Ganesha: The remover of obstacles

Vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti samaprabha,

nirvighnam kurumein deva sarva karyeshu sarwada!!

Wishing all my readers a very happy Ganesha Chaturthi. Sharing a Ganesha sketch with an abundance sentiment attached to it. My humble attempt at making Ganesha sketch when I was in school.

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is an Indian festival that is celebrated with great devotion. Ganesha is the herald of auspicious beginnings and this festival marks the beginning of the festive season in India. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in the month of Bhadra (Hindi month) on shukla chaturthi tithi (Hindi date) which is the fourth day of waxing moon and it lasts for ten days. According to Puranas, on this very day, Parvati, mother of Ganesha created him. The last day is celebrated as Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of waxing moon).

 In Maharashtra (the state I am living in), it is the grandest festival and is celebrated in most elaborated way. Clay Ganesha idol is installed in every home and in pandal/mandals in different localities with the chanting of mantras and hymns. The statue is then worshiped every morning and evening for ten days. People offer sweets especially Modak, fruits and flowers to the idol.  It's a celebration that connects people with each other. People gather at one place and they participate in all the activities with great enthusiasm. On the last day of the celebration, the idol is immersed in a river. During this period of time, one can feel a lot of positive energy in environment.

This is how the festival is celebrated but in its true sense it has a great significance and every part of Ganesha idol itself is a treasure trove of symbols that depict so many good qualities. My father told me about all these qualities when I was kid and everything is still so clear in memory. He told me that when we look at Ganesha idol we should actually take on those qualities that the idol represents.

Summarizing below what Ganesha idol symbolizes:

Elephant head

Its huge size symbolizes that we should think big and use our brain's potential to the fullest. It represents knowledge and wisdom. Elephant can not be stopped by hurdles or obstacles, we should also be like that, remove obstacles and step ahead. 

Tiny eyes, small mouth and big ears

Though the eyes are tiny but they represent great vision, concentration and teach us to see beyond our vision. Small mouth to talk less and big ears to listen more.

Trunk & a tusk

Symbolizes that like trunk we should be adaptable and efficient, big or small whatever task we are given we should do it efficiently. Trunk denotes that retain the good things and throw away bad. Broken tusk symbolizes the sacrifice.

Huge belly

It represents generosity. One should digest all the good and bad and should keep all the secrets. Accept whatever comes in your way and digest it. 

Raised hand

Represents protection and blessings. One should not fear and always remember that God is with us. 

One leg folded and another on the floor

Denotes that one should enjoy all the worldly pleasure but remain detached from worldly desire.

With this, I am signing off and wishing all my lovely and very very dear readers a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi. 

May Ganesha remove all the obstacles and you step ahead effortlessly in the journey of life!!