2021-08-12 Thu

Elephants, in general, symbolize the qualities of wisdom, strength, courage, longevity, patience, honor, and stature. This World Elephant Day let’s get acquainted with their varying symbolism across different cultures. Elephants play a recurring theme in Buddhism and Hinduism and are revered according to the qualities they wish to emulate.

Hinduism
Lord Ganesha, the elephant god, is the most universally worshiped Hindu deity. He is exalted by devotees and believed to represent “perfect wisdom” and be the “remover of obstacles.” His image graces the entryways of temples and is also found at workplaces. Followers pray to Ganesha before they begin a new venture because they believe he will remove any obstacles to success.

Buddhism
To Buddhists, the elephant represents mental strength. Dharma (the teachings of Buddha) and mediation are important aspects of this religion. The gray elephant symbolizes someone first learning Buddhism whose mind can run wild and wreak havoc at any time. The white elephant signifies a mind under control, which is extremely powerful and can be used to destroy any obstacle.

Indian Mythology
Flying elephants are often depicted in Indian mythology, and the white elephant Airavata is the most highly regarded. He has four tusks and seven trunks and is seen carrying the Hindu god Indra on his back. Airavata is also believed to have the power to produce rain. Indian kings owned elephants and used them in wars.

The given coin is the Gold Gajapati Varaha weighing 3.62 grams. The obverse of the coin has an ornate Elephant standing to right, Sun and Moon above. The reverse has beautiful scrollwork with beautiful flowers.

Image Courtesy: marudhararts.com