How does it happen that Vinayaka has the head of an elephant and has a mouse as his vehicle? The mouse is called ‘Mushika’ (in Sanskrit) it is a sign of night, which signifies darkness. The mouse is a symbol of darkness. Because Vinayaka has control over darkness he is described as the rider on a ‘Mushika’. He is the one who dispels darkness and sheds light on the world.
Vinayaka is one who drives away all sorrows, difficulties and miseries. He is the enemy of all obstacles. He will not allow any obstacles to come in the way. He is the destroyer of obstacles. He confers happiness and peace (on his devotees). He is the master of all powers (Buddhi and Siddhi). What is this Siddhi (fulfilment)? When there is purity of mind you achieve peace (which is Siddhi). Vinayaka is thus the Lord of Buddhi and Siddhi (the Intellect and Self- Realisation). Hence, every human being should acquire control over the mind.
Another notable fact about Vinayaka is his vehicle, the Mushika (mouse). What does the mouse represent? It represents darkness, which is the symbol of ignorance. The mouse moves about in the dark. Ganapati is regarded as controlling the darkness of ignorance.
The mouse is also known for its strong sense of Vasana (smell). Based on the smell emanating from an object, the mouse finds its way to it. The inner significance of Vasanas in relation to humanity is the heritage of Vasanas which they bring from their previous lives. These vasanas (inherited tendencies) account for the actions of human beings in their present lives. They also signify desires. Without recognising this underlying significance and desires, people merely wonder how a large being like Vinayaka could ride on a tiny creature like a mouse.Vinayaka signifies the triumph of wisdom over ignorance and of egoless-ness over desires.
Once there was a contest between Vinayaka and his younger brother,Subrahmanya, as to which of them would go round the world first. Vinayaka was highly intelligent and had extraordinary discriminating power. Above all, he was totally free from self-interest of any kind. This is the supreme attribute of the Divine. There is no trace of self-interest in what the Divine does. Few people can understand the true nature of God’s love. Men tend to compare their own love with that of God. They do not realise that their love is based on attachment to what they like or what they are accustomed to enjoy the attraction or otherwise is not inherent in the objects themselves but in the vasanas (cravings based on past impressions) of the individuals concerned. (SSS Vol.30)