Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant festival celebrating Lord Ganesh, has been a pillar of cultural and spiritual life in both India and its diasporic communities spread throughout the world. This festival is traditionally characterised by the welcoming of elaborate crafted idols of Ganesh in clay and their ensuing immersion in water, symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution.
The symbolism of clay
Ganesh Chaturthi offers the opportunity to reflect on humankind’s inherent relationship with Nature and the impact of our traditions on our surroundings. The use of clay (shadu mati) extends beyond sheer materiality. In fact, the clay idols to the effigy of Ganesh that are painstakingly crafted embody the earth element (Prithvi tattva), reminding one of the ephemerality of life and the significance of going down memory lane to one’s roots. Through the clay, devotees honour the interconnectedness of all life forms and the divine essence present in Nature. This harmonious outlook aligns with the Hindu philosophy of the cyclical ethos of our existence. The immersion (Visarjan) of the clay idol at the end of the festival, symbolises the end of the physical form and the liberation of the soul to attain moksha.
Ganesh as an embodiment of metaphysical concepts
In the vast realm of Hindu philosophy, Ganesh is not merely worshipped as a deity of rituals and festivals. He emerges as an extensive embodiment of metaphysical concepts as well as spiritual truths. With an elephant head and human body, his unique form serves as a living philosophy, providing valuable insights into the nature of reality, the human condition and the path to self-realisation.
Ganesh is interpreted as the manifestation of Om and Brahman. Brahman is the singular and ultimate force that underlies existence, which is inherent and absolute, from which everything emanates. As per an Upanishadic text titled ‘Ganapati Atharvasira’, Ganesh is associated with Om, the primordial sound epitomising Brahman. The text proclaims: ‘You alone are the visible manifestation of the universe. You alone are the creator, preserver, and destroyer.’ This philosophical stance underlies the perspective of the divine permeating all spheres of the cosmos, whereby Ganesh is that symbol of unity.
The form of Ganesh
The overall iconography of Ganesh is rich with symbolic meaning, revealing profound philosophical concepts. His elephant head symbolises wisdom and the ability for discernment. The large ears enable him to develop his listening skills and absorb knowledge effectively. As for his single tusk (Ekdanta), it denotes the dedication to duty and the pursuit of singular truth. As per a popular story, Ganesh broke his own tusk to use it as a writing implement, when his pen wore out. In that way, he ensured the uninterrupted transcription of the Mahabharata while Sage Vyasa recited it without any pauses.
Ganesh also uses a mouse as his vehicle. This shows his conquest of desire and ego, demonstrating the need to master one’s impulses. As Vighnaharta (Remover of obstacles), the role of Ganesh extends beyond physical limitations. Indeed, this role encompasses overcoming inherent barriers such as ignorance, ego and attachment. When one starts navigating the pathway of self-realisation, these obstacles seem daunting. However, while meditating upon Ganesh and taking on board his attributes, one can fully align oneself with one’s true nature (Atman). By embodying the principle that the divine lies within, Ganesh teaches us that through discipline and self-inquiry, one can also realise one’s hidden divinity.
A balance between material and spiritual life
The form of Ganesh embodies the harmony linking spiritual pursuit and worldly engagement. His protruded belly encapsulates the ability to digest both pleasant and unpleasant experiences, representing his composure within a hectic existence. His posture which is often depicted with one foot on the ground and the other folded, shows the balance between the active participation in the world while maintaining inner contemplation. This duality therefore encourages individuals to fulfil their duties while keeping that connection to their spiritual existence.
In contemporary society, the symbolism of Ganesh still resonates and offers insights into ethical living and personal development. Qualities such as wisdom, humility and self-control are imparted. At the beginning of a task, Ganesh is typically invoked to bring clarity and focus. The chanting of mantras like ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha’ can be a form of meditation and help to ground one’s thoughts. With his serene face, wise eyes and symbolic form, he is an anchor of emotional and psychological strength.
Existentialism and Stoicism
Existentialist theory lays emphasis on individual freedom, choice and existence. Ganesh, as the remover of obstacles, exhorts one to forge one’s own values, living authentically and finding one’s way. Jean-Paul Sartre suggests that humans are born without a pre-defined purpose or nature. They hence need to figure out their lives, which are fraught with mortal dangers. Similarly, Vasuki the serpent, adorns Ganesh’s waist. The serpent symbolises energy in its multifaceted forms; divine and destructive. The snake is the dormant energy known as ‘Kundalini Shakti’, which is present in all human beings. Kundalini Shakti is described as a quiescent, coiled energy at the base of the spine. This powerful feminine life-force energy, when awakened, is believed to activate various energy centres (chakras), leading to heightened awareness and a sense of unity with the divine. By wearing the snake as a belt, Ganesh illustrates that he has mastery over this form of energy.
If that energy were to be utilised without due caution, then chaos would be the order of the day. Through the image of Ganesh harnessing the potent energy of Vasuki, this serves as a guide about how to navigate the complexities of human existence, through self-awareness.
Moreover, Ganesh is emblematic of Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy, which calls for self-control and fortitude, in order to conquer destructive emotions. Ganesh might look different from other forms of divinities but he demonstrates the capacity to attain inner peace despite external circumstances. Ganesh loves sweets, music, writing and dance, thus looking on the bright sight of life. His human body represents the earthly experiences while his elephant head signifies higher consciousness. This duality consequently encompasses the microcosm and the macrocosm, depicting the interconnectedness of the individual and the universe. Always the optimist, he is a model for cultivating inner strength and resilience.
Serenity within chaos
In an increasingly overwhelming world, Ganesh offers that moment of pause. A time to breathe. A time to reflect. He is that constant reminder that our wellbeing lies within equilibrium; that fine balance between bliss and pain, desire and detachment, control and surrender. He is that moral compass in times of uncertainty. As a powerful source of light, he guides our every step, ensuring that each challenge is not a setback, but instead a stepping stone.
Sukhkarta Dukhharta Aarti (Devotional hymn)
As thousands of households and temples are ready to welcome Ganesh amidst much pomp and splendour globally, the rich melody and lyrics of a popular Marathi Aarti will resonate throughout. The ‘Sukhakarta Dukhaharta’ devotional hymn, which was composed by Samarth Ramdas, a renowned Marathi poet and saint in the 17th century, celebrates Ganesh, who brings happiness to all those who seek his blessings. It is time to let go of one’s woes, introspect deeply, start loving ourselves and embrace the warmth of the multitude of blessings graciously bestowed upon us by the universe.
A translation of the Aarti is as follows:
Oh Lord who provides Joy, takes away Sadness and removes all “vighnas” (obstacles) in life
Who spreads love everywhere as his blessing
Who has lovely “shendur utna”(yellow-orange fragrance paste) all over his body
Who has a necklace of “Mukataphal”(pearls in Sanskrit) around his neck
Hail the god, Hail the god, Hail the auspicious idol
all our wishes are fulfilled just by “darshan” (looking at the idol)
Offering you Seat studded with Ratna(jewels) for you “Gaurikumra” (son of Gauri)
Smearing you with Chandan(Sandalwood) utna(paste) and Kumkum(Red Tilak) on the head
Diamond studded crown suites you right
Whose anklets tingle in his feet
Hail the god, Hail the god, Hail the auspicious idol
Lambodar Who wears Pitaambar(yellow cloth worn by men during puja)
“Lambodar” – from the long – ‘lambo’, tummy – ‘udar’
Who has Straight trunk and is Vakratunda and Trinayana
“Vakratunda”one who breaks the ego of he who behaves anti-socially (‘Vakra’).
“Trinayana” the son of the 3 eyed (Lord Shiva)
I (Samarth Ramdas) am waiting for you in my “Sadana” (home) just like the slave(used as devotee) of Lord Rama
Please help us and protect us during bad times, my Salutations to lord
Hail the god, Hail the god, Hail the auspicious idol
Sources:
https://www.amritapuri.org/3714/ganesha.aum
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/ganesh-chaturthi-2023-who-wrote-the-songs-jai-ganesha-deva-and-sukh-karta-dukh-harta-8584488.html
https://modernstoicism.com/what-is-stoicism-by-john-sellars/
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/culture/philosophy/thinkers/jean-paul-sartre-and-existential-choice
https://crystaldivine.in/divine-providence-of-the-ganesh-statue/?srsltid=AfmBOopzzI4wK-HVIlQhqLnlGh3ZYYRxDg6SainPPQ6p-DrBe8y8AtXW
