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Asian Elephants

Religion, Mythology, Philoshopy
The Asian elephant appears in various religious traditions and mythologies.
They are often revered as deities, symbolising strength and wisdom.

AIRVATA - HOLY WHITE ELEPHANT

He is snow-white with four tusks and seven trunks. According to Hindu mythology, Airvata is the ancestor of all elephants, a rainmaker and the keeper of global law and order. Indra, the thunder god, rides Airavata.

GANESHA - GOD OF WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND NEW BEGINNINGS

One of the best known Hindu deities. He is accompanied by a rat and he removes all obstacles. According to myth, Ganesha’s head turned into ashes when god Sani looked at him. Then Shiva, Ganesha’s father, cut off the head of an elephant and placed it on the shoulders of his son.

Ο GANESHA’S SYMBOLISM

Large ears: listens to others Small mouth: talks less Small eyes: concentration and foresight Trunk: high efficiency and adaptability Big belly: peacefully digests all good and bad in life Axe: protects and cuts all bonds of attachments Rope: to pull you near the truth Uneaten sweets: do not let material pleasures distract you Mouse: desires, keep them under control

RAIN MAKER

According to Buddists and Hindus, elephants convey messages to gods regarding lack of rain.

THE BIRTH OF BUDDHA

Queen Maya, Buddha’s mother, dreams that a white elephant touches her with a white lotus flower. Buddha’s soul is reincarnated in the white elephant and penetrates her body. Queen Maya becomes pregnant and gives birth to Buddha.

In Buddhism, the elephant is a symbol of mental strength. When someone begins practicing, the uncontrolled mind is symbolized by a grey elephant who runs wild and destroys everything in its way. After taming, the mind is under control and is symbolised by a white powerful elephant, who can be directed wherever one wishes and destroys all obstacles in its way.