Ganesha is one of the most adorable and revered deities in Hinduism. He’s believed to be the remover of all obstacles (Vighnaharta) and is, therefore, the first one to be worshiped before starting off with any auspicious event.
Ganesha is depicted with the head of an elephant and the body of a small chubby child. He’s addressed with different names like Lambodar, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Ekadanta, and Bhalchandra all around the world. However, what’s important to learn is that each attribute of Ganesha holds a special significance - right from his huge head to the pot-like belly.
This blog will help you understand this significance and why you should have a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol at home.
Big Elephant Head
Ganesha is said to be the god of intellect, knowledge, and virtue and his big head symbolizes enlightenment and the supreme power of judgment. Well, these are not just claims rather there lies an interesting tale supporting these facts.
Once Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, the parents of Ganesha thought of a playful game to test their two children - Ganesha and Kartikeya. They announced that whoever completes three rounds of the whole world first would receive a magical fruit of knowledge and wisdom.
Upon hearing this, Kartikeya rushed in order to win the race. However, little Ganesha used his intelligence and instead of taking rounds of the world, started circling around Lord Shiva and Parvati - both of whom he considered his world. Seeing his great intellect and thinking, he was awarded with the magical fruit of knowledge and considered the master of wisdom.
Please take a look at our standing statue of Lord Ganesha.
Why Such Large Ears & a Small Mouth?
Listen more and speak less - this is what Ganesha’s large ears and small mouth signify. The large ears suggest that we listen and grasp new thoughts in order to learn and grow. However, what’s important to understand is that all that we hear might not always be good and may often lead to anxiety and negative outgrowth. Hence, be mindful of what you take in and inculcate in your life.
On the other hand, it's always wise to speak less and speak only when required. It is well said that if you don’t have anything good to speak about, it is better to remain quiet and spend more time pondering upon something meaningful and valuable.
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Story Behind Ganesha’s Broken Tusk
Ganesha has two tusks, one on each side of his trunk. However, his right tusk is broken which conveys the idea that sometimes you have to make little sacrifices in order to achieve bigger things in life. But how did Ganesha get his tusk broken?
Maharishi Ved Vyas was commanded by the gods to record the great epic Mahabharata. He wanted someone of great intellect and knowledge to inscribe the Mahabharata. Upon knowing this, Lord Brahma suggested Maharishi to reach out to Lord Shiva and ask for his son Ganesha to do this task.
Ganesha agreed to it but put forward a condition that Maharishi would have to recite the complete epic in one go, without taking any pause in between. And if he stops, Ganesha will stop writing and drop the entire task.
Maharishi agreed to this condition. However, he also kept yet another clause from his end that the hymns that he’ll recite should be first well-understood and then written down in the book. The idea behind this was to recite difficult verses that’ll take time for Ganesha to understand and meanwhile, he’ll get his time to catch a break.
But that’s not what exactly happened. Once Ganesha started writing, he didn’t stop. However, the pen he was using to write started fading away. Taking note of the conditions put forward, and not having enough time to get the new pen or find a solution, Ganesha broke and pulled out his left tusk to finish the writing. It was after this incident that he received the name of Ekdanta.
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Different Directions of Ganesha’s Long Trunk
Ganesha’s long trunk conveys the idea of adaptability and strength. One should always try to adjust accordingly in unforeseen situations.
However, if you ever notice, you’ll find that Ganesha’s trunk is not always in the same direction. And different trunk directions signify different aspects.
Please take a look at our Majestic Lord Ganesh
Right-Side Trunk
Ganesha with a right-sided trunk is rare. It signifies the Surya Nadi and is considered the supreme form of Lord Ganesha which can either benefit instant results or destroy everything in a go. Hence, the right-sided trunk of Ganesha should be worshiped following all the rituals and traditions to gain the best results.
Left Side Trunk
If you’re looking for a Ganesha idol for home, the one with the left-sided trunk is the best option as it is easy to please and worship. It signifies the Chandra Nadi which is said to bring peace, nourishment, and prosperity to your home.
Straight or Front Side
You’d rarely find Ganesha with a straight trunk as these are quite uncommon. Nonetheless, if you do, know that they represent the Sushma Nadi which runs along the spinal cord. This form of Ganesha can be worshiped especially when one is struggling with mental health and other family issues.
Check out Lord Ganesh Head
Pot-Like Belly
Ganesha’s big belly denotes the importance of digesting everything good and bad that comes in life. It is where the entire energy of the cosmos resides and is absorbed.
Four Hands
Ganesha’s four hands clearly decode the art of giving and receiving. His upper right hand carries an ax which symbolizes retrenchment. One should always observe and be mindful of when to cut back, reduce, and retreat. The noose in the upper left hand signifies the importance of comprehending good things and seizing the right opportunities that help us grow in life.
The Modak in the lower left-hand represents the rewards you receive upon undergoing and fulfilling spiritual endeavors. While the lower right hand, in the Abhaya mudra, is raised to grace the devotees with his blessings.
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Vastu Tips for Keeping Ganesha Idol at Home
Here are some Vastu tips for the ideal placement of Lord Ganesha at home:
- Place the idol in the east, west, or northeast direction of your house.
- Never place Ganesha murti in the south direction or near the washroom.
- Avoid keeping the Ganesha idol in the bedroom. If you wish to do so, make sure to keep it in the northeast direction.
- There are various different types of Ganesha idols that you can find out in the market or at online stores. You can pick from the ones made from crystal, cow dung, brass, polyresin, and more.
- Always place the idol on an elevated platform.
Take a look at the Ganesha wall art.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Where can I buy a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol?
A. You can check various outlets dealing with god idols and other statues or browse through different home decor websites like Artarium to buy the best quality Vighnaharta Ganesha idol.
Q. What should I look for when buying a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol?
A. While buying a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol, look for its material, position of the trunk, color, and posture. However, whatever you choose entirely depends on your needs and preferences.
Q. How much does a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol cost?
A. The cost for a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol can vary depending on various factors like size, material, color, and finish.
Q. Is it important to perform rituals with a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol?
A. Yes, it's important to perform rituals with the Vighnaharta Ganesha idol before installing it.
Q. Can I buy a Vighnaharta Ganesha idol online?
A. Yes, there are many trusted home decor brands you can shop from like Artarium that offer the best quality Vighnaharta Ganesha idols online.
Q. Which type of Ganesha idol is good for home?
A. Ganesha with a left-sided trunk is considered good for home.
Q. Can we put Ganesha's idol at the home entrance?
A. Yes, you can keep Ganesha’s idol at the home entrance. However, ensure that the back of the idol does not face the inside of the home.
Q. Why do we keep Ganesha’s idol at home?
A. Keeping Ganesha’s idol at home is believed to bring prosperity, eliminating all obstacles and negative energies.
Q. Which Ganesha idol is not good for home?
A. Ganesha with his trunk directed towards the right is not considered good for home.
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