Sacred Symbols of Ganesha and Their Meanings

Ganesha is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, this chubby, elephant-headed deity has a special place in the hearts of his devotees. They invoke him on all auspicious occasions in their lives, for he is the god of auspiciousness. All Poojas to the gods begin with an invocation to him. The fact that he has the power to bestow knowledge, wisdom, good fortune, and prosperity endears him further to believers because all these are essential to leading a happy, successful, and fulfilled life. 

Ganesha is a divinity who is rich in symbolism, like other Hindu deities. This article aims to explore the symbolic meanings of Ganesha.

Shankh/Conch

The conch shell signifies purity and auspiciousness. It is blown during religious ceremonies and is a call to spiritual awakening. Ganesha, who embodies wisdom, guides people on their spiritual journey. The conch he holds is a call that urges devotees to awaken to higher consciousness.

Ankusha/Goad

The goad is used to prod animals to move faster. Ganesha prods souls who have fallen behind in their spiritual journey with his ankusha so that their spiritual progress is hastened.

Parashu/Ax

Ganesha's ax represents his divine power to cut away obstacles in one’s path, so that one can achieve success and fulfillment. It reminds us that Ganesha's blessings can eliminate all hurdles. 

Pasha/Noose

Ganesha’s noose indicates that he will draw his devotees close to him when they are in danger of straying away from the right path.

Vajratrishula/Lightning bolt

Ganesha’s lightning bolt symbolizes that spirit rules over the mind, and the mind rules over matter. He rules the higher as well as lower chakras.

Chakra/Discus

Ganesha’s discus represents the sun and the mind. It embodies the divinely empowered intellect.

Modakapatra/Bowl of Modaks

Ganesha loves sweets, especially Modaks. Modak also signifies Moksha/liberation, which is the ultimate goal and bliss for human souls. 

Gada/Mace

Ganesha’s Gada reminds us of our past karmas that keep pursuing us until they are resolved. With the help of Ganesha, we can be free of our karmas or sins. 

Chhuri/Dagger

Ganesha’s dagger symbolizes the narrow and arduous path that awaits the spiritual seeker.

Rudraksha Mala/Prayer beads

Ganesha is sometimes depicted as sitting at his father Shiva’s feet, with a Japa mala or rosary of prayer beads in his hand. The Mala reveals that he awaits the Supreme Lord’s instructions. 

Pushpashara/Flower arrow

Ganesha sends flower arrows from his sugar cane bow to gently smite devotees who stray from the path of Dharma.

Padma, Lotus

Ganesha wants devotees to be pure like the lotus flower, unsullied by the slime in which it is born.

Ikshukarmuka/Sugar Cane Bow

Ganesha is known for his generous and benevolent nature. His sugar cane bow embodies his munificence in showering his blessings.

Shara, Arrow

Ganesha controls thoughts, and thoughts are like arrows. He reminds us to think good thoughts and do everything with good intentions.

Veena

Ganesha embodies the beauty of sound. He is the sound of the ocean and the wind.

Asura, Goblin

Ganesha often sends his Ganas or goblins to frighten devotees and make them choose the right path.

Danda, Stick

Ganesha’s danda or short stick symbolizes authority. It warns us not to flout Dharma and restrains those who attempt to.

Chamara, Fly-Whisk Fan

Ganesha whisks away the negativity in one’s mind, so that they can gain confidence and positivity.

Kamandalu, Water Vessel

Ganesha’s Kamandalu symbolizes fullness. He meets all our needs. His Kamandalu keeps pouring out riches, both material and spiritual.

Naga, Serpent

Ganesha keeps a pet snake. It represents the Kundalini within us, which rises when we elevate our consciousness.

Shalipallava, Rice Sprig

Rice is the crop that sustains life. The paddy sprig Ganesha holds reassures us that the rains will not fail us and that the harvest will be bountiful.

Mudgara, Hammer

The mallet of Ganesha tells us that he is the Patron of Arts and Crafts. He protects all creators and artists.

Shastra/Scripture

Ganesha’s pen writes and edits the ordinances of life and interprets their meanings.

Kalpavriksha/Wish-Fulfilling Tree

The sprig of the wish-fulfilling tree Ganesha holds assures us that he will gratify all our wishes. 

Parashvadha, Battle ax

Ganesha can take strong measures to achieve a righteous goal. His battle-ax represents mind force.

Mahaparashu, Large Ax

Ganesha’s great ax terrifies demons and destroys the evil thoughts of those who try to harm his devotees.

Bhagnadanta/Broken Tusk

Ganesha broke his right tusk and used it as a pen while writing the Mahabharata. It tells us that it is important to finish what we start, even if we have to make some difficult sacrifices to achieve our ends.

Mushika/Mouse

Ganesha’s mount, the mouse, represents the ego and the need to control it. 

Lambodara/Big belly

Ganesha contains the entire universe in his abundant belly. It also reminds us that we need to digest both the good and bad things in life.

Nagapasha/Snake cord

The snake that Ganesha wears around him reminds us to control our animal instincts.