THE DANCING GANESHA

Ganesha lives in the hearts of millions in India and the Indian diaspora. The god with the head of an elephant, a large pot belly, and four arms that hold a variety of accouterments is regarded as the remover of obstacles; his blessings are petitioned for an auspicious start to any new task. Ganpati is seen in paintings and in sculptures, seated, standing, or dancing. In general, he is shown as having four arms, holding his characteristic attributes -- a modak or a laddu, a broken tusk, an ax or a goad, and a noose. Symbolically, His elephant head signifies wisdom; the ears hear everything. His round belly is the cosmos, and the snake wrapped around it is the force that holds it all together. The mouse represents the wandering mind; we need knowledge and wisdom to prevent our minds and thoughts from straying.

The ax is the detachment that cuts us loose from worldly enticements, and the rope pulls us to higher goals. The palm in the abhaya mudra position blesses us as we embark on that path. And the sweet? It is a reward for that discipline!

The dancing form of Ganesha is the 15th form of his 32 forms and is called Nritya Ganapati.He dances as a symbol of joy and playfulness and in honor of his father, Shiva, the Lord of dance. His dance, like that of Shiva, represents the cycle of creation and destruction, a part of the divine cosmic core of Hindu philosophy.

We welcome the Lord to our homes on this happy occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and pray that he guides us daily.

Wishing all a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganpati Bappa Morya!

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