He is generally shown with four arms, although the number may vary from two to sixteen.

Iconic representations of Ganesh show considerable variation, his form changing over time from that of a simple elephant in earliest depictions to the Ganesh we know today, typically having the head of an elephant and a large rotund belly. It is a little known fact outside of India that Ganesh has a brother Skanda, who is worshiped particularly in southern India as the embodiment of grace, bravery and love of virtuous deeds. He is popularly held to be the son of Shiva and Parvati, although the Puranas(ancient Hindu and Jain texts narrating the history of the Universe and describing Hindu cosmology, philosophy and geography) disagree about his birth, stating that he may have been created by Shiva, or by Parvati, or by Shiva and Parvati, or may simply have been discovered by Shiva and Parvati. Several of the sacred Hindu texts relate myths and anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and help to explain his distinct iconography. The attributes and characteristics of Ganesh have evolved over many centuries of Indian history. In a lesser known role, Ganesh is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. Devotees believe that if Ganesha is worshiped, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity. He is considered to be a patron of the arts and sciences and of letters. Ganesh is also associated with the first Chakra, or energy wheel, which underpins all of the other Chakras and represents conservation, survival and material well-being. His image is found everywhere, in many different forms, and he is invoked before the undertaking of any task. Interestingly, he also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked.īecause of these attributes, Ganesh is widely revered by almost all castes and in all parts of India, regardless of any other spiritual affiliations. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles of both material and spiritual kinds. Ganesh (also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha and known as Ganapati, Vinayaka and Pillaiyar) is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity, fortune and success.

But who is this elephant headed fellow, and why is he so popular? Ganesh is one of the best known and loved deities in the Hindu pantheon of gods, and indeed is the most recognised outside of India. Lord Ganesha bronze contemporary statue from Indonesia.

Ganesh nepali font