The Fascinating Story of Lord Ganesh: Birth, Appearance, and Roles
Discover the intriguing tale of Lord Ganesh, the Elephant God in Hindu mythology. Born from Parvati's bath residue, Ganesh faced unique challenges and was blessed by Shiva with extraordinary powers. With a unique appearance and a role as the remover of obstacles and God of Good Luck, Ganesh holds a significant place in Hindu beliefs and traditions. Explore the historical background and origin of his elephant head, delving into the various Puranas that detail his creation. Uncover the symbolic elements that define Ganesh's origin and learn about his role as the King of the Harvest.
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Presentation Transcript
Ganesh: The Elephant God By: Shayan Jiwani
Birth Parvati created Ganesh from the residue in her bath tub Placed him outside to stand guard Shiva breaks his head into a thousand pieces Parvati demands Shiva bring him back to life First head he finds is that of an elephant Shiva gives Ganesh powers to compensate
Appearance Dwarfish and potbellied Complexion is reddish Items in his hand Broken tusk Elephant head Multiple arms Multiple heads Riding his rat (Vahana)
Roles and Duties Creator and Remover of obstacles Controls outcomes of one s endeavors God of Good Luck People must say puja to him
Historical Background Five Periods of Time: 1. Scribe for Mahabharata 2. Rapid spread of Ganesh 3. Mahapuranas- Ganesh born into Siva s family 4. Formalization of Ganesh s theology 5. Modern Ganesh: one of the greatest Gods Ideas of Dualism? Pryzulski Spirits of the Mountain Ganapati
Origin of his Elephant Head Shiva Purana: Ganesh from items in bath tub Skanda Purana: Skanda completed Ganesh Varaha Purana: Shiva initially gave the head in addition to serpent threads Brahmavaivarta Purana: planet Shani s curse head replaced by king of the elephants http://anibrain.com/how-lord-ganesha-got- his-elephant-head/
Four Elements define Ganeshs origin 1. Already conflict between Shiva and Parvati 1. Birth is always unusual 1. Shiva becomes more attracted to Parvati when Ganesh blocks his path 1. Belief of beheading enhances auspiciousness
King of the Harvest Agriculture crucial in South Asia Mushak Vahan: rider on a rat Cornsheaves swinging side to side parallel trunk of an elephant Modakas- ingredients are part of the harvest Various Rituals in regards to Harvest: Undir Bi Line of ashes Panch Mahals Kandesh
Festival and Miracle Ganesh Chaturthi Ten day festival celebrating his birth Idols of Ganesh elevated Panapratishtha shhodashopachara Immersed in rivers in the end Idols also painted Parade of Idols on floats Ganesh Milk Miracle Priests claim Ganesh drank milk offerings
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