stands for human evolution. Gajanana riding on the mouse (who is cursed Krauncha) means one should control their desire and not let it control one.
An idol of Ek Danta should be placed just opposite the main entrance of your home/office. It is believed that the Lord looking at the main entrance door is guarding the house and will ward off evils and bring prosperity. Just be careful not to place the idol next to the toilet or the wall of the toilet/bathroom. And if an idol is in the bedroom, just ensure your feet are not pointing towards it.
Ganesha Chaturthi is the festival celebrated in his honour and is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi.
During this festival one can light a diya next to a Ganesha idol in the house.
Offering white flowers to the God brings success and fame. You may also offer Jasud or Hibiscus flower, as it is considered very dear to lord Ganesha.
Offering grass brings good luck, prosperity and children, and offering vermilion or sindoor brings good fortune. Chant Om Ganeshaya Namah 108 times to clear all your chakras and see how it brings you health, wealth and happiness.
Rabia Kochar is a spiritual writer
