The Pink Elephant God: Who Is Ganesha in Hinduism?

No one knows exactly how many gods and goddesses there are in Hinduism , but it’s true that some of them are more well-known inside and outside India than others. Perhaps the most intriguing is Ganesha , a four-armed, elephant -headed god often depicted with a jolly expression and colored an adorable shade of pink. To the faithful, he is not to be taken lightly, though. They believe he has immense power to help them succeed in some of life’s greatest challenges.

Elephants in India

Three-quarters of Asian elephants live in India, but they roam across Southeast Asia . They are a significant part of the cultural heritage of many countries in the region and are considered the national animal in India, Thailand , and Laos . Since ancient times local people have tamed individual elephants and used them to lift and carry heavy loads, clear forests to create fields, and to fight in wars. Properly trained and cared for, elephants are compliant and can remember and carry out complex tasks.

As such clever, ubiquitous, and useful animals, it’s no surprise they made it into the folklore and mythologies of local people. Over time local beliefs and practices were pulled together by Brahmanic priests and structured into the religious philosophy of Hinduism that has lasted for more than 4,000 years.

What Do Hindus Believe?

“Hindu” is a general term that covers a lot of different regional beliefs and customs. The priesthood has brought these together under an overarching philosophy. Here are some of the main elements of it:

• There is one reality: Brahman. Everything in the universe is part of Brahman.
• Brahman’s activity is described with three main gods: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver of creation), and Shiva (the destroyer of creation). Innumerable other gods and goddesses perform lesser and more specialized functions.
• Humans live under the illusion that they are separate and independent from Brahman. As they do good or evil in the world, they cling to those actions and accrue karma (basically, a good fate or a bad fate).
• Humans and other living creatures are reincarnated after they die, coming back as lesser or greater status beings depending on their karma.
• The ultimate goal is to escape the wheel of karma, no longer be born into a world of suffering, and finally know that we are reunited with Brahman.

Ways to Reach the Goal of Hinduism

Hindu philosophers say there are three ways a person might escape the endless wheel of reincarnation:

1. By devoting oneself to the study of the Hindu scriptures

2. By faithfully performing all the duties required by one’s caste (an unbreakable social class)

3. By devoting oneself sincerely to one or more gods and goddesses.

A Hindu priest once explained that within Hinduism, we can think of Brahman as the electricity that flows into your house. The various gods and goddesses are like the appliances in your home that run on the same source of electricity. So, just as you use the hair dryer, your computer, and the blender for different purposes, Hindus can choose a deity to honor based on the needs they have at the time.

Where Does Ganesha Fit In?

Indian mythology tells many different origin stories about Ganesha. Most often it depicts him as the son of the god Shiva and his wife, Parvati. One legend says that Parvati went to bathe and asked her son to stand guard. Shiva became furious when his son tried to stop him from seeing his wife, so he struck off his head with a sword. Remorseful but still resentful, he sent his servants into the forest to bring him the head of the first sleeping creature they could find, which happened to be (you guessed it) an elephant. Attaching it to his son’s body, Shiva resurrected Ganesha in his new form.

Why Do People Worship Ganesha?

Out of all the choices they have of deities to worship, why would someone choose Ganesha as their patron? According to tradition, he can help with these important needs:

• He removes obstacles and brings good luck.
• He is the god of beginnings. Hindus honor him when starting a new business or academic program or before starting a family.
• He blesses intellectual pursuits in the arts and sciences, particularly writing, and gives wisdom.

Ganesha is so popular that members of the Ganapatya tradition worship him as the supreme being, the highest of all gods.

Ideas About Ganesha for Non-Hindus

Learning about other people’s belief systems is a valuable part of cultural competency in today’s world. India is the world’s most populous country and Indian people live around the globe. You’ll get a head start on cordial business relationships and friendships if you have some knowledge of the main belief system of a culture. Beyond that, beliefs about Ganesha more specifically can be food for thought in our personal and professional lives:

• His story is one of an unlikely comeback from an unspeakable tragedy. We can probably bounce back from what is concerning us today.
• We are all nervous when starting something new and feel the need for reassurance. In our circle of influence, how can we give and receive that kind of encouragement?
• Education is valued in every culture. Is there anyone in our lives we can help to attain this worthwhile goal? Perhaps by tutoring, giving financial assistance, or other support?

Maybe, inspired by these ideas, you’ll become the “Remover of Obstacles” in the life of someone dear to you . . . or in your own!

Up Next:

• 8 of the Holiest Animals of the World’s Religions
• Discover the 13 Most Important Animals in the Bible
• Lightning vs Thunder: What are the Main Differences?

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