Ganeshas

Ganesha, also known as Ganesh, Vinayaka or Pillaiyar, is a major Hindu deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, wisdom, and intellect. He is typically depicted with an elephant head on a human body and a large belly. Iconography varies, but common attributes include a broken tusk, a rope or noose, a goad or axe, and a modak, a sweet dumpling. He is often shown with four arms and sometimes rides a mouse (Mushika), symbolizing humility before the devotee.

Origins and myths: In most traditions, Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati. A popular tale explains that Parvati created him from clay to guard her while she bathed; when Shiva returned, he did not recognize the boy and beheaded him. After Parvati's protests, Shiva replaced the head with that of an elephant, giving Ganesha his characteristic form. He is also said to be the scribe who wrote the Mahabharata under Vyasa's dictation. The elephant head is commonly interpreted as a symbol of wisdom and discernment.

Worship and practice: Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of rituals and undertakings to ensure success and remove obstacles. Devotees offer modaks, durva grass, coconuts, and flowers, and recite mantras such as Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha and Vakratunda Mahakaya. Daily puja is common in homes and temples. Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival, celebrates his birth or installation and culminates in the immersion (visarjan) of clay idols; the festival is especially prominent in Maharashtra and increasingly observed worldwide with eco-friendly idols.

Regional forms and influence: Ganesha is expressed in many forms and names across Hinduism and neighboring traditions. Variants include Lambodara, Siddhivinayak, and Vighneshvara. He is widely represented in art, architecture, and popular culture, and his iconography appears in temples, household shrines, and public processions.