Ganesha
Mouse (shrew) is the most common, though lion, peacock, and Shesha (divine serpent) are also mentioned.·Male·India·Ganapatya (Supreme God), Pan-Hindu
Ganesha, also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the most widely revered deities in the Hindu pantheon, particularly recognized as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good luck. He is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies, and is considered the patron of arts, sciences, logic, intellect, and wisdom. Ganesha is prominently featured in Hindu texts from the early centuries CE and has a significant presence across various Hindu denominations, as well as in Jain and Buddhist traditions.
Key Facts
- ›Ganesha is identifiable by his elephant head and typically four arms.
- ›He is widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good fortune.
- ›Considered the patron of arts, sciences, logic, intellect, and wisdom.
- ›He is honored at the beginning of most Hindu rites, ceremonies, and new ventures.
- ›The primary texts associated with Ganesha include the Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana.
- ›Ganesha is considered the son of Shiva and Parvati in Shaivism.
Ganapati, Vinayaka, Pillaiyar, Ganpati, Vighneshvara, Vighnaraja, Vighnaharta, Ekadanta, Heramba, Lambodara, Gajanana, Maha Peinne, Khanet, Phra Phi Khanet, Gana deviyo
Elephant Head, Large Belly, Four Arms, Broken Tusk Held In A Hand, A Delicacy Sampled With His Trunk, Axe Or Goad In An Upper Arm, Pasha In An Upper Arm, Serpent As A Sacred Thread Or Belt, Third Eye On Forehead, Sectarian Mark On Forehead, Crescent Moon On Forehead
Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana, Ganapati Atharvashirsa
Son of Shiva and Parvati, Brother of Kartikeya
Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti
Ashtavinayak Temples
KşEma and LāBha, śUbha and LāBha, Santoshi Ma
Mouse, Elephant
Deity, God of Beginnings, Remover of Obstacles, Patron of Arts and Sciences, God of Logic, Intellect, and Wisdom
1st century BC, 2nd century
Pratham Pujya, Supreme God In Ganapatya Sect
About Ganesha
Ganesha, also widely known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, stands as one of the most venerated deities within the Hindu pantheon. He is particularly revered as the "Pratham Pujya," the deity to be worshipped first before any other, signifying his role as the god of beginnings. Ganesha is predominantly recognized as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good luck, making him a popular choice for invocation at the commencement of new ventures, ceremonies, and rituals.
His iconography is distinctive, featuring an elephant's head atop a human body, often with four arms. These arms typically hold symbolic items such as his broken tusk, a noose, or an axe. Beyond his role in overcoming impediments, Ganesha is celebrated as the patron of arts and sciences, and the embodiment of logic, intellect, and wisdom. His influence extends beyond Hinduism, with devotion to him found among Jains and Buddhists, and across various parts of India and beyond.
Historical mentions of Ganesha appear in Hindu texts between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE, with archaeological evidence of his imagery dating to the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Traditionally, he is considered the son of Shiva and Parvati within the Shaivism tradition, yet he is embraced as a pan-Hindu deity. In the Ganapatya sect, Ganesha is revered as the Supreme Being. Principal texts dedicated to him include the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa, which detail his myths, attributes, and worship.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ganesha known for?
Ganesha is most famously known as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good luck. He is also revered as the patron of arts and sciences, and the god of logic, intellect, and wisdom. He is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies and invoked as a patron of letters and learning.
What are Ganesha's most common names?
Ganesha is known by many names, including Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar. Other epithets include Vighneshvara (Lord of Obstacles), Ekadanta (One Tusked), and Lambodara (Pot Belly).
What does Ganesha look like?
Ganesha is readily identified by his elephant head and a large belly. He is commonly depicted with four arms, though the number can vary. He holds various attributes in his hands, often including his own broken tusk.
Who are Ganesha's parents?
Hindu texts identify Ganesha as the son of the deities Shiva and Parvati. However, different Puranic texts offer varying accounts of his birth and creation.
What is Ganesha's role in Hinduism?
Ganesha is considered the god of beginnings and is invoked at the start of most Hindu rituals and ceremonies. He is worshipped as the remover of material and spiritual obstacles, ensuring success and prosperity for devotees.
When did Ganesha first appear in Hindu texts?
Ganesha is mentioned in Hindu texts dating between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE. Images of Ganesha have been documented by scholars from the 4th and 5th centuries CE.
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