Ganesha

Attributes

Iconography

Depicted with an elephant head (with one broken tusk), a large belly, four arms holding an ankusha (goad), pasha (noose), a modak (sweet), and the fourth in abhaya mudra (blessing). Wears red clothes, a yellow tilak, garlands of flowers. Often shown seated on a lotus or on his mouse vahana.

The Story

According to the most popular legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the sandalwood paste on her body and posted him to guard her bath. When Lord Shiva returned and tried to enter, Ganesha (not knowing Shiva) blocked him. A fierce battle ensued, and Shiva — in rage — severed Ganesha's head. When Parvati saw her son dead, she was grief-stricken and threatened to destroy the universe. To appease her, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. He sent his attendants to bring the head of the first creature they found sleeping with its head pointing north — they returned with an elephant's head. Shiva placed the elephant head on Ganesha's body, restoring him to life. He then declared that Ganesha would be worshipped first among all gods — no puja, no marriage, no new venture would begin without invoking Ganesha. He was also given the boon of being the leader of the ganas (Shiva's attendants) — hence the name Ganesha (lord of the ganas). Another legend tells that Ganesha broke his tusk to write the Mahabharata as Sage Vyasa dictated it — earning him the name Ekadanta (one-toothed).

Significance

Ganesha is the most beloved and most widely worshipped deity in Hinduism — invoked at the beginning of every puja, every new venture, and every journey. He is Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles) and Vignakarta (the creator of obstacles for those who stray from dharma). His elephant head symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and discernment; his large ears represent the ability to listen; his small eyes represent concentration; his large belly symbolizes the capacity to digest all experiences (good and bad); his broken tusk represents sacrifice (he broke it to write the Mahabharata); and his mouse vahana represents the ego/desire that he has mastered. Ganesha is also the patron of letters and learning — students pray to him before exams. His worship transcends sectarian lines — he is worshipped by Shaivas, Vaishnavas, Shaktas, and Smartas alike. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is one of the most important in India, especially in Maharashtra.

Famous Temples

Festivals

Stotras & Mantras