Ganesha – god of prosperity and wisdom

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is revered as the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. Ganesha is easily recognizable by his distinct elephant-headed form.

According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The story of his birth varies, but a popular version is that Parvati created Ganesha from the dirt and oil of her body while taking a bath. She then breathed life into the figure and appointed him as the guardian of her chamber. When Lord Shiva returned and found Ganesha preventing his entry, a battle ensued, resulting in Ganesha’s head being severed. Upon witnessing Parvati’s distress, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, granting him a new life and making him a revered deity.

Ganesha is depicted as a plump, elephant-headed deity with a large potbelly, four arms, and a broken tusk. He is often shown seated on a lotus or a mouse, his traditional vehicle. In his hands, Ganesha holds various symbolic objects, such as an axe to remove obstacles, a noose to capture negativity, a modak (a sweet dumpling) symbolizing his love for sweets and nourishment, and a lotus representing purity and enlightenment.

Ganesha is worshipped before the commencement of any important task, such as weddings, business ventures, exams, or any new endeavor to seek his blessings and remove obstacles from the path. His popularity extends beyond Hinduism, and he is also revered by followers of Buddhism and Jainism.

Ganesha is known for his wisdom and intellect. He is considered the patron of arts, sciences, and literature. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha can enhance one’s intellect, creativity, and ability to overcome challenges.

Devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits, sweets, and modaks to Ganesha during festivals and religious ceremonies. The most prominent festival dedicated to Ganesha is Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day celebration held annually, during which clay idols of Ganesha are worshipped with great fervor and then immersed in water.

Ganesha’s popularity is attributed to his benevolent and approachable nature. He is seen as a compassionate and caring deity who blesses his devotees with knowledge, success, and the removal of obstacles, making him one of the most beloved and revered gods in Hindu mythology.

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