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Ganesha, also known as Ganesh, Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His depictions are found throughout India. Here are some key points about Ganesha :
- Attributes:
- Elephant Head: Ganesha is readily identified by his elephant head and four arms.
- Remover of Obstacles: He is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and thought to bring good luck.
- Patron of Arts and Sciences: Ganesha is the patron of arts and sciences.
- Deva of Intellect and Wisdom: He is also the deva of intellect and wisdom.
- God of Beginnings: Ganesha is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies.
- Birth and Myths:
- Several texts relate anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits.
- Ganesha is mentioned in Hindu texts between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE.
- Hindu texts identify him as the son of Parvati and Shiva of the Shaivism tradition, but he is a pan-Hindu god found in various traditions.
- Symbolism:
- His name means both “Lord of the People” (gana means the common people) and “Lord of the Ganas” (chief of the goblin hosts of Shiva).
- Ganesha is potbellied and generally depicted as holding in his hand a few round Indian sweets (modak), of which he is inordinately fond.
- His vehicle (vahana) is the large Indian bandicoot rat, symbolizing Ganesha’s ability to overcome obstacles.
- Festivals:
- The 10-day late-summer festival Ganesh Chaturthi is devoted to him.
