Ganapati and moon is the favourite topic of the mythological stories. This relationship has to be viewed from logical angle. Astrology presupposes existence of close relationship between Moon and the Mind. It is observed that behavioural pattern of the mentally unstable people undergoes certain changes on No Moon and Full Moon Days. The word Lunatic is derived from the word Lunar i.e. Moon. Just as there are different phases of Moon each day the moods of the mind also keep on changing because of its fickle nature. Therefore, it is no wonder that story depicts the Moon (symbolising the fickle mind, emotion and passion) making mockery of Ganapati (an embodiment of discretion and wisdom) riding on 'mouse' (representing maya i.e. illusion, firmly under control). However, this story also tells us that the devotees of Ganapati observe the fast on the "Chaturthi" (fourth day of the month of the Hindu Calendar) and this fast is broken only after seeing the Moon. According to Hindu tradition each day has a presiding deity e.g. Pratipada (i.e. first day) is presided over by Agni i.e. Fire, second day ( i.e. dwitiya) is presided over Brahma, Third (Tritiya) by Gauri, Fourth by Ganapati and so on. However, these days (i.e. tithis) signify a state of mind. All our day-to-day actions are normally carried out in three phases of state of mind i.e. Jagruti (Total awareness) Swapna (i.e. sub-consciousness) and third is Sushupti (i.e. profound sleep). However, according to study of spiritualism, beyond these three states of mind there is also a fourth state known as Turya (i.e. Turia, simple state of consciousness) or Unmani and which is indicative of stage beyond any state of mind. As the moon is related to the moods of mind, not to look at the moon signifies going beyond above mentioned three states of mind by winning over its fickleness and becoming one with the God. As we have to carry on our day-to-day activities we cannot afford to remain in this fourth state i.e. Unmani and thus has to return to normal three states of mind i.e. Jagruti, Swapna and Sushupti explained earlier. Looking at Moon before breaking fast signifies returning back to above said three states of mind. Thus if we co-relate the symbols Ganapati, Mouse and the Moon then, the whole concept of Yoga and Spiritual Science becomes clear.

Lord Ganapati is described in many ways like Vakratund (having a crooked mouth), Lambodar (pot-bellied) Shurpa Karna (having ears like a sifting pan), Raktavarna (Red Coloured), Ekdanta (single toothed) etc. The word Vakratund when fully expanded becomes 'Vakran Tundyati Sah' meaning thereby that the Vakratunda is one who punishes the crooked ones, disciplines the wrongdoers. Similarly 'Shurpakarnak' means the one having ears as big as sifting pan. Symbolically it means that just as sifting pan is used to separate what is required and throw out unnecessary from the grain, similarly the big ears receives what is worth and keep out what is not and Ganapati being leader of the Gana (people) it becomes all the more necessary for him to hear everybody but judiciously accept what is important or proper. Being elephant headed the trunk become inevitable part of his person. The trunk of Elephant is presumed to be highly sensitive. This sensitivity helps the Elephant in identifying the dangers of other wild animals.

Raktavarni (Red Coloured) Ganapati

It is believed that Ganapati is fond of Red Colour and hence he is painted in Red-lead colour and is offered red flowers. While this red colour is symbolic, the belief has its source in certain concepts, conventions, and mythological stories etc. However, it is the peculiarity of the Indian heritage that to know the appropriate meaning behind these stories and concepts one has to properly and minutely understand the various aspects of Religion, Science of Yoga, Astrology, Jurisprudence etc. In the absence of such understanding a wrong picture gets presented. This has become evident in the conclusions drawn by the occidentals while studying Indian Culture. While their zeal to study the Indian Culture is an event to be welcomed their lack of deep understanding of Hindu ethos becomes a main reason for drawing wrong conclusions. However, though this can be overlooked as slight aberration, it becomes a matter of pity when our own intellectuals start towing their line. Interpretation of symbolic red colour of Ganapati by them can be a specimen example.

A relation between Ganapati and the red colour can best be explained by leaning on the science of Yoga. This science believes that by constant practice of Yoga, consistent meditation and spiritual practices a vital latent power located in the coccygeal vertebra can be awakened/ gets awakened. This latent power, on awakening, starts rising upward towards brain through spinal cord or vertebral column. On its journey this power has to pass through seven chakras (i.e. osseous labyrinths). These labyrinths (chakras) are the seven stages of upward journey of Aadimaya. The first labyrinth is known as Muladhar Chakra (Basic foundation) where it is believed Ganapati resides. It is well known that in Atharvashrisha (verses extolling Ganapati's virtues) also a reference to this is found.

This base (Muladhar) being close to the Kundalini (vital latent power in a body), its brilliance and red colour is reflected on the body of Ganesh and thus Ganesh acquires red colour.

Saint Dyaneshwar has illustrated this beautiful image of Ganapti in the first chapter of Dyaneshwari. Though Ganapati basically does not have any attributes or shapes; because of its proximity to this Kundalini-became Red in colour and naturally red flowers and red lead paint are his favourites. Description of Ganapati in such symbolic manner is peculiar to the Indian style of presentation over the years and this fact has to be borne in mind at all times.

From this exposition it becomes quite clear that though those stories describing Ganapati, appears to be meaningless or without any substance prima-facie, it is not so. These stories are a medium through which an invaluable established truth is impressed on the minds of the people. Though gradually amusement factor of stories become prominent and basic meaning behind the stories was sidelined, if we remain conscious about certain ideas in the Indian culture it will not be difficult to find the correct interpretation of the meaning which appears to be mystic. Before concluding it has to be borne in mind that preservation of this meaning is our responsibility.

Damodarshastri Godse

Excerpts translated from the Marathi article in
"Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Shatakachi Vatchal"