The Elephant Lore of the Hindus (Edition 1985)

The elephant holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and culture. It is revered as a symbol of wisdom, power, and auspiciousness. The most prominent representation of the elephant in Hinduism is Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Here are key aspects of the elephant's lore in Hindu tradition:

1. Lord Ganesha:

• Iconography: Ganesha is one of the most widely worshiped deities in Hinduism, recognized for his elephant head, large ears, and rotund belly. He is the son of Shiva (the supreme god) and Parvati (Shiva's consort).
• Symbolism: Ganesha represents the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings, wisdom, and intellect. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom, the ability to think deeply, and the capacity to solve problems creatively.
• Birth of Ganesha: According to one myth, Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used for bathing and asked him to guard the door while she bathed. When Shiva, her husband, arrived and was stopped by Ganesha, a fierce battle ensued, during which Shiva decapitated Ganesha. Later, to console Parvati, Shiva replaced his head with that of an elephant, bringing Ganesha back to life.

2. Elephant as a Symbol of Auspiciousness:

• In Hinduism, elephants are considered auspicious and are often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and blessings. The elephant-headed deity, Ganesha, is invoked before the start of any new venture or journey to remove obstacles.
• White Elephant: The white elephant is considered especially sacred. In ancient Hindu texts, a white elephant is often a symbol of royalty and divine favor.

3. Indra’s White Elephant - Airavata:

• In Hindu mythology, the Airavata is a white, multi-tusked elephant that serves as the vehicle (vahana) of Indra, the king of the heavens and god of thunder and rain.
• Airavata’s Origin: According to one myth, Airavata was born during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality. Airavata is depicted as a majestic, celestial elephant that embodies power, nobility, and divine grace.

4. The Elephant in Vedic and Epic Literature:

• Rigveda: Elephants are mentioned in the Vedas, especially in the Rigveda, where they are often portrayed as powerful, majestic creatures.
• Mahabharata and Ramayana: Elephants also appear in the Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. In the Mahabharata, the epic’s warrior Ghatotkacha has an association with an elephant-headed chariot, and the Ramayana mentions the heroic elephant Kesar that is used by the demons.

5. The Elephant as a Vehicle (Vahana):

• As mentioned, Ganesha and Airavata are among the many deities whose vahanas (vehicles) are elephants. Other deities also associate with elephants in various symbolic roles, signifying their power and grace.

6. Cultural Significance:

• Elephants are central to various festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, where statues of Ganesha are worshipped and paraded. The festival celebrates Ganesha's ability to overcome obstacles and bring prosperity.
• Elephants also appear in temple rituals and festivals, where they are adorned with jewels and flowers, and some temples, like the Punnathur Kotta in Kerala, house large numbers of sacred elephants.

7. Elephant in Philosophy:

• The elephant also plays a role in some philosophical teachings and is often used to explain concepts of perception and understanding. The famous "Blind men and the elephant" story is used in Hindu thought to convey the idea that different perspectives can lead to incomplete or distorted views of reality. In this allegory, several blind men touch different parts of an elephant's body, and each man has a different, partial understanding of what an elephant is, symbolizing the limitations of individual perception.