गणेश
Ganesha
The Remover of Obstacles
Sacred Stories
Divine tales and sacred legends
The Birth of Ganesha
Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath, breathing life into him to guard her chamber while she bathed. When Shiva returned and Ganesha refused him entry, Shiva beheaded the boy in anger. Devastated, Parvati demanded her son be restored. Shiva promised to replace the head with the first creature he found—an elephant. Thus Ganesha received his elephant head and was blessed by all gods with supreme wisdom.
The Broken Tusk and the Mahabharata
When sage Vyasa needed someone to write down the great epic Mahabharata as he dictated, he chose Ganesha. Ganesha agreed on the condition that Vyasa never pause in his recitation. During the writing, Ganesha's pen broke. Without hesitation, he broke off one of his own tusks to continue writing without interruption. This is why Ganesha is called Ekadanta (one with a single tusk) and symbolizes sacrifice for knowledge.
Ganesha and the Moon
Once, after consuming many modakas (sweet dumplings), Ganesha's vehicle—a tiny mouse—stumbled, causing Ganesha to fall. His belly burst open and the sweets spilled out. The Moon witnessed this and laughed mockingly. Angered, Ganesha cursed the Moon to wane and disappear. When the Moon begged forgiveness, Ganesha modified the curse so the Moon would wax and wane periodically. This is why viewing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is considered inauspicious.
The Race Around the World
Shiva and Parvati announced that whichever of their sons—Ganesha or Kartikeya—circled the world first would receive a divine fruit. Kartikeya immediately set off on his peacock to circle the globe. Ganesha, riding his small mouse, simply circled his parents three times, explaining that his parents were his entire world. Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Shiva and Parvati declared Ganesha the winner and blessed him to be worshipped first before all deities.
Ganesha and Kubera
Kubera, the god of wealth, once became arrogant about his riches. To teach him humility, Shiva sent young Ganesha to Kubera's palace. Kubera prepared a grand feast, but Ganesha's appetite was insatiable—he consumed everything in the palace and threatened to eat Kubera himself. Terrified, Kubera ran to Shiva for help. Shiva gave Kubera a handful of roasted rice grains offered with humility, which satisfied Ganesha immediately, teaching that devotion and humility matter more than material wealth.
Ganesha as Prathameshwara
When the gods gathered to decide the order of worship, a dispute arose. To resolve it, they agreed that whoever could circle the universe fastest would be worshipped first. While other gods raced across the cosmos, Ganesha circumambulated his parents, stating they embodied the entire universe. Recognizing his profound wisdom, all gods agreed that Ganesha should be worshipped first in all rituals, earning him the title Prathameshwara—the First Lord.
The Guardian of Thresholds
After receiving his elephant head, Shiva appointed Ganesha as the guardian of all thresholds and new beginnings. This role makes Ganesha the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the lord of beginnings. He stands at the doorway between the material and spiritual worlds, helping devotees cross from ignorance to knowledge. This is why all Hindu rituals, journeys, and new ventures begin with prayers to Ganesha.
Timeline of Events
Creation by Parvati
Goddess Parvati creates Ganesha from sandalwood paste to guard her chamber, establishing his role as the divine guardian.
Receiving the Elephant Head
After being beheaded by Shiva and restored with an elephant head, Ganesha receives blessings from all gods, becoming the embodiment of wisdom and new beginnings.
Appointed as Prathameshwara
Through his wisdom in recognizing his parents as his entire universe, Ganesha earns the right to be worshipped first before all deities.
Marriage with Riddhi and Siddhi
Ganesha marries Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power), and they have two sons: Shubha (auspiciousness) and Labha (profit).
Writing the Mahabharata
Ganesha serves as scribe for sage Vyasa, writing the entire Mahabharata epic, breaking his own tusk to continue without interruption when his pen broke.
Eternal Remover of Obstacles
Ganesha continues to bless devotees across all ages, removing obstacles from their path and granting wisdom, prosperity, and success in all endeavors.
Sacred Iconography
Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings
Elephant Head
Symbol of wisdom
Intelligence and wisdom
Large Ears
Listening skills
Listen more, speak less
Small Eyes
Sharp focus
Concentrate on essentials
Broken Tusk
One tusk
Sacrifice and letting go
Large Belly
Contains universe
Digest all experiences
Mouse Vehicle
Small mouse
Control over desires
Worship & Rituals
Sacred practices to honor and connect with the divine
Ganesh Chaturthi
The grand 10-day festival celebrating Ganesha's birthday, observed in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). Devotees install clay idols of Ganesha at home or in public pandals, perform daily pujas with flowers, modakas, and durva grass, and conclude with Visarjan (immersion) in water bodies. This festival is especially grand in Maharashtra.
Materials needed:
- Clay Ganesha idol
- Red flowers (hibiscus)
- Durva grass (21 blades)
- Modakas (sweet dumplings)
- Fruits
- Coconut
- Incense
- Camphor
- Red cloth
Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat
Observed on the fourth day after the full moon each month, this fast is dedicated to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles and difficulties. Devotees fast throughout the day and break it only after sighting the moon in the evening. Special prayers and the Ganesha Atharvashirsha are recited.
Materials needed:
- Ganesha idol or picture
- Modakas
- Durva grass
- Red flowers
- Fruits
- Lamp with ghee
Wednesday Ganesha Puja
Wednesday is especially sacred to Lord Ganesha. Devotees offer green durva grass (believed to be Ganesha's favorite), modakas, red flowers, and chant Ganesha mantras. This regular worship brings success in endeavors and removes obstacles from daily life.
Materials needed:
- Durva grass
- Modakas or laddoos
- Red flowers
- Coconut
- Banana
- Turmeric
- Kumkum
Ganesha Atharvashirsha Recitation
Recitation of this sacred Vedic hymn praising Ganesha is considered highly auspicious for removing obstacles, gaining wisdom, and achieving success. Regular recitation, especially before starting new ventures or during Ganesh Chaturthi, brings Ganesha's blessings and protection.
Materials needed:
- Atharvashirsha text
- Ganesha idol or image
- Flowers
- Incense
Sacred Temples
Holy places of worship and pilgrimage
Siddhivinayak
Mumbai, India
Famous Ganesha temple
Ashtavinayak
Maharashtra, India
Eight sacred Ganesha temples
Ganpatipule
Maharashtra, India
Swayambhu Ganesha temple by the sea
Festivals & Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi
August/September
Grand celebration of Ganesha birth
Sankashti Chaturthi
Monthly
Monthly fasting day for Ganesha
Sacred Mantras
Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
"Salutations to Lord Ganesha"
Benefits: Removing obstacles and success
गजाननं भूतगणादिसेवितं
Gajananam Bhuta Ganadisevatam
"Ganesha Dhyana Sloka"
Benefits: Meditation and blessings
Related Stories & Teachings
Ganesh Chaturthi - The Grand Birthday Celebration
Discover the 10-day festival honoring Lord Ganesha with rituals, traditions, and the significance of Visarjan
Read MoreSankashti Chaturthi - Monthly Ganesha Fast
Learn about the monthly fast dedicated to Ganesha for removing obstacles and challenges
Read MoreGanesha Atharvashirsha - Sacred Vedic Hymn
Read and understand this powerful Vedic text praising Lord Ganesha and his divine qualities
Read MoreLord Shiva - Father of Ganesha
Explore the stories and significance of Lord Shiva, the father of Ganesha
Read MoreGoddess Parvati - Mother of Ganesha
Learn about Goddess Parvati who created Ganesha and her role in Hindu mythology
Read MoreAshtavinayak Temples - Eight Sacred Ganesha Shrines
Discover the eight sacred Ganesha temples in Maharashtra and their significance
Read MoreDivine Wisdom
Inspiring verses and timeless teachings
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
"Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This is the most popular Ganesha mantra chanted before beginning any new venture."
— Ganapati Upanishad
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada
"O Lord Ganesha, with curved trunk and mighty body, whose splendor equals millions of suns, please make all my endeavors free of obstacles always."
— Traditional Ganesha Shloka
गजाननं भूतगणादि सेवितं कपित्थ जम्बूफलसार भक्षितम्। उमासुतं शोकविनाशकारकं नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पादपङ्कजम्॥
Gajananam Bhutaganaadi Sevitam Kapittha Jamboo Phala Sara Bhakshitam, Umasutam Shoka Vinasha Karakam Namami Vighnesvara Pada Pankajam
"I bow to the lotus feet of Vighnesvara, the elephant-faced one, served by celestial beings, who loves wood-apple and jamun fruits, son of Uma, and destroyer of sorrows."
— Ganesha Stotram
एकदन्तं महाकायं लम्बोदरं गजाननम्। विघ्ननाशकरं देवं हेरम्बं प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Ekadantam Mahakayam Lambodaram Gajananam, Vighna Nashakaram Devam Herambam Pranamamyaham
"I bow to Heramba, the one-tusked, large-bodied, big-bellied, elephant-faced deity who destroys all obstacles."
— Traditional Prayer
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