Ganesha

Ganesha, also called Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is traditionally regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati and is revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of beginnings, and the god of wisdom, learning, and intellect. He is especially invoked at the start of ventures, rituals, and journeys, and is regarded as a patron of the arts and sciences.

Iconography and symbolism: Ganesha is typically depicted with an elephant head and a human body, often with four arms. He may hold an axe, a rope, and a modak (a sweet), with one hand in a blessing gesture, and his broken tusk is a notable feature. His mount is the mouse, symbolizing humility and the ability to overcome desires.

Origins and myths: In Hindu lore, Parvati creates Ganesha from clay, and Shiva, upon returning, forbids him from entering, leading to a conflict in which Ganesha is decapitated. A replacement elephant head is placed on the body, and Ganesha is restored to life. Regional legends vary, but the elephant head remains a defining motif.

Worship and influence: Ganesha is a central figure in many Hindu practices and is commonly honored at the beginning of prayers and ceremonies. The annual festival Ganesh Chaturthi, especially prominent in Maharashtra and southern India, celebrates his birth with processions, idols, and rituals. He also appears in Buddhist and Jain iconography and literature, reflecting a broader cultural presence across South Asia.