Deva Shri Ganesha : The Dance of Divinity

Deva Shri Ganesha: The Dance of Divinity

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), Bangladesh and in countries with large ethnic Indian populations including Fiji, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists.

The Birth of Ganesha

The story of Ganesha’s birth is a fascinating one. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati using clay to protect her privacy. When Lord Shiva tried to enter her private space, the boy prevented him from doing so. Enraged by this defiance, Shiva severed the boy’s head. When Parvati learned of this, she was devastated and demanded that Shiva restore their son’s life. Shiva then instructed his followers to bring the head of the first living being they encounter. They returned with the head of an elephant, which was then attached to the body of the boy, bringing him back to life. Thus, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god was born.

Symbolism

Ganesha’s elephant head makes him easy to identify. He is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies.

Deva Shri Ganesha: The Dance

The keyword ‘dance’ brings us to a unique aspect of Ganesha – his love for music and dance. In many depictions, Ganesha is shown as a lover of music, playing various musical instruments, especially the Indian classical instrument ‘veena’. But what’s more fascinating is his depiction as ‘Nritya Ganapati’ or ‘the Dancing Ganesha’. This form represents joyous activity and symbolizes a get-going attitude.

The dance of Ganesha is a metaphor for life itself – full of rhythm, energy, and joy. It signifies moving in harmony with the universe’s rhythm. It’s about finding our inner rhythm and dancing to its tune irrespective of the challenges we face – just like Ganesha who surmounts obstacles with his wisdom and wit.

In conclusion, ‘Deva Shri Ganesha’ symbolizes wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. He teaches us to dance through our challenges with joy and enthusiasm just as he does during his celestial dance. So let’s embrace life’s rhythm and dance our way through obstacles just like Deva Shri Ganesha.