Introduction

We follow a lot of traditions and rituals when we pray to God but how many of us really know the meaning and significance behind them? A difficult question I suppose. Our parents and grandparents did a wonderful job of carrying on the family tradition from one generation to another but somewhere in the midst the real meaning of all this was lost.

99 thoughts on Ganesha Published by Jaico Books [ISBN-13: 978-81-8495-152-3], is an attempt by Devdutt Pattanaik to bring forth those hidden meanings behind all those rituals.

Behind the book

This book brings together 99 meditations to better understand the stories, symbols and rituals of that adorable elephant headed Hindu God who removes hurdles and brings prosperity and peace. Known variously as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka or Pillayar, He can help all of us score a century in the game called life.

 About the Author

Devdutt Pattanaik is a bestselling author whose works focus on myth and mythology and their relevance in modern times. To know more, do visit www.devdutt.com

Me thinks

I have been an ardent follower of Lord Ganesha since my childhood. Maybe the ease with which I can connect with Him makes it all the more special. I have a personal collection of about some 40+ statues of Him in various forms and my eyes are not tired of still searching for something new to be added to that collection. He is simply adorable in each of His forms and I can very easily give Him the tag of being ‘easily approachable’ at least for Me. I had read once that He is one of those few Gods who has been constantly updated with the changing times and has tried to keep up with the new trends every time. So please don’t be surprised if you see Him in yoga postures or wearing a business suit with a laptop in any of the statues. I am sure by now you must have guessed He is really special for Me and hence this book was an unavoidable read for Me.

I have always been a very curious child and have always asked a lot of questions to my parents. Even today I Google a lot to understand a lot of things in a better manner. Our country India has such a wonderful and diverse culture that its depth cannot be measured. The amount of knowledge you can gather is infinite and probably you can spend your entire life looking for answers.

Surprisingly for Me this book has managed to answer a lot of Whys for Me. Like for e.g. why does every statue of Lord Krishna have Him standing with one leg behind the other? Why does Lord Vishnu always stand on both His legs and Lord Shiva on one? Why is the shoe-flower a favourite of Lord Ganesha? Like the Shaktipithas across our country, the various temples of Lord Ganesha also have a story behind them. Did you know that?  Oh I could go on and on and on about the latest findings that I have managed to lay my hands on.

And I won’t spoil the suspense for you by revealing all those things here. To know each of these answers you need to read the book and believe Me it is a wonderful read. Page after page I could just exclaim Oh! I did not know that. I was pleasantly surprised by each of those stories and rituals that I was following till now.

The author has done a tremendous job in bringing all of them together in one book. The language is also very coherent with a very absorbing narrative. It literally tempts you to turn the page and secretly wish for it to not end at all. The major drawback is after the 50^th meditation things somehow get a bit repetitive in nature as the description seems very similar to the previous ones. Otherwise the book does a wonderful job of being a captivating read. This book is a light read with the left side pages have beautiful sketches of Lord Ganesha and the right ones having the meditations. I finished reading it in one ago in about 1 hour 15 mins flat.

Over all a wonderful attempt by the author as a tribute to the Lord – who removes all the hurdles always!

99 Thoughts on Ganesha by Devdutt Pattanaik is a beautiful exploration of Lord Ganesha, the beloved Hindu deity of wisdom, remover of obstacles, and patron of arts and sciences. In the book, Pattanaik delves into the many stories, symbols, and interpretations associated with Ganesha, offering insights into his significance not just in Hindu mythology but in Indian culture as a whole.

Here are a few key themes that are often discussed in 99 Thoughts on Ganesha:

1. Symbolism of Ganesha: Pattanaik breaks down the rich symbolism behind Ganesha’s elephant head, broken tusk, multiple arms, and other characteristics. Each of these physical attributes carries deep meanings tied to life, creation, destruction, and wisdom.

2. Ganesha as a Remover of Obstacles: Ganesha is often invoked at the beginning of new ventures or journeys. Pattanaik explores the concept of obstacles—both external and internal—and how Ganesha represents the ability to overcome them through wisdom, clarity, and perseverance.

3. Stories and Myths: The book highlights various myths surrounding Ganesha’s birth, his relationship with his parents (Shiva and Parvati), and the origin of his elephant head. Each of these stories carries multiple layers of interpretation that reflect moral lessons about life, relationships, and the challenges faced by humans.

4. Cultural Significance: Ganesha is one of the most widely worshipped deities in India and beyond. Pattanaik reflects on the cultural and social relevance of Ganesha in both ancient and contemporary settings. He also touches upon how the symbolism of Ganesha has transcended traditional religious boundaries and found a place in popular culture.

5. Ganesha’s Wisdom: Often depicted as a wise and thoughtful figure, Ganesha represents the idea that intelligence is not just about academic knowledge, but also about emotional and spiritual wisdom. His stories often emphasize patience, introspection, and humility.

6. Connection to Arts and Creativity: Ganesha is also the patron deity of artists, scholars, and writers. Pattanaik discusses Ganesha’s connection to creative expression and how he embodies the balance between intellectual knowledge and artistic inspiration.

7. Philosophical Insights: Through a series of reflections, the book draws philosophical parallels between Ganesha’s life and the human condition. It offers a deep exploration of how his stories are a metaphor for life’s trials, growth, and transformation.

8. Ganesha in Different Regions: The author discusses how Ganesha is worshipped differently in various regions of India and the world. From grand festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to the quiet, personal prayers in homes, Ganesha’s presence is felt everywhere.

What makes this book special is Pattanaik’s ability to blend mythology with contemporary life, creating a reflection of how ancient stories continue to resonate in the modern world.

Are you interested in any specific part of the book or particular thoughts on Ganesha?

99 THOUGHTS ON GANESHA ~ DEVDUTT PATTANAIK

99 Thoughts on Ganesha by Devdutt Pattanaik is a unique and insightful exploration of the beloved Hindu deity, Lord Ganesha. Known for his deep knowledge of mythology and his ability to interpret ancient stories for modern readers, Devdutt Pattanaik presents Ganesha in a new light, examining not only his iconic role in Hindu mythology but also his symbolism, significance, and lessons that are relevant to contemporary life.

Overview of the Book

In 99 Thoughts on Ganesha, Pattanaik takes readers through 99 reflections, stories, and insights about Lord Ganesha, breaking down his symbolism, his journey across various texts, and his cultural importance. Each “thought” presents a unique perspective or lesson that can be learned from Ganesha, inviting readers to reflect on life, spirituality, and the deeper meaning of the deity’s attributes.

Lord Ganesha is one of the most revered gods in Hinduism, widely recognized by his elephant head and his association with wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Pattanaik delves into various facets of Ganesha’s character, explaining the origin of his features, the myths surrounding his birth, his connection with other deities, and the philosophical lessons embedded in the stories about him.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Symbolism of the Elephant Head

One of the most important symbols of Ganesha is his elephant head, and Pattanaik explores its deeper meanings. The elephant represents wisdom, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles. The elephant’s large ears symbolize the need to listen more than speak, while its trunk represents adaptability and flexibility in life. The book encourages readers to think about how these symbols can be applied in their own lives to foster personal growth and spiritual understanding.

2. The Meaning of Ganesha’s Birth

The birth of Ganesha, particularly the story where Lord Shiva (his father) creates him from clay and later beheads him in a fit of rage, is a central element of his mythology. Pattanaik discusses how this story represents the interplay of creation, destruction, and regeneration. The myth is also symbolic of how one must constantly evolve and let go of the old to make way for the new. In life, obstacles will always arise, but there is always a possibility for transformation, just as Ganesha is reborn with the head of an elephant.

3. Ganesha as the Remover of Obstacles

Ganesha is often worshipped as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). Pattanaik highlights the various ways in which Ganesha assists his devotees in overcoming challenges, both material and spiritual. He emphasizes that obstacles are not always negative; they serve as opportunities for growth and learning. Ganesha’s role is not to erase these challenges but to give one the wisdom and strength to confront and transcend them.

4. The Deeper Significance of Ganesha’s Reminders

Each of Ganesha’s features serves as a reminder to his devotees. His large belly is symbolic of the need to embrace life’s pleasures without being overwhelmed by them. His small eyes suggest the importance of focusing on the task at hand, and his broken tusk represents sacrifice—sometimes we must give up a part of ourselves to achieve something greater.

Ganesha’s mount, the mouse, is also significant. While a mouse might seem insignificant, it is a reminder that even the smallest things in life can have a significant impact, and Ganesha’s ability to ride the mouse teaches that one should not be limited by external appearances or perceived weaknesses.

5. The Paradox of Ganesha

Throughout the book, Pattanaik explores the paradoxes that exist within Ganesha’s character. On one hand, Ganesha is the wise and intellectual deity associated with learning and the arts. On the other hand, he is also a playful and fun-loving god. This duality reflects the balance between wisdom and joy, seriousness and lightness, in life. Ganesha’s figure encourages us to find harmony between these opposing aspects of our personalities.

6. Ganesha’s Connection with Other Gods

Pattanaik delves into Ganesha’s relationships with other gods, particularly his father, Lord Shiva, and his mother, Goddess Parvati. The tension between Shiva’s destruction and Parvati’s creation is symbolic of the need for balance in life. Ganesha himself represents a synthesis of these two forces—creation and destruction. In some versions of the myth, Ganesha is also shown as a protector of the intellect and wisdom of his devotees, bridging the gap between the divine and the earthly.

7. Ganesha and the Importance of Rituals

Rituals, particularly the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, play a significant role in the worship of Ganesha. Pattanaik explores how rituals serve as a way to connect the material world with the divine. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival, where devotees bring Ganesha idols into their homes and then immerse them in water at the end of the celebration, symbolizes the cycle of life, creation, and dissolution.

Through these rituals, Ganesha reminds his followers of the impermanence of the material world and the importance of focusing on the divine and eternal truths.

Writing Style

Devdutt Pattanaik’s writing is accessible, engaging, and rich with cultural and philosophical insights. He blends traditional mythological stories with modern interpretations and reflections. Each of the “99 thoughts” is short, insightful, and thought-provoking, making it easy for readers to digest and reflect on the teachings.

Pattanaik’s use of simple language ensures that the profound ideas he presents are accessible to a wide audience, from those with little knowledge of Hindu mythology to those well-versed in the tradition. His ability to bring ancient wisdom into contemporary discussions is one of the strengths of the book.

Conclusion

99 Thoughts on Ganesha is an enlightening and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. Through his deep knowledge of mythology and his ability to communicate complex spiritual ideas in simple terms, Devdutt Pattanaik presents Ganesha not just as a god, but as a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation. Each thought is a window into the deeper meaning of life, making the book a valuable read for anyone seeking spiritual insights or a better understanding of Hindu mythology.

Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a fan of mythology, or someone who simply loves Ganesha and the lessons he imparts, this book is a rich and rewarding experience.

Would you like to explore a particular “thought” or concept from the book in more detail?