Success in the Ganesha Tattoo
Ganesha (Ganesh) is the popular Indian deity with the head of an elephant and the body of a human. Ganesh is the god of Everyman, Lord of Success and Destroyer of Obstacles that are material and spiritual. His image is found everywhere, from the rich to the poor.
Ganesh is usually depicted with a snake, either around his neck or waist, or curled at his ankles, meant to represent our primal urges. Since Ganesh has existed in Hindu lore for so long it plays a prominent part in the Indian art of the ages.
Depicted sometimes with four hands and other times with only two, even the objects that Ganesh hold have meaning. A rosary represents the pursuit of knowledge, while the axe is to remove obstacles. He also carries a noose which is used to catch difficulties. If there are sweets in the picture they are meant to symbolize the sweetness of the soul.
There are many stories that tell about how Ganesh obtained his elephant head. In one story he received a life threatening head injury and an elephant appeared. The elephant gave up his head so that Ganesh could live.
Considered the God of education, prudence and wisdom Ganesh is often prayed to by students going into examinations. He is also appreciated for his strong work ethic. He is the destroyer of pride, vanity and selfishness.
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