The number 21 holds a significant place in Hindu rituals, especially in the context of offerings to deities. This symbolism is rich with layers of meaning that span Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and ritual practices, both ancient and modern. Here is an expanded look at the importance and symbolism of 21 in Hinduism, along with its contemporary applications and lesser-known aspects:
1. Symbolic Meaning of 21 in Hindu Philosophy
- The number 21 is said to represent the 21 aspects that comprise a person, according to Hindu beliefs. These aspects include:
- Five Jnanendriyas (sensory organs): ears, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose, which allow us to perceive the world.
- Five Karmendriyas (organs of action): hands, feet, mouth, genitals, and anus, through which we perform actions.
- Five Pranas (vital life forces): prana, apana, vyana, udana, and samana, which sustain and govern bodily functions.
- Five Bhutas (elements): earth, water, fire, air, and ether, representing the material composition of the universe.
- Mind (manas), which is responsible for thoughts, will, and desires.
- Together, these 21 aspects form the complete person, symbolizing physical, mental, and spiritual elements in harmony, making offerings of 21 items a representation of devotion with one’s entire being.
2. Importance of 21 in Hindu Rituals
- In Hindu rituals, particularly in Ganesh Puja, offerings of 21 items are common. These items may include 21 blades of durva grass, 21 modaks (sweet dumplings), or 21 different types of flowers, fruits, or leaves, each signifying the devotee’s surrender of the 21 aspects of self to the deity.
- This act of offering 21 items is an expression of holistic devotion and the belief that each of these items, corresponding to human aspects, should be dedicated in entirety to the divine.
3. Ganesh Puja and the Significance of 21
- Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles, and the practice of offering 21 items is meant to ensure the comprehensive blessing of all aspects of life.
- The 21 modaks are particularly iconic as offerings to Ganesha, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity in all spheres of life.
- 21 blades of durva grass have a purifying effect and are believed to have cooling and grounding properties, suitable for calming any turbulent energies in one's life, which is why they are offered to Ganesha.
4. Modern-Day Relevance of 21 in Hinduism
- In today’s context, the number 21 continues to be relevant, especially in ceremonies and auspicious beginnings, where it symbolizes completeness and balance.
- Many devotees still follow the tradition of offering 21 items during important religious observances, especially during major Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Beyond festivals, some people incorporate the number in personal milestones, for instance, in auspicious giving of gifts in 21 or donating in increments of 21 (21 rupees, 210 rupees, etc.) as a form of blessing.
5. Present-Day Status and Usage of the Number 21 in Practices
- Temple Offerings: Temples often incorporate this practice in daily and special rituals. Many prominent temples receive offerings in multiples of 21 from devotees for blessings.
- Festivals and Home Puja: During home ceremonies, families frequently incorporate the number 21, whether through specific offerings or as a part of their pledge for fulfillment of a vow or prayer.
- Initiatives and Charities: For those who wish to honor the tradition without direct offerings, they may donate to religious charities in multiples of 21, connecting modern acts of giving with spiritual symbolism.
6. Lesser-Known Facts About the Number 21 in Hinduism
- Mystical Interpretations: Some traditions view the 21 offerings as a form of yantra (sacred diagram) through which cosmic energy is accessed. Each item offered is thought to represent an energy that aligns with divine grace.
- Connection to the 21 Births Concept: Some Hindu philosophies mention that an individual may pass through 21 life forms or types of births before achieving liberation, making 21 a symbol of the cyclical journey of reincarnation.
- Alignment with Lunar Calendar: The traditional Hindu lunar calendar includes important points such as the 21st day of the cycle, believed to have spiritual potency, particularly for rituals related to appeasement and blessings.
7. Similar Symbolic Numbers and Comparisons
- Number 108: In Hinduism, 108 is another highly sacred number, often seen as the sum of the 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets, representing the whole cosmos.
- Number 9: Symbolizing completeness and finality, the number 9 (which is also the sum of 2+1) often appears in rituals. It represents the divine as well as the end of a cycle, signifying that something is “whole” or complete.
- Number 7: Often associated with spiritual wisdom and enlightenment, such as the seven chakras, the seven sages (Saptarishi), and the seven sacred rivers of India.
8. Spiritual Symbolism and Universality of 21
- The number 21 also symbolizes perfection in human potential, where mastery over the 21 human components signifies a state of balance and readiness for spiritual liberation.
- This number has parallels in other cultures and spiritual traditions, where it symbolizes maturity, readiness for new phases, and connection to the higher self.
In Hinduism, the use of 21 items in offerings is a reflection of the holistic connection between the material, spiritual, and cosmic realms. By offering 21 items, devotees pay homage to the divine with their full self, striving for harmony and blessings in all aspects of life. Today, this ancient practice still brings modern devotees closer to their faith, with the number 21 maintaining its revered position in Hindu rituals and spirituality.