Ganesh

Introduction

Lord Ganesh is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is revered as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles) and is the first deity invoked at the beginning of any auspicious undertaking, prayer, or ritual.

He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Kartikeya (Skanda). He is regarded as the god of wisdom, success, prosperity, and learning. Sage Vyasa is said to have dictated the entire Mahabharata to Ganesh, who served as the scribe.

Form and Iconography

Ganesh has a distinctive form — an elephant head on a human body, a large belly (Lambodara), and typically four arms holding a parashu (axe), pasha (noose), modaka (sweet), and one hand in the abhaya (blessing) mudra. One of his tusks is broken, earning him the name Ekadanta. His vahana (vehicle) is a mouse, symbolizing the conquest of ego. His forehead bears a tilak of sandalwood and the tripundra mark.

Mythological Stories

The Elephant Head: Goddess Parvati created Ganesh from sandalwood paste and set him as a guard while she bathed. When Lord Shiva was denied entry, he severed the boy’s head in anger. Upon Parvati’s grief, Shiva restored Ganesh to life by attaching the head of an elephant.

The Race Around the World: The gods declared that whoever circumnavigated the Earth first would receive the greatest reward. While Kartikeya set off on his peacock, Ganesh simply walked around his parents, declaring that they represent the entire universe.

Scribe of the Mahabharata: Sage Vyasa requested Ganesh to transcribe the Mahabharata. Ganesh agreed on the condition that Vyasa would not pause while dictating, and Vyasa stipulated that Ganesh must understand each verse before writing it.

Major Temples

• Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai — One of the most famous Ganesh temples in India
• Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune — Renowned temple in Maharashtra
• Ashtavinayak Temples, Maharashtra — A group of eight ancient Ganesh shrines
• Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore, Rajasthan — The world’s only three-eyed Ganesh temple

Associated Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi is the principal festival, celebrated on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada. The ten-day festival involves the installation of Ganesh idols and their immersion on Anant Chaturdashi. Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every lunar month in his honour.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Beej Mantra: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha”
• Ganesh Gayatri: “Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dhimahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat”
• Ganapati Atharvashirsha: The principal Vedic hymn dedicated to Ganesh
• Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotra: Recited for the removal of obstacles