LORD GANESHA

 LORD GANESHA

Yes, apparently, the posting comes a day after Vinayaka Chathurthi - a grand event across India. That I miss Chathurthi schedule is not a serious lapse, as the event lasts for 10 days in most parts. Why such a posting -may be a nagging thought for some. Since Ganesha has wider appeal, I thought, it would not be inappropriate to make a posting on this topic during this festivity.

Ganesha symbolizes ‘totality’ or wholesomeness by every dimension of HIS. Yes, HE is the ‘starter’ of any auspicious event or He flags off any mega event-- be it in public or domestic setting. Besides, as a student of Biology, I perceive quite some interesting lessons from Ganesha worship in this country. The very parentage of Lord Ganesha politely tells us that life owes its origin to Lord Almighty. The elephant- faced God represents a mega sample of animal life -The Elephant. Elephant holds universal appeal to humans of all age and is thus a captivating element for the beginning of worship. My opinion is a mere deduction from a little of my familiarity to Biology. Should it run opposed to some sentiments, please dismiss it off as from an ignoramus who attempts connecting the disparate [though without any ulterior motive].

Elephant stands for Wisdom, tolerance and shrewdness of perception. Also, it represents a massive potential from out of a vegetarian diet. That being so, look at the concept of Ganesha’s carrier [the vauhan]-Mooshika; it is  a tiny rat like or rodent like mammal -[Moonjooru in Tamil] totally unrelated to rat by Zoological reckoning. The rat-like ‘mooshika’ is an insectivore and his movements are like on wheels -as if gliding fast [unlike the rat which runs or jumps].

Antagonists raise the doubt as to how such tiny an animal could carry the big Ganesha; in my understanding, a vauhan suggests some intricate idea. The tiny ‘Mooshika’ is a devotee of Lord Ganesha and it surrenders to Lord. The Lord signifies potential and it should not be viewed as a physical dimension. Secondly surrendering to the Lord confers on to the devotee both will and strength to carry any burden of worldly nature. [Consider how a miniscule like a man controls a massive elephant except by will and potential].

There are some more examples of the how the Religion conceives and advocates Ecosystem harmony as a part of human life.  

Well, Lord Vishnu is depicted in reclining posture over a massive python-like reptile- The Audhi Seshan, while the Lord himself is presented in Human form. This also implies that all forms of life are bound to obey the Lord or serve him. Now, the question is why these kinds of depictions? Conceiving of different animals AS BEING CLOSE TO THE Lord is a safe way of inculcating respect for different animals, so that they are not attacked by humans. Yet another instance is that of LORD Hayagreeva- the Horse -faced form.

Hayagreeva is believed to be the ‘giver’ of mental prowess or capability of cranial power. Frequently, children throng Hayagreeva temples seeking the blessings of Hayagreeva in complete faith of acquiring better brain functioning especially for facing examinations. In fact, they place their pens/ pencil/ instrument box before appearing for examination. That way Horses gain greater value as ‘forms’ of Hayagreeva -the lord of quick witted grasp. Cows are venerated as Goddess “Lakshmi” and are widely respected and held in reverence.

Monkeys by their association with Lord Ram, Cows with Lord Krishna also enjoy natural protection though by religious sentiments. Likewise, Thulsi plant, Mango leaves are held sacrosanct that these plants also stand protected.  So, a deep-rooted cultural value like religion has sensibly sensitized the members to safeguard ECOLOGICAL BALANCE, even if for mere faith. What a wonderful way to educate minds of the value of co-existence of all life forms by infusing the idea that all are products from Almighty and none is superior to Nature.  That is what Environmental protection is all about.

Prof. K. Raman