Ganesh Mask with Namaste Gesture

The Ganesh mask featuring a Namaste gesture is ideal for wall decoration. Crafted from brass, it stands at 13 inches tall.

Iconography of Ganesh

Depictions of Ganesha exhibit a wide range of variations and distinct patterns that evolve over time. He can be illustrated in various poses, such as standing, dancing, valiantly battling demons, playing with family as a child, seated, or positioned on an elevated throne, as well as engaging in numerous modern scenarios.

Ganesha is characterized by his elephant head and large belly. The statue features four arms, which is typical for representations of him. In his lower-right hand, he holds his own broken tusk, while in his lower-left hand, he has a sweet treat that he tastes using his trunk. The image of Ganesha bending his trunk sharply to the left to sample the delicacy in his lower-left hand is a particularly ancient characteristic.

A more primitive statue resembling this form found in one of the Ellora Caves has been dated back to the 7th century. The details of the other hands are hard to discern in the displayed statue. Generally, Ganesha is depicted holding an axe or a goad in one upper arm and a noose in the other upper arm.

Association of Loard Ganesh

Lord Ganesh is highly honored as the one who clears obstacles, and he is frequently worshipped at the start of new endeavors or projects. He is linked to intellect, wisdom, and education, making him a protector of students and scholars. Ganesh is viewed as a bringer of prosperity and success, often called upon for financial security and abundance.His unique elephant head represents strength, intelligence, and the capacity to overcome difficulties.Ganesh holds significant value in Hindu culture.

Lord of Obstacles

Ganesha, known as Vighneshvara or Vighnaraja, is recognized as the Lord of Obstacles, encompassing both physical and spiritual challenges. While he is widely revered for his ability to eliminate obstacles, he also has the traditional role of placing barriers in the way of those who require restraint.

According to Paul Courtright, “his role in the divine order, his dharma, involves both creating and removing obstacles. This is his unique domain and the purpose of his existence.”

Krishan notes that some of Ganesha’s names reflect shadings of multiple roles that have evolved over time. Dhavalikar ascribes the quick ascension of Ganesha in the Hindu pantheon, and the emergence of the Ganapatyas, to this shift in emphasis from vighnakarta (obstacle-creator) to vighnaharta (obstacle-averter).

Buddhi

Ganesha is regarded as the deity of letters and knowledge. In Sanskrit, the term “buddhi” is a feminine noun that can be translated as intelligence, wisdom, or intellect. The idea of buddhi is closely linked to Ganesha’s character, particularly during the Puranic era, where numerous tales highlight his cleverness and appreciation for intelligence. One of Ganesha’s titles in the Ganesha Purana and the Ganesha Sahasranama is Buddhipriya. This name is also included in a list of 21 significant names mentioned at the conclusion of the Ganesha Sahasranama, which Ganesha himself identifies as particularly important. The term “Priya” can mean “fond of,” and in a marital context, it can imply “lover” or “husband,” suggesting that the name could be interpreted as either “Fond of Intelligence” or “Husband of Buddhi.”

Kundalini Yoga

In Kundalini yoga, Ganesha is believed to inhabit the first chakra, known as Muladhara. The term “Mula” translates to “original” or “main,” while “adhara” means “base” or “foundation.” The Muladhara chakra serves as the fundamental principle for the manifestation and outward expansion of the primordial Divine Force. This connection is also referenced in the Ganapati Atharvashirsa. Ganesha is said to reside continuously in the sacral plexus at the base of the spine, establishing a permanent presence in every individual at the Muladhara. He supports, holds, and guides all other chakras, thus “governing the forces that drive the wheel of life.”

Ganesh Mantras

Om Gan Ganapataye Namo Namaha, Shree Siddhi Vinayak Namo Namaha I Ashta Vinayak Namo Namaha Ganapati Bappa Moraya 

This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, a new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success.

Shree Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada

O Lord Ganesha of the curved trunk and massive body, the one whose splendor is equal to millions of Suns, please bless me to that I do not face any obstacles in my endeavors.

Aum Shreem Gam Saubhaagya Ganpataye Varvard Sarvajanm Mein Vashamaanya Namah

By chanting this saubhagya mantra, we are asking for good fortune and blessings for our current and future life-times from Lord Ganesha. We bow in homage to Lord Ganesha who protects us with health and happiness.

Aum Ekadantaya Namah

Ekadanta refers to one tusk of the elephant-faced Lord Ganesha. This means God broke the duality and made you have a complete one-pointed mind. Chanting this Ganesha mantra will help in filling your mind with the feelings of oneness for a single-minded devotion.

Aum Lambodaraya Namah

This mantra means that all the celestial bodies are within an individual. Aum represents the sound of creation and the entire universe is comprised inside it. It is a suitable mantra to be chanted during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Aum Vighna Nashanaya Namah

Lord Ganesha is believed to have the power to remove every hindrance in our life. By chanting this mantra, all impediments and blocked energy in your physical and cosmological bodies are unconfined. This is a suitable mantra for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Aum Ganadhyakshaya Namah

This mantra is very suitable for chanting on Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is the leader of the Gana. It is believed that chanting this mantra by thinking a group of people in your mind will help in a group healing.

Aum Gajakarnikaya Namah

The word Gajakarnikaya refers to the ears of Lord Ganesha which is similar to that of an elephant. By chanting this mantra, you can tune your body with seven chakras and all 72,000 Nadis, to any Loka.