GANESHA AWAKENING LIMITED EDITION PRINT SYMBOLISM

Virasana – One leg lies curved on the lotus throne and the other leg hangs down to the ground. This position represents a god who has revealed himself to be a hero in the battle against asuras. (Jansen, 2007, pg 17)

“This halo, or prabhamandala, is often decorated with a pattern of leaves originating form the sacred tree, the symbol of cosmic power. Sometimes there is a clearly identifiable circle of flames, as in the dancing god Shiva-Nataraja.” (Jensen, 2007, pg19)

The deep blue nimbus behind the helmet is a “reflection of the encapsulation of the sky of the world of the gods through the helmet.”  (Samuel Sagan, 2015)

Symbolizing the super-mental forces of consciousness in the deity in the centers of energy above the head. The gemstone on the front relates to the 3rd eye and forces of non-physical vision. The point of light at the top of the helmet reflects a concentration of these forces. The lightning bolts radiating from the helmet reflect sudden knowing, inspiration, flashes of insight and connection to archetypal forces of the sky in the world of the gods.

“The hand mudras are ‘the language of the gods’ thought which there is a sophisticated expression of intent, feelings, and qualities.

Abhaya – the right hand raised with the palm of the hand facing forwards. Indicates blessing, protection and reassurance.

Kataka – holding a lotus flower; this position invites the devotee to make the gift of a flower.”  (Jansen, 2007, pg 21, 25)

“(Parashu) The weapon that conquers the dark and ignorance and in this way liberates man from all ties of all worldly matters. ”

(Jansen, 2007, pg 40)

Forces: clarifying, cutting through, revealing truth.

“The mother’s lap from which all of creation emerges. The sun. Eternal renewal. Bud – virginity, innocence, purity, potential. Stem – all life comes from water. Leaf – the fertility of earth.”(Jansen, 2007, pg 47)
Forces of emergence, transformation.

It’s often an attribute of Ganesha. Some say it’s symbolic of the sweetness of life.

Vāhana means vehicle in Sanskrit. Often Ganesha is pictured riding on a mouse, or the mouse at his feet in the scene. The mouse symbolizes forces of nature that can easily get into trouble! (Remember any time that a mouse has gotten into your house) and the symbolism is a conquering of these forces and turning the perseverance, ingenuity, boldness and cunning towards spiritual purposes. There are myths in the Puranas of asuras that Ganesha defeated in battle becomming his mouse vāhana. (Jagannathan, Krishna, 2006, pg 20) Often a vāhana will have a devotional relationship to the deity, for example Nandi the Bull who is the vāhana of Lord Shiva.

In this case the fabric represents a “fabric of consciousness” or even a vehicle woven of light. Fine and light with jewels, relates to the self luminous of the mind outside of ignorance.

The large belly has several aspects of symbolism. Interestingly, in Sanskrit guru, as in ‘spiritual teacher’ or ‘one who spreads enlightenment’ also means heavy. Abundance, creativity, power and expansion are also reflected in the archetypal form of Ganesha’s large belly.

Forces: power, creativity, abundance, fullness.

The broken tusk is mentioned in a several differnt myths. In some the tusk is used as a weapon while fighting asuras. In another myth the tusk is used as a creative tool while Ganesha scribes the mahabarata for sage Vyasa. (Jagannathan, Krishna, 2006, pg 21)

Forces: sacrifice, weapon, creative tool.