23. The Trunk of Lord Ganesha

The trunk of Ganesha represents the ability to adapt under various situations. It gives us the message to have the ability to handle the worldly problems in an efficient manner. Further, the direction of trunk also carries certain meaning. The right sided idols are believed to more powerful and require stern ritualistic  attention.

Left  Trunk

Right Trunk

There are three sets of arguments around the direction of Ganesha's trunk as discussed below - 

1. Based on Kundalani system

The Kundalani refers to the spiritual energy system of  the body. According to Kundalani system, there are seven main centers of energy in the body. These centers are called chakras. There are three main chakras in the body. These are-

a. The Sun Chakra (Surya or Right channel orPingalaa naadi)
b. The Moon Chakra (Chandra or Left channel or Idaa naadi) - The left channel corresponds to moon. It is called Ida (Idaa) Nadi. Ida Nadi (Naadi) is calm and has a smooth flow of energy. This channel controls the sympathetic nervous system of the body. Our emotional life is also controlled by this system.
c. The Central (Sushumnaa naadi) channels

The right trunked Ganesha idols correspond to the Surya or sun channel (the Pingala Naadi). There is a strong flow of energy this channel and hence such idols are very aggressive. They require stern ritualistic compliance and attention. The surya channel corresponds to the right sympathetic nervous system and controls the supra conscious mind. Such idols are considered to be active (jagruk). If such idol is not ritualistically worshipped, it begans emitting the raja (tiryak) frequencies which are negative in nature. Such frequencies adversely affect the worshipper. Contrarily, if the idol is worshipped properly, it begins merits to the worshippers by the virtue of sattva frequencies which are emitted by the idol.

The left trunked Ganesha is known as
Edamuri Vinayaka or Vamamukhi. The left side of the body corresponds to the Chandra Naadi which is calm and blissful.

Certain idols have a straight trunk. In others the trunk is straight and raised up in the air. Such idols are not very common. The idols with trunks raised up in the air signify that the Kundalani or spiritual energy had reached its peak. Such idols can be worshipped as well as gifted. 

2. The second belief centers around the concept of four directions. The right trunked idols of Ganesha face south I.e. these are dakshin abimukhi (Dakshi­nabhimukhi or Dakshinamukhi) Ganesha. This makes them aggressive and unbending. They are difficult to appraise and hence are called Siddhivinayakayaa which means Vinayak (other name of Ganesha) with superlative powers.
The left trunked Ganesha are Vamamukhi, i.e. they represent the direction of North or the left side. Ganesha are said to be blissful and serene. It bestows tranquility and happiness.

3. The third argument is based on gender personalities. It relates that the left side is feminine and is thus associated with attributes such as calmness and fortune. Contrarily, the right side of the body corresponds to masculine attributes such as anger and aggressiveness.