This week, all over India, families, schools, and communities are coming together to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival honoring Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. For me, this celebration brings back so many memories of my childhood, where I first learned about Ganesha’s myth and symbolism in school.
I still remember sitting in class as a child in India, listening to our teacher tell the story of Ganesha—how he got his elephant head, his love for sweets and the deeper lessons hidden in his form. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of Ganesha, but as I grew older, his teachings and story became a part of how I approach life.
The Myth of Ganesha: The Elephant-Headed God
One of the most fascinating parts of Ganesha’s story is how he got his elephant head. According to the myth, Ganesha was created by his mother, Parvati, to stand guard while she bathed. When Shiva returned and tried to enter, not knowing who Ganesha was, a fight ensued. In a moment of anger, Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head. When Parvati discovered what had happened, her grief was so great that Shiva had to act quickly to make things right. His followers found an elephant’s head, and that’s how Ganesha was brought back to life.
I remember as a kid, I found this story so incredible—how could someone have an elephant’s head? But as I grew older, I understood that the elephant symbolized wisdom, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It wasn’t just about the physical form, but what it represented. The elephant’s head is large because it’s a reminder to think big, to be broad-minded, and to navigate life with wisdom.
Ganesha’s Nature: Patience, Strength, and the Power of Perseverance
What makes Ganesha so loved, though, isn’t just his head or his big belly (another part of him that always intrigued me as a child). It’s his nature. He’s the god you call on when you start something new—whether it’s a business, a journey, or even a yoga practice—because he’s known as the Remover of Obstacles. He’s the one who helps you move forward when the path seems blocked.
I learned early on, through school and my family, that Ganesha’s nature teaches us patience. Just like his large belly can digest everything, the good and the bad, Ganesha reminds us to accept all aspects of life and to keep going, no matter what challenges we face. As I started to understand this, I realized that no matter how difficult things got, invoking Ganesha’s spirit meant trusting that obstacles could be overcome with the right mindset and determination.
Why Does Ganesha Ride a Rat?
One of the most fascinating symbols of Ganesha is his vehicle—a tiny rat. It seems almost funny at first, an elephant-headed god riding on a little rat, but the symbolism is powerful. The rat represents our mind—small but capable of gnawing away at everything, including obstacles and fears.
When I was first told this, I found it curious, but over time I saw the wisdom. The rat symbolizes that no obstacle is too big, and no challenge is too small. Even the mind, when controlled and focused, can overcome the biggest hurdles. And it also teaches us to not underestimate the small, quiet forces in our lives—the ones that can help us navigate even the toughest moments.
Ganesha’s Lessons: The Power of Sharing Wisdom
One of the things I love most about Ganesha, and what I’ve taken from those school days in India, is that Ganesha teaches us the power of sharing. While practicing yoga or any discipline is about receiving—finding peace, strength, and balance—teaching it, much like sharing Ganesha’s wisdom, multiplies the love.
Just like Ganesha helps us clear the path ahead, we can help others by sharing the gifts we’ve received—whether it’s knowledge, love, or a helping hand. That’s why this celebration of Ganesha is so important, especially as we think about how to navigate our lives. It’s a reminder to give, to share, and to help others clear their own obstacles.
As we celebrate Ganesha this week, I invite you to reflect on the wisdom in his stories. Whether it’s the patience to overcome challenges or the ability to share your gifts with others, Ganesha’s lessons are timeless.
What obstacles are you facing right now, and how can you draw on Ganesha’s wisdom to move forward?
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