In the Hindu pantheon, one of the most worshipped, most revered, most loved and best known deities is Lord Ganesh. He is also known as Vinayaka, Ganesha, Ganesa, Ganapati apart from other names. This elephant headed God is called the Lord of Good Fortune who brings success, fortune and prosperity and also a patron of sciences, arts and of letters. He is also called as Remover of Obstacles – ‘Vighnaharta’ who removes both spiritual and material hurdles. To keep a check, he is also known to place obstacles in the path. Before undertaking any task, Lord Ganesh is invoked. He is associated with the first energy wheel or Chakra which represents material well-being, survival and representation and supports rest of the Chakras. Worshippers of Lord Ganesh believe that he grants protection against adversity and blesses with prosperity and success. He is known as a destroyer of pride, selfishness and vanity, in a role that is lesser known.
Lord Ganesh is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Skanda, his brother is worshiped especially in Southern India, as an embodiment of love of virtuous deeds, bravery and grace. Typically he has a rotund large belly, an elephant’s head, four arms (the number can vary from 2 to 16 as well), holds a confectionary called ladoo in his lower left hand and a broken tusk in his lower right hand. Each of the items Ganesh carries bears is own spiritual significance. Depending upon intentions of the artist, specific symbols like spear, musical instrument, bowl containing sweets, rosary, discuss, mace or water lily may be included.
