More About Ganesh
Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered and beloved deities in Hinduism. Easily recognizable by his elephant head and pot-bellied human body, Ganesha is widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the god of intellect and wisdom.
He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The story of how Ganesha got his elephant head varies, but the most popular one recounts how, after a misunderstanding, Lord Shiva severed Ganesha's original head and replaced it with that of an elephant.
Ganesha is depicted with various attributes, often holding a broken tusk, a modak (sweet delicacy), an axe, a noose, or a rosary in his hands. The broken tusk symbolizes sacrifice and the ability to overcome obstacles, while the modak represents the sweetness of the realized inner self.
As the remover of obstacles, Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of new endeavors, rituals, and ceremonies. His blessings are sought for success, wisdom, and guidance in both spiritual and worldly pursuits. Ganesha is also revered as a deity who brings harmony, intellect, and a sense of order to life.
His popularity extends beyond Hinduism, and Ganesha is revered in various other cultures and spiritual traditions worldwide for his qualities of benevolence, wisdom, and his role in clearing life's hurdles.