deitiesGanesh

Ganesh, also known as Ganesha, Ganapati, or Vinayaka, is a widely venerated deity in Hinduism. He is regarded as the remover of obstacles, the lord of beginnings, wisdom, and intellect, and a patron of arts and sciences. He is commonly invoked at the start of rituals, journeys, or new ventures.

Iconography: He is typically depicted with an elephant head on a pot-bellied human body, four arms, and a broken tusk. He may hold an axe, a rope, a modak (sweet), and a lotus; one hand is often in a blessing gesture. He rides a mouse, symbolizing humility and the ability to overcome desire.

Origins and mythology: In most Hindu traditions, Ganesh is the son of Shiva and Parvati. A popular legend says Parvati created Ganesh from clay to guard her while she bathed; Shiva, returning and not recognizing him, beheaded him. Shiva replaced the head with that of an elephant and granted him a boon. Other stories link him to the writing of the epic Mahabharata, via a bitten-off tusk used as a stylus.

Worship and festivals: Ganesh is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies and is the patron of beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival in Maharashtra and parts of South India, involves installing clay idols and culminating in immersion after a number of days. He is honored in temples, households, and public shrines worldwide, and his popular forms include Siddhivinayak and the eight Ashtavinayak temples.

In other Indian traditions, Ganesh is recognized in Jain and Buddhist contexts as a deity of beginnings and learning, though his prominence varies by region.