Animal behavior being public knowledge, our learned masters found it convenient to pass on their ideas. And so it finds wide application in Indian symbolism either in isolation or in fusion with the human frame. The other reason could be an indication of the evolutionary process. Animals do not come with prejudice or obsessions. So, in acknowledgement of the fact that the learning process demands open enquiry, free form prejudice or obsession, animals if into the scheme very well.

Ganapati is one such popular deity with the head of an elephant planted over a human frame, while a mouse acts as his mount. Ganapati is identified with “worldly wisdom” and so he is remembered before offering any prayer. Furthermore, like other cultures, in Indian tradition too a date or period is marked out every your for all deities so that we can be periodically reminded about the message they portray. Lore ganapati will be remembered this week during ganesh chaturthi.

The occasion acquires special significance for Maharashtra. Possibly it is born out of social chemistry, the intent and purpose supposedly being to soften maratha pride. In the same spirit, intelligent Bengal worships Shakti in the form of mother goddess durga and kali. The opposites acquire special significance in Indian symbolism in view of the relevance of human existence in conformity with nature’s design.

It if head of an elephant for ganapit implies the necessity of a stable mind, in contrast, the fragile mouse would mean an agile mind on full alert. If one becomes complacent and is not vigilant, one could be taken for a ride.

In ma durga’s form the tenderness of the lotus flower is exhibited together with her weapons. The idea is that unless otherwise necessary for need-based application, it is only on the strength of a pleasing mannerism that we can be productive and enjoy a meaningful life.
Coming back to ganapati, it should be remembered that the elephant is the most sensible of all animals with much similarity to human behaviour. They follow an order in the herd. It is the only animal to mourn its dead. It is supposed to have the longest memory. The elephant is also said to be subject to provocation, listening all the time with its large ears. But maintaining its focus despite its small eyes on the strength of a flexible, it is not bogged down by ego as it is prepared to live with the loss of its teeth. Elephants maintain a holistic approach according importance to all aspects of life simultaneously.

A brilliant Indian scholar had no time to his wife because he was always busy with his work. When his wife ran away in desperation, he could not digest the fact and is today languishing in a lunatic asylum. Where he has been for the last 26 years.

It is time to wake up and exploit our rich and ancient Indian wisdom to out advantage.