Symbolism of visarjan

The visarjan ceremony of Vinayak's murtis signifies the ending of humanity's attachment to all ephemeral or transient things and beings - a reason for human miseries, sorrows and sufferings.

Vinayak murtis metaphorically convey overcoming obstacles to enjoy true peace, progress, happiness and success. For instance, Ganesh's large forehead symbolises wisdom and broad-mindedness. His big sieve-shaped ears should enthuse us to receive and retain only relevant information. The deity's eyes are symbolic of human far-sightedness. His small mouth also serves as a reminder to talk less. Ganesh's large stomach teaches us to develop inner powers to accommodate and assimilate others' weaknesses.

One of his hands holds an axe, an indication to curtail our negative habits, while a rope in the other hand asks us to stay tied to a pure lifestyle. The lotus flower in the third implores us to live like a lotus, pure and unaffected. His fourth hand in a blessing posture prompts us to offer blessings of well-being to others.


Gajanan's trunk enlightens us to be both soft and strong emotionally, to balance love and law. His single tusk motivates us to develop single-minded devotion to one incorporeal Supreme Soul Shiv and His one world family of human souls, for fostering universal peace, unity, fraternity and equanimity amidst dualities of life.