#Ganesha #Symbolism #DeeperMeaning

Reading one of my new books, I am awed by this wonderful explanation behind the birth of Ganesha. We all know the most commonly held stories, but little did I know about the deep symbolism behind the same.

Thread on this topic below

1/

We are all familiar with the story of Ganesha. Parvati creates a boy out of her powers and instills life.

When Shiva comes, the objects and fight ensues. In the resulting fight, Shiva cuts off the head of the kid. Right at this moment Parvati comes in to the horrific scene

2/

Shiva asked his attendants to bring a head, wherein an elephant (Gaja) head is brought and attached to the body. Boy is restored to life and blessed immensely.

Now, the questions that can arise are:
1. Why not use the old head?
2. What is special about elephant's head?

3/

This whole incident is reflective of Prakriti - Purusha concept.

Parvati represents the supreme prakriti/nature under whom 3 powers exists
anna - Matter
prana - Life energy
manas - Mind

Shiva on the other hand represents Purusha- Supreme soul under whom only soul is present

4/

Every being, human or otherwise, has elements of Prakriti & Purusha.

When Parvati created the boy, he had only anna, prana, manas i.e. prakriti aspects. However, to complete the body, soul is needed which is where Shiva comes in

5/

Shiva removes the head which contains the mind. When Parvati requests to make the body full, he can't use the old head which was bereft of a soul.

Gaja = Being Born (ja) in Heaven (Ga)

Elephant's head associated with spiritual powers is attached to the body

6/

Thus the body becomes complete with soul attached to the existing anna-prana-manas combination.

In today's world, it is a common parlance to say "change your head" which is meant to signify changing one's thought process

7/

There is another reason for Elephant's head. Ganesha is the master of the word, Brahmanspati. How is this signified?

The trunk of an elephant can take any shape, specifically the shame of "aum" considered the foundation of all mantras

8/

This was an amazing explanation which I wasn't aware till today.

PC: Google
Book : Ganapati, Brahmanaspati & Kumara by R.L.Kashyap