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Why is Ganesha depicted in the form of Symbol OM?

Before the creation of the present Universe there was a great deluge, pralaya. It had destroyed the Universe as it existed then. According to Hinduism, creation has no beginning or end – the endless cycle continues. After a great deluge there is Shanti or peace. This peace is broken with the sound OM or AUM – the sound which emanates from the Supreme Soul.

The Ganapatya Cult, or the followers of Ganesha, believes that OM or Pranava Mantra the symbol of Brahman is embodied in the form of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesh is the first word or the first cause.

This is the reason why occasionally Ganesha is depicted in the form of symbol ‘Om.

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