GANESH
By Sharyn G. Jordan
As a child, our friends were world-wide travelers and upon their return
from various places, they enthusiastically shared their exotic slides. The joke about having to view the neighbors dreaded
vacation slides did not apply. These
were interesting and a huge window on the world plus they generously gifted us
with unique souvenirs. I recall one such token from their magical time in
India; they gave me an interesting little Ganesh. Shortly thereafter it was a ‘Show and Tell’
school day in my 4th grade class.
Happily, my father took me to the college library where we learned about
this marvelous energy and his role in Hindu lore.
Legend has it as the son of the
Goddess Parvati and Shiva, like so many mythological characters, Ganesh had a
gory beginning. It is said that Ganesh began when Goddess Parvati formed a boy from
the sandlewood and dirt of her body and breathed life in him from being the
wife of Shiva. She assigned him the task
of guarding her bathroom and Ganesh became a noble, deeply dedicated guard of
her spa ritual. When Shiva came to call,
Ganesh did not know him and refused him entrance. Shiva was not accustomed to being denied so---gore-alert---he
beheaded him on the spot. Upon realizing
that this was his son, Shiva sent his squad (gana) out to find the first sleeping
entity that was facing north. They
returned with the head of an elephant which Shiva attached to the boy, returned
him back to life and declared him a leader (pati). To soothe Pavati’s grief, he proclaimed that
Ganesh or Ganapati would not only be worshipped but invoked before all travels
and any new venture.
Through the years, the deity
became associated with many more attributes such as being ‘the go-to guy’ to petition
to absorb all difficulties and remove any obstacles. Being a Symbolist, my
husband built a special place for my Ganesh in our RV which was located it in
the Helpful People and Travel Gua. IN the early 2000’s, we set our intention
was to visit all of the United States and in our mid-60’s to tour Europe. I am right on pace as so far, we have explored
41 of our 50 amazing United States of America and 80% of the Caribbean. In my home, Ganesh who also represents traveling
with ease lives in my closet. The reason I appreciate him there is that he is
also the Lord of New Beginnings and each day is indeed a fresh start. Since I associate him with travel, I keep a packed
bag with overnight necessities readily available. Environmentally or
affirmationally Ganesh can be anywhere in one’s home.
Ganesh or Ganesha is also considered the God
of Education, Knowledge, Wisdom, Wealth and Good Fortune; the Patron of Letters
and is deemed as the Lord of Success who creates internal balance. Quiet the Multi-tasker! Since the 4th century, he has been
an honored deity in pre-Vedic history and in India’s and Hindu worship. In
addition to these esteemed positions, he nobly assists in looking beyond
present circumstances. This last talent is essential because sadly, there are
too many people with blockages so crusty they need all the help they can
receive. Finding a way to see beyond the
present and a path to get there is essential for growth. Know anyone who has difficulty creating a
wonderful world? Gift them a little Ganesh figurine to invoke his magic. Have
fun with this mythological essence and if you are planning a trip or seeking
new beginnings, for obstacle-removing, take along Ganesh.
