Ganesha
“Gajanana” is a Sanskrit word. What does “Gajanana” mean?
One with an elephant face
(“Gaja” means elephant and “anana” means face)
In heavenly scene with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi serpent symbolizes
mind focused on lord
What is the English for Bhasma / Vibhuthi
Ash
100- Mud pot with holes and a lamp inside
Garbo
How many steps in puja rituals ?
16
What does the trunk of Ganesa represent?
perfect discrimination; resolving physical problems and maintaining mentality.
(Trunk can pull heavy weights at same time it is so sensitive at its tip that the same trunk can be employed by the elephant to pluck a blade of grass.)
omnipresent Lord ( lord is infinite) is represented by what part of Vishnu
Blue body
Don't be ________ , be Better
Bitter
Goddess Saraswati is seated on
Swan/ peacock
Symbolizes inner beauty and discrimination intellect
How many Vedas are there ?
4
Shri Ganesa has large ears and big head. What do they represent?
listening well, thinking, and analyzing
Yellow Dhoti symbolizes
lord clothed in earthly matter
Why is Lord Siva called Trilocana?
3 eyed one ( third eye wisdom and knowledge)
Killing of Mahishasura symbolizes
destruction of Laziness / Tamoguna
Greek word - “ Sum- Bollo” meaning “ throw together “ is known as ___________ in English .
Symbol
What does Ganesa’s mouse symbolize ?
obedient mind
(Ganesa’s mouse sitting near the modaka if you observe closely poor mouse is sitting looking up at the Ganesa but not daring to touch anything without his command. And every now and then, he allows the mouse to eat.
Heart filled with noble values is symbolism of
Milky ocean
What "Fearless" represents on Siva
Snake on his neck
who wears garland of skulls
Kali- symbolizes destruction of bad qualities
What can we do to get the right kind of recording in our mind?
Watch uplifting shows on TV, read good book, keep good friends.
Ganesa has 4 hands, 3 of which are holding things. What are the 3 things being held, and what position is the 4th hand in?
Axe, Rope, and Modaka (laddu); Position of blessing (accept similar answers, be lenient)
Axe – Cuts Attachments
Rope- Draws us closer to him
Modaka- Rewards to his devotees
Blessings- Blesses and protects
List what is in the four hands of Lord Vishnu and give symbolism of atleast one of them
Conch- Calls to a life of noble values
Mace - warnings given by the Lord
Discus - destroys the ego
Lotus - reward of self knowledge
What does Lord Siva hold inside his neck?
Hala hala (poison)
Name virtues of Goddess Laxmi
Answer - She symbolizes - golden hands ( SuvarnaHasta - wealth of virtues)
Sama - self control
Dama- self control
Uparati- self withdrawal
Titiksa- forbearance
Shraddha - Faith
Samadhana - single pointedness
Fruit offered to Guru or at temple symbolises 'surrender of desire' ?
Coconut , Karmaphala or Fruits of one's past actions