What is the inner significance of the name and form of Lord Vinayaka? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us today as we prepare to welcome Him this year.

The significance of Vinayak Chaturthi is explained in different ways. Is it possible to transplant an elephant's head on a human body? The esoteric significance of the image of Ganesha is: He has been given the head of an elephant because He is known for His extraordinary intelligence. The elephant is symbolic of extreme intelligence. In common parlance, an intelligent person is described as having gaja telivi (or the elephant's intelligence). Ganapati is described as "Buddhi Vinayaka" and "Siddhi Vinayaka" (Vinayaka, the Wise and the Accomplished). There is thus an inner significance for every name and form. Normally an elephant's head on a human body should present an ugly image. But anyone can see that Ganesa's elephant head has an attraction of its own. It is symbolic of extraordinary intelligence and intellectual ability.