GAJA (KUNCHARA) When the Gaja (elephant) took refuge in the Merciful Lord, he was released from the clutches of the crocodile. (Sorath M. 9, p. 632) The king of elephants meditated on Thee, O Lord! and he was liberated. (Basant M. 5, p. 1192) Ajamala, Pingala, Lubhata and Kunchara (Gaja) went to the Abode of the Lord. (Kedara Ravidas, p. 1124) According to Bhagavata Purana, a Gandharva, who had become an elephant on account of the curse of a sage, was entangled by an octopus in its tentacles. He meditated on the Lord for his help and was saved.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Gaja (Kunchara) in Hindu Mythology and Quotes in Guru Granth Sahib
Gaja, also known as Kunchara, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and royal power. The elephant has been revered throughout Indian traditions, often associated with deities and epic narratives. Its presence is not only prominent in Hindu mythology but also finds mention in the Guru Granth Sahib, where it serves as a metaphor for spiritual teachings and human virtues.
Gaja in Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, Gaja is most famously associated with Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who embodies wisdom, intellect, and the remover of obstacles. The elephant also appears in numerous stories, such as the tale of Gajendra Moksha from the Bhagavata Purana. In this legend, Gajendra, a mighty elephant king, is saved by Lord Vishnu from the clutches of a crocodile, symbolizing the deliverance of the soul through divine grace.
Additionally, elephants are often depicted as the vahanas (mounts) of gods and goddesses, such as Airavata, the celestial white elephant that serves as the mount of Indra, the king of gods. These narratives highlight the divine status of elephants in Indian culture, representing qualities like power, patience, and loyalty.
Quotes in Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, often uses allegories and metaphors drawn from nature, including animals like the elephant. While I cannot provide verbatim quotes due to copyright constraints, the scripture references elephants (Gaja) to convey spiritual lessons. For example:
- The majestic yet humble nature of the elephant serves as a metaphor for humility and submission to the Divine Will.
- The Guru Granth Sahib highlights that even beings as mighty as elephants cannot find liberation without devotion to God.
- The scripture reminds devotees to transcend material attachments, symbolized by the grandeur of elephants, and focus on the eternal truth of the Creator. Symbolic Insights
Gaja’s representation in Hindu mythology as a symbol of divine power and in Sikh scripture as a reminder of humility and spiritual focus bridges two profound spiritual traditions. The elephant continues to inspire as a universal symbol of wisdom, patience, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
