Pingala Ganapati is one among the Shakti Ganesha forms of
Ganapati. Shakti Ganesha form of ganpati is those in which he is depicted along
with a Goddess. Most usually along with Goddess Lakshmi. In Pingala Ganapati
form too Ganesh is depicted along with Goddess Lakshmi.
Pingala Ganapati murti has six hands – holding a mango,
bunch of flowers plucked from Kalpaka Tree, Sugar cane, sesamum, modaka and
parashu.
Figure of Goddess Lakshmi sits by the side of Pingala
Ganapati. Goddess Lakshmi is green in color and wears ornaments.
As per some scriptures the shaktis of this form of Ganesha are Shri and Samriddhi.
As per some scriptures the shaktis of this form of Ganesha are Shri and Samriddhi.
Symbolism Of Pingala Ganapati
The depiction of Pingala Ganapati, as a form of Ganesha
accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi, carries profound symbolism, drawing from Hindu
mythology and iconography.
The six hands of Pingala Ganapati hold various objects, each
laden with symbolic significance:
- Mango: Representing fertility, abundance, and the fulfillment of desires, the mango is a symbol of divine sweetness and auspiciousness.
- Bunch of flowers from Kalpavriksha (Kalpaka Tree): The Kalpavriksha is a mythical wish-fulfilling tree in Hindu mythology. The flowers symbolize prosperity, fulfillment, and the granting of wishes.
- Sugarcane: Sugarcane symbolizes the sweetness of life and the abundance of blessings. It signifies the essence of joy and the celebration of life's richness.
- Sesamum (sesame seeds): Sesame seeds are associated with auspiciousness and purity in Hindu rituals. They symbolize the potential for growth, fertility, and the offering of prayers.
- Modaka (sweet delicacy): Modaka is a traditional sweet offered to Ganesha, symbolizing the sweetness of devotion and the rewards of spiritual practice. It represents the fulfillment of desires and the bliss of divine grace.
- Parashu (axe): The axe in Ganesha's hand symbolizes the cutting away of obstacles and negative forces. It represents the power of transformation and the ability to overcome challenges on the spiritual path.
The presence of Goddess Lakshmi alongside Pingala Ganapati
further enriches the symbolism:
- Green color of Lakshmi: Green is often associated with fertility, growth, and prosperity. Lakshmi's green form signifies the abundance of nature and the flourishing of wealth and resources.
- Ornaments: Lakshmi's ornaments symbolize her divine beauty and grace. They also represent the adornments of wealth and abundance that she bestows upon her devotees.
In the context of Pingala Ganapati, the union of Ganesha and
Lakshmi symbolizes:
- Prosperity and abundance: Together, Ganesha and Lakshmi signify the removal of obstacles and the bestowal of wealth, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires.
- Spiritual and material blessings: The presence of both deities suggests the harmonious balance between spiritual wisdom (represented by Ganesha) and material prosperity (represented by Lakshmi).
- Fulfillment and auspiciousness: Pingala Ganapati embodies the auspiciousness and fulfillment that arise from the divine union of Ganesha and Lakshmi, offering devotees blessings for both worldly success and spiritual growth.
According to scriptures, the Shaktis (energies) associated with Pingala Ganapati are Shri (the embodiment of auspiciousness, beauty, and grace) and Samriddhi (the manifestation of prosperity, abundance, and fulfillment). Their presence underscores the divine attributes invoked through the worship of this form of Ganesha.