New Delhi: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most loved festivals of India due to its grandeur and vibrancy in celebrations. The 10-day festivity, honouring the elephant-headed deity’s birth anniversary, includes bringing home a Ganpati idol, worshipping it for days, pandal decorations for public celebrations, preparing favourite dishes, organising cultural activities and taking the Ganesh idol for immersion in a water body. All of these rituals fill the atmosphere with a positive aura and happiness. This year, the festival starts on August 27.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, when the devotees bring the idol home, it is interesting to note the direction of Lord Ganesh’s trunk. Sometimes the trunk is positioned on the left side, and sometimes the trunk is towards the right side. It turns out that this very minute detail holds a lot of spiritual significance. Here is everything you need to know.
Left trunk Ganesh
The most commonly seen form of Lord Ganesh is the left-curved trunk, which is also known as Vamamukhi. This orientation is linked with the northern direction and represents features which are aligned with the moon. It embodies peace, bliss and material prosperity. Many devotees often prefer idols with a left-curved trunk as they believe that this brings prosperity and purifies the home. Moreover, the left-trunked Ganesh is also believed to heal any Vaastu Dosha.
Right trunk Ganesh
The right-curved trunk of Ganesha is known as Siddhi Vinayaka. It holds profound spiritual importance as it symbolises liberation from worldly attachments. This orientation is rare and reserved for temple idols, such as the one in Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai.
Straight trunk Ganesh
The straight-trunked Ganesha is the rarest form, as it embodies the opening of the Sushumna Nadi. For the unversed, it is a central energy channel in the body. It signifies a state of complete alignment between the individual and the divine.
It is also suggested that one should buy idols that are either made of clay or pure metal. Beyond the spiritual significance, a clay idol is great to make the festival eco-friendly.
Additionally, opt for an idol that has a modak in one hand and comes with a mouse, the divine carrier of Lord Ganesh. Keep in mind not to leave the idol unattended at home. So, try to buy the idol on Ganesh Chaturthi or on a date close to the festive occasion.
Now that you know every spiritual significance in the context of the Lord Ganesh idol, celebrate the festival with pure devotion, without any worries!