Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 33

31 Page
air, ether and water- and guides the elemental forces which produce and maintain order in the universe. Sometimes Lord Ganesha is depicted with two women Riddhi and Siddhi. Riddhi is prosperity and Siddhi is success. Ganesha is a celibate.
The symbols of Lord Ganesha have special significance. An elephant's head on a human body is meant to represent supreme wisdom. The combination and animal in one body signifies divinity in all the beings. The trunk which springs from his head represents the intellect. His four arms stand for the four inner equipments of the subtle body, namely mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), ego (ahankar) and conditioned consciousness (chitta). Gamesja refresemts the fire cpmscopismess. The Ata,am (self). In one hand he holds an axe and in another a rope. The axe symbolizes the destruction of all desires and attachments. The rope is meant to pull the seeker out of his worldly entanglements.
OM GANPATAYE NAMAH GANJANAM BHOOT GANÁDHI SEVITAM KAPITTH JAMBOO PHAL SAAR BHAKSHANAM UMÁ SUTAM SHOKVINAASH KAARNAM NAMAAMI VIGHNESHWAR PAAD PANKAJAM DVD EVKvw
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In the third hand he holds a rice ball (modak or laddoo). Modaka represents the joyous rewards of spiritual seeking. In the fourth hand he holds a lotus (Padma). The lotus represents the supreme goal of human evolution. His huge belly is indicative of contentment and inspires his devotees to develop contentment. It signifies that all things, the entire universe, are contained in him. Lord Ganesha occupies a unique place in the Hindu pantheon of Gods.
3 TAH: गजाननं भूतगणाधि सेवितं कपित्य जम्बू फलसार भक्षणम्
उमासुतं शोक विनाश कारणं नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पादपंकजम् ॥
December 2006
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPPICIATION (1976-2006)