Who was Ganesha

The word "Ganesha" consists of the words "gana" and "isha". "Gana" designates all beings that have the name and form, and "isha" means Lord, Master. Ganesha is the name given to Shiva's second son because he became the master of all creation. Ganesha or Ganapati is an extremely popular god in India. It is invoked to remove obstacles, as well as to the beginning of all the more important actions: travel, building houses, writing books or even letters, obtaining paranormal powers and the ability to discriminate. He is the god of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature, beautiful arts. All spiritual rituals in the Hindu tradition begin with Ganesha's invocation. In the tantric tradition, Ganesha is believed to protect and guide sexual relations by orientating them spiritually. He is regarded as the embodiment of tantric mysteries.

Symbolic representation

Ganesha is represented by a small stature, with a large, round, four-sided abdomen and a single-fang elephant head. In three of his hands he holds an anchor, a sash, and sometimes a clam. In some representations, the fourth hand makes a gesture of granting its divine favors, but most often holds a ladhu, a chickpea cake. Their eyes shine like two precious stones. He rides or is accompanied by a rat, a former demon, which he defeated and then accepted as a vehicle.

This representation may not be very attractive to a rational mind. The animal's head and fat body attract children, but for those who consider themselves adults it seems ridiculous. It is a mistake, however, to deceive ourselves from its appearance, because Ganesha is protecting the refined beings who are not deceived by the external aspects. Those who cannot see the Divine in it and are distracted by its representation, become a prey to the discursive mind, which is the greatest obstacle in the spiritual path. Ganesha's acceptance of Divine Force has the effect of controlling and pacifying the mind as well as squandering doubts. Therefore, he is considered the most suitable deity for the removal of obstacles.

Ganesha’s Energy

Faith in it generates a great force, reversing the normal downward flow of energy, orienting it upward, allowing the activation of the higher centers of force in our being. Divine Ganesha is unwavering. It brings firmness of those who meditate on it and invokes it at the beginning of all profane or spiritual actions.

In Mugdala Purana it is said: "Ganesha's human body is "tvam"(you), the head of the elephant is "tat"(Brahman) and together signifies the unity of these two aspects. Thus, the body of Ganesha is the visible representation of the highest realm, Brahman, expressed by "tat tvam asi" (you are the One (Brahman or God)). "

Another explanation is that, in general, Ganesha's head represents Atman, the Supreme Reality, and the body, from the neck down, symbolizes Maya, the principle of phenomenal existence. Atman's involvement in the world is accomplished through mind and speech.