The Elephant God
“Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum, Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam, Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet, Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye”
Meaning: Lord Ganesha always dressed in white represents purity. He is omnipresent with gray complexion like that of ash glowing with spiritual splendor. The Lord with bright countenance has four arms. I meditate on the God who can destroy all obstacles whether material or spiritual.
Ganpati festivities are in full swing and 2 days have already past the celebrations. During Bappa’s (as he’s lovingly called) annual visit, devotees leave no stone unturned to ensure that the elephant head god is welcomed in style and pomp. The physical attributes of Ganesha are complete with spiritual symbolisms. Various symbols and forms speak a lot whilst words may fall short.
Did you know it takes almost 6-7 months of hard work for the artisans to conceptualise, design, sculpt and paint the idols. Be it small or big, every idol is made with equal joy and enthusiasm.
Quotes Vijay Jain, CEO, ORRA “Lord Ganesha is the most loved god of the masses, this pendant from the Mantrasiddhi collection is dedicated to the elephant headed god for Ganesh Chaturthi”
A big head of an Elephant symbolises to think big, small eyes but natural ability to see things bigger, large ears to listen carefully, flexible trunk to be adaptable, wide mouth to celebrate and enjoy life, broken tusk to be free from orderliness, big stomach to be large hearted and be able to digest the good and bad, Four hands – to think in all directions mana, buddhi, chitta and ahamkara, Modak to seek the reward of penance, Musak – a mouse to keep the desires in control, one leg folded and other on ground to aim high and yet remain grounded.
Generally, tender Durva shoots with three or five leaflets are used in the ritualistic worship of Shri Ganeshji. They are called durvankur. Durva is also offered to Ganesha with each utterance of the one thousand Names of Ganesha. The ritual is called ‘durvarchan’. In this the offering of Durva begins from the Holy Feet of Ganesh.
Modak: This dumpling shaped sweet is loved by Ganesha
Dhumravarna: Ganesha simulates Shiva in this incarnation and celebrates his victory over Ahamkara – the demon of false pride.
Vighnaraja: Ganesha displays a resemblance to Vishnu in this avatar and overpowers Mamasura – the demon of attachments and thus clears the path towards the world of joy.
Gajanana: Designed with a dark trunk and the tall crown, the pendant simulates Lord Balaji inducing his devotees to donate.
Mahodara: Ganesha seated in leisure with one hand holding the sweet ball and the other granting protection. Mahodara’s distinction of being the god of knowledge is underlined by Om that is formed by his belly and the raised left knee.
To browse through ORRA’s spiritual collection visit: http://www.orra.co.in
