Lord Ganesha

Article 4

Facts about Lambodar

Our dearest Ganesha is also known by the name 'Lambodar', which implies that he has a pot-like belly or that he has a long belly. But this is just the literal meaning of his name. There's a much deeper meaning attached to it.

Just like when a woman is pregnant, her belly becomes large, allowing enough space and nutrition for her baby to develop, Lord Ganesha is the sole mother and father of the entire universe. This universe, and many universes aside of the universe we are living in, lie inside of his belly. He is the sole nurturer of the innumerable universes.

What is also interesting is the fact that the Anant Shesha Nag is coiled around his waist like a belt. Anant Shesha Nag is known for holding the weight of the entire cosmos, it's planets and elements together. So, because the innumerable universes flourish inside of this udar (belly), Ganesha is depicted wearing the Anant Shesha Nag around his waist in a metaphorical and representative manner.

This argument is backed by the statement of Lord Krishna himself, who says, "He(Ganesha) is greater than the greatest. All the infinite cosmic eggs ( Brāhmandās ) of the past, present and future along with their mobile and immobile divisions are in him(Ganesha). Hence, he is called Lambodara". ~Brahmanda Mahapurana section 3,chapter 42.

Also, saint Eknath has explained the meaning of the word 'Lambodar' as - 'The entire animate and inanimate creation dwells within you(Ganpati). Hence, you are called Lambodar'. - Shri Eknathi Bhagwat 1.3

While trying to read the Mudgal Puran, I found an interesting story, which supports the argument of many universes dwelling inside of Ganesha's udar. The Mudgal Puran was written by Rishi Mudgal. It depicts a conversation between Daksha Prajapati and Rishi Mudgal. Here, Rishi Mudgal introduces Daksha with the glories of Lord Ganesha. Rishi Mudgal explains that Mahaganpati is the creater of incalculable universes, each universe having its own Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

Before this world was created by Lord Brahma, there was a time when the tridev (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) were wandering cluelessly around the endless universe, unaware of the purpose of their existence. At last, they sat down to meditate on Mahaganpati. Mahaganpati appeared and assigned them their respective roles and duties, i.e., creation, nurturing and destruction. Lord Brahma was clueless about the science and means through which he could create the world. He prayed to Mahaganpati to guide him and then, as a result Lord Ganesha lifted Lord Brahma through his truck and put him inside of his udar (belly) to show him various alternative creations and universes that dwell inside of his belly, through which Lord Brahma could learn and then proceed to create his own world through his newly acquired fresh knowledge.

Lord Ganesha is also depicted with a large belly as he has the ability to acquire and absorb immense knowledge. Also, he has the ability to digest all the negativity in his large belly and beam with positivity and wisdom, serving as tools to help his devotees.

So, these are some of the fascinating reasons behind alternatively calling Ganeshji as Lambodar.

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