GANESH or GANAPATI

Ganesh, or Ganapati, is one of the most popular guardian deities worshipped in Nepal by both Hindus and Buddhists alike. Large numbers of independent temples of Ganesh are found throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Ganesh is the deity for the elimination of obstacles. To begin any work or enterprise, Nepalese people pray to this deity in hopes that they may accomplish their work successfully by averting or overcoming any obstacles in their path. Ganesh is therefore associated with good fortune, auspicious beginnings, and the overcoming of obstacles. He carries objects that help destroy ignorance and bring inconceivable benefits and happiness to many sentient beings, the Buddha’s teaching, and ultimately enlightenment. His two other hands carry a rosary, symbolizing the strength of the continuity of prayer, and a parasu (axe) to clear away obstacles.

  This elephant-headed god has to be first propitiated before worshipping other gods. He is one of the sons of Shiva and is known as “Siddhi Data” or “bestower of success in work.” His elephant head has only one full tusk, while the other is broken. He supposedly lost it in a fight with Parasuram. It is also said that Ganesh broke his tusk  to write the Mahabharata, which was dictated by the sage Vyasa. His elephant head is believed to be an emblem of wisdom and sagacity. His mount is the Mooshika or shrew. He is also known as Vinayaka.

ガネシュ、またはガナパティ
ネパールではヒンドゥー教、仏教両方から信じられている化身です。数多くの寺がカトマンズの谷では見られ、障害を取り除き良い選択に導く化身です。ネパールでは仕事や事業を興す際必ずと言って良いほど祈りを捧げます。そのためガネシュはしばしば富、特別な始まり、障害の解決のご利益があるといわれています。ガネシュが持つのは無知を打ち砕き、富と幸せをもたらす物を持っており、ブッダの教えや悟りを助けます。数珠、祈りの継続の印、障害を打ち砕く斧を持っています。象の頭を持ったこの神は、シヴァの息子シディーダタもしくは仕事における功労者として知られています。ガネシュの象牙は片方が折れており、パラスラムとの戦いにおいて折れたものとされています。もう一つの説では象牙はマハーバーラタを書くために、折ったとも言われています。ガネシュの象の頭は知性と洞察力の証とされています。