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The symbolic attributes of Ganesh's body are as follows:

--His huge head suggests vast wisdom.

--His broad back suggests ability to carry unlimited burden on his back.

--Pillar-like legs depicting the steadfast, firm support to all the Lok

--Four hands carrying various instruments: one carrying books depicting knowledge and wisdom; another equipped with all sorts of weapons, conventional, as well as non-conventional - Nuclear (Shastra/Astra) ; the third with Modak (Prasad) distributing happiness (‘Mod’ means pleasure) and prosperity; and the fourth raised as a way of assurance and blessings to his Bhakt

--Small eyes symbolize a critical eye for observing smallest details

--Small mouth suggests very conservative with words, not to chat unnecessarily

--Big ears, ever ready to listen to everyone and everything.

--Tusks that bear heavy loads of responsibilities

--Trunk that can lift even a minute object as a small needle in a haystack, suggesting that he can pay attention to the minutest distress of his Bhakt

--A Pot belly suggesting swallowing any wrong doings of Bhakt and ever forgiving

--A mouse under his toes, which has a habit of nibbling and destroying things represents that it keeps the Tri-lok clean

Thus, the form of Ganesh really has great significance behind it. With all these qualities, Shree Ganesh can aptly be called an ideal Gana Pati, or an ideal Leader.

It is noteworthy that we consider Gajaanan as the epitome of all knowledge of the Universe, and among all the animals, a ‘Mouse’ is his 'Vaahan' (transport). Is it a coincidence, that in this modern age, a Computer has all the knowledge/wisdom stored in it, and the communicator of that knowledge to us, the outside world, is called ‘Mouse’? Although this terminology was coined by the Western World. We are not claiming any credit for it. (read Mouse)

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