Shri Ganesh
Ganesh is the Lord of Obstacles and Ruler of Dharma. Seated upon His throne, He guides our karmas through creating and removing obstacles from our path. We seek his permission and blessings in every undertaking.

Aum
is the root mantra and soundless sound from which all creation issues forth. It is associated with Lord Ganesha. Its three- syllables stand at the beginning and end of every sacred verse and every human act.

Padma
is the lotus flower, Nelumbo nucifera, perfection of beauty, associated with Deities and the chakras, especially the I ,000 petalled sahasrara. Rooted in the mud, its blossom is a promise of purity and unfoldment.

Gaja
is the elephant, king of beasts and sign of royalty and power He is Indra's mount, denoting the dominion of Heaven's King. In large Hindu temples and elaborate festive pagentry there is always a noble elephant.

Ghanta
is the bell used in ritual puja, which engages all senses, including hearing. Its ringing summons the Gods, stimulates the inner ear and reminds us that, like sound, the world may be perceived but not possessed.

Gopura
are the towering stone gateways through which pilgrims enter the South Indian temple. Richly ornamented with myriad sculptures of the divine pantheon, their tiers symbolise the, several planes of existence.

Swastika
is the symbol of fortune - literally "It is well". The right-angled arms of this ancient sun sign denote the indirect way that Divinity is apprehended: by intuition and not by intellect.

Nandi
is Lord Shiva's mount, or vahana. This huge white bull with a black tail, whose name means "joyful" is disciplined animality kneeling at Shiva's feet , the ideal devotee, the pure joy and strength of Saiva Dharma.

Mudra
are hand gestures employed in sacred dance and puja to focus the mind on abstract matters and to charge the body with spiritual power. This is chinmudra, the gesture of realisation, reflection and silent teaching.