4 MinsAug 30, 2022
In the Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha is regarded as an obstacle remover, hence it is common to take the Lord’s blessings before the start of any auspicious occasions – and is also why devotees fondly refer to him as the "Prathama Pujaya”
meaning the first Lord to be worshipped. This is because he is regarded as an enemy destroyer and obstacle remover. In addition, Lord Ganesha is said to bring knowledge, wealth, prosperity, and growth to his followers.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as a 10-day long utsav or festival in Maharashtra and several other states. While we partake in the festivities let us learn some financial wisdom, too, from the Lord. Everything about Lord Ganesha can
teach us crucial life lessons, from the head of an elephant to outsized/large ears to a long trunk. So, here are the five financial lessons that we can learn from Lord Ganesha:
1. Acquire wisdom. Be smart and focus on your goals
Lord Ganesha is also known as “Gajanana” for his large elephant head. This huge head signifies thought, wisdom, broad-mindedness, powerful thinking, and a vast
ocean of knowledge. It tells us that we too should acquire as much knowledge, financial or otherwise while creating our future goals – We should be smart.
While making investments for our future, we need to have a clear head. Our
decision-making should be sharp, calculated and goal-oriented. Decisions shall be taken considering their nature (long, short or medium term) and while ensuring that they are aligned with our risk appetite and investment horizon. No decision
should be taken in haste.
Now, while making investments for our future, we need to have a clear head. Our decision-making should be sharp and spontaneous. For example, we should know whether to invest in fixed-income generating instruments
or market-linked instruments.
2. Be receptive to ideas
Another name for Lord Ganesha is “Lambakarna” because of his large and wide ears. They symbolise a great ability to listen. It tells us that we should always pay attention and listen to
what others are saying around us. We should be receptive to new ideas, strategies, and the flow of information.
For example, you must ask people about their investment strategies. You must be open to knowing if new investment instruments
are being launched in the market and what instruments have provided maximum returns in recent times.
You may also attend seminars or webinars of financial gurus or investment experts. They will tell you about the advantages of investing
in fixed-income instruments, such as Fixed Deposits or FDs. You will also get to know whether it’s the right time to invest in the market and if yes, then in which
shares or mutual funds.
[Also Read:Open a Digital FD in minutes]
3. Keep an eye for details
If you focus on Lord Ganesha’s eyes, you will notice that they are small and sharp. This teaches you to be attentive and focused on your goals. You must be aware of what is happening around
you. You must go into detail about everything before taking a decision.
This way, you will be able to invest in the right instruments and create a well-diversified investment portfolio. Before making any financial decision, you must understand
its pros and cons thoroughly.
For example, before applying for a credit card, you must read its advantages and disadvantages. It can be a very powerful tool if used properly. But it can also leave you in a debt trap if you fail to
use it wisely and smartly.
4. If you want to gain big, you need to take risks
Lord Ganesha is fondly called “Lambodara”, which means a large belly. This represents endurance and risk-taking capability. It teaches us that if we want to gain
big things in our lives, we need to take bigger risks. And this stands in the world of investing as well.
If you want to take a conservative approach, you can invest in an FD and get 5-6% returns. But if you aren’t satisfied with
this, you should take a bit of risk and invest in market-linked instruments, such as stocks and mutual funds. They can provide you with inflation-beating returns in
the long term.
However, taking high risks doesn’t mean making mad investments. If you go and invest in high-risk equities beyond your risk tolerance, you may suffer heavy losses. So, you must develop risk-taking capability along
with the ability to make wise decisions as mentioned in the above points.
5. Be prepared for emergencies
“Vakratunda” is another name for Lord Ganesha stemming from his elephant trunk. It teaches us to be prepared to face any contingency in our lives. Lord Ganesha’s trunk embodies
the power and strength to perform the most delicate and complex tasks in difficult situations.
So, as you invest to build a corpus for your future, you should also keep an amount aside for an emergency. In other words, build an emergency
corpus which can be used during difficult times. Buying adequate insurance – both life and health – serves the same purpose.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already shown how uncertain life can be. Although you can’t predict
the future, you can prepare yourselves to face whatever it has in store.
We are sure that these financial lessons from Lord Ganesha will improve your overall financial health. You will learn how to save, invest, and prepare for everything
in life. If you want to apply for a credit card or open a Demat Account to invest in shares and mutual funds,
you can visit the Axis Bank website and know the details.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risk, read all scheme related documents carefully. Axis Bank Ltd is acting as an AMFI registered MF Distributor (ARN code: ARN-0019). Purchase of Mutual Funds by Axis Bank’s customer is purely voluntary and not linked to availment of any other facility from the Bank. *T&C apply
