Ganesha (Ganesh)

王宣尤

Ganesha, also called Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is the elephant‑headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
 

Core Roles & Meanings

- Lord of Obstacles: He is Vighneshvara, the god who removes barriers in life and new projects. Hindus pray to him before starting jobs, journeys, or rituals.
- God of Wisdom & Learning: He is the patron of students, writers, and intellectuals.
- Symbol of Good Fortune: He represents success, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Iconography & Symbols

- Elephant head: Wisdom, foresight, and intelligence.
- Potbelly: Ability to digest all life experiences.
- Four arms: Hold an axe (cut ignorance), a noose (catch goals), a modak (sweet, reward), and one hand gives blessings.
- Broken tusk: Sacrifice for wisdom (he wrote the Mahabharata with one tusk).
- Mouse vahana: Humility and the power to overcome small obstacles.

Main Festival

- Ganesh Chaturthi: A major 10‑day festival in August–September, celebrating his birth.

Sources

- Encyclopædia Britannica, "Ganesha", 2026.
- Hinduism.co.uk, "Ganesha the Remover of Obstacles", 2025.
- ISKCON Educational Services, "Ganesha", 2018

卢紫轩

Perfect description