Ganesha

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Ganesha

Ganesha or (Ganesh) is a god in Hinduism, who has the head an elephant. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati.

Ganesha is a very popular god of Hindus. Hindu tradition states that Ganesha is a god of wisdom, success and good luck. He is also giver of different types of favors. The Hindu tradition calls Ganesha as the Vighneshvara. Vighneshvara is a word of Sanskrit (any many other languages of India). This word means one who is the lord of obstacles or difficulties. Thus, the Hindu tradition states that by worshiping Ganesha, one can remove all obstacle and difficulties.

1 His worship
2 Mythology
3 His image
4 Other names
5 Reference

[edit] His worship

There are not many temples (mandirs) of Ganesha. But, in most of the temples of Hindus, people worship Ganesha along with other gods and goddesses. Hindu Tradition gives Ganesha an important place. The tradition says that Hindus should worship Ganesha first in most of their religious functions and ceremonies. The Hindus follow this tradition, and worship Ganesha first in most of their religious functions and ceremonies. Generally, many Hindus also worship Ganesha before starting any new thing. Thus, for example, before occupying a new house, they may worship Ganesha. Likewise, before starting any new business, many Hindus may worship Ganesha.

[edit] Mythology

There are many mythological stories about Ganesha.

A story says that Parvati had made a boy of sand. The boy of sand became alive. This boy was guarding the way while Parvati was taking bath. Shiva wanted to meet his wife, Parvati. The boy did not allow him. Shiva became angry. He cut the head of the boy. Then, head of an elephant was fixed to make the boy alive again. Therefore, Ganesha has a head of an elephant.

There is one other story. Parvati was very proud of her son Ganesha. He asked Shani (planet Saturn) to look at his son. Shani looked at the face of Ganesha. Shani’s look burnt Ganesha’s face and he became headless. Then Brahma (a god of Hindus) advised Parvati to fix the first head of anything she could find. Parvati found a head of an elephant. This head she fixed on the body of Ganesha. Thus, Ganesha got an elephant’s head.

[edit] His image

Ganesha

Any picture, image or portrayal in any form of Ganesha generally has the following characteristics or features:

He is shown with a tubby body, perhaps denoting well being and wealth.
His color is red.
Generally, he has four arms, and sometimes three eyes.
He carries a bead and certain other items like a lotus flower.
He sits generally with a bowl of sweetmeats (laddus or modaks) before him.
A mouse or rat will be around Ganesha. He uses a mouse (rat) as his conveyance (vahans).