2016-09-19 Mon

An Indonesian currency note was issued in 1998 with the theme – Education. Going with the theme of the note, the most loved Indian God of Ganas, Ganesha who represents wisdom, was featured on the reverse of this 20,000 rupiah banknote. A typical classroom activity in Indonesia along with a picture of Ki Hajar Dewantara whose birth date is observed as National Education Day in Indonesia, is featured on the obverse. Indonesian archipelago has had a huge influence of Hinduism, which is why Hindu deities and symbols are commonly found in Indonesia since the early centuries.

The start to every good deed or occasion is incomplete without the praise of this most loved God. Unlike other Indian Gods and Goddesses, Ganesha has been portrayed in various forms and contemporary positions like standing, dancing, sitting down or on an elevated seat etc.

Every aspect of Lord Ganesha symbolises something. The Elephant Head represents calmness, wisdom and strength; his vehicle mouse showcases overpowering fear, indecision and anxiety. His ugly body represents Illusion and duality; broken tusk denotes detachment. Curve of the Trunk is in the shape of Aum which represents lord of the speech and the large belly denotes fulfilment.