The Remover of Obstacles
Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of beginnings, wisdom, and the remover of obstacles, invoked before any new venture, journey, or ceremony. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, instantly recognizable by his elephant head, ample belly, single broken tusk, and small mouse mount.
His name combines the Sanskrit gana ("group" or "host" — Shiva's attendant troops) and isha ("lord"), making him "lord of the hosts." He is also called Ganapati, with the same meaning, and Vinayaka, "the remover."
The myth of his elephant head explains his form: Parvati created him to guard her door, and when he barred Shiva from entering, the enraged god struck off his head. To console the grieving Parvati, Shiva replaced it with the head of the first creature found, an elephant, and restored him to life. His broken tusk is said to have served as a stylus when he transcribed the epic Mahabharata, a sign of his patronage of learning and letters.
Common Questions
Why does Ganesha have an elephant head?
Shiva beheaded him while he guarded Parvati's door, then revived him with an elephant's head to ease Parvati's grief.
Why is Ganesha worshipped first?
As the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings, he is invoked at the start of rituals, journeys, and new undertakings.
