Lord Ganesha is the god of beginnings, knowledge, wisdom, intellect and
eradicator of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is the child of lord Shiva and
goddess Parvati. He is the elder brother of lord Kartikay (Skanda/
Murugana). Ganesha is the most extensively worshipped god in Hindu way
of life. Each sort of worship whether tantric or spiritual starts with
the prayers of Ganesha in Hinduism as he is known as the eradicator of
obstacles (Vighneshawar). He is worshipped in the starting of any
propitious event for blessings and hassle-free work. Lord Ganesha is
invoked as the "Patron of Letters" at the beginning of any
writing.
Ganesha Image
Ganesha figures show extensive variation with dissimilar patterns
changing over ages. A different mixture of his elephant-like head, a pot
belly and a small mouse makes him different from all other Hindu gods in
appearance. Many a times, he is represented standing, sitting, dancing,
like a warrior in heroic action against demons, playing with his family
as a boy, sitting down, or in a significant range of contemporary
situations when depicted in festival displays.
Ganesha has four hands, holding an axe in the right upper arm, while
the left upper arm holds a noose, signs of his ability to cut through
obstacles or to create them as required. In the third one he carries
laddoo (a sweet delicacy) and the fourth hand's palm is always there to
bless people. His vahana is a tiny mouse which represents the dominated
demon of pride and impertinence.
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