The image of Ganesha, his rituals and his stories, are a kind of mythological puzzle created by our ancestors. Through him, they are trying to communicate a profound truth that changed their understanding of the world, and enabled them to live a richer fuller life. One can argue, why not simply give the solution; why go through the trouble of creating a puzzle? Ancient Hindus believed that wisdom must never be given. It has to be taken. And so, the answers are right there in front of us, in the form of Ganesha, if we are willing to decode it. If we do not want to do decode it, it's perfectly alright. The image of Ganesha will continue to enrich us, even without being intellectually analyzed. For the intellectuals, however, there are the scriptures, the various works dedicated specifically to Ganesha, including a Purana, a Gita and an Upanishad.
Puranas are texts that chronicle the tales and the methods of worship of deities enshrined in temples. These are later Hindu texts, very different in character from early Hindu texts, the Vedas, where the cornerstone of attention was not a deity but a ritual called the Yagna.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wood Apple / Kapith
Wood apple or Goddess of forest (feronia elephantum) also known as Kapith in Sanskrit, Kothu or Keith is still available in the Indian cities thanks to the street vendors who sell seasonal berries, star fruit and other such foods.
Moving Meditation
Finding stillness in movement
Sensitising Children
Becoming better human beings is no child's play
The Parikarmas
Diamonds in the rough
Dharmic Leader in Modern Times
Lessons from Nature
Lights, Camera, Action
Making dreams come true
Unlocking the Happiness Within
The art of removing worries
About "Pairs of Opposites" and Dharma
From Kleshas to Aklishta
Different Paths in Yoga
What level is your awareness?
Building up Good Tendencies
Investing a little consistently goes a long way From a Parisamvada by Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra