Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha, whose name literally means "Lord of Groups," presides over Shiva's attendants as their divine master.

According to legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from her own body's essence mixed with oil, forming a child whom she brought to life with sacred Ganga water. This child was stationed as guardian of Parvati's private chambers. When Lord Shiva attempted to enter and was denied access, a battle ensued resulting in the child losing his head. Seeing Parvati's grief, Shiva replaced the child's head with that of the first living being he encountered—an elephant—thus creating Ganesha's iconic form.

Revered as the God of Wisdom and Knowledge, Ganesha stands as both the champion of worldly accomplishments and the remover of obstacles. His blessings are sought at the commencement of all religious ceremonies and significant undertakings.

His four hands carry profound symbolism: two hold the noose (Paasa) and goad (Ankush), while the other two display the gestures of protection (Abhaya) and blessing (Varada)—representing the four Vedas. With his single tusk, he is said to have transcribed the Mahabharata epic as dictated by Sage Vyasa.

Ganesha rides a mouse (Mushak), symbolizing the self (Atma) which, if not controlled, stealthily takes what belongs to others. He is represented by the sacred sound AUM and the auspicious Swastika symbol. Among his many names are Ganapathi (group leader), Vinayaka (obstacle remover), Lambodara (pot-bellied one), Gajanana (elephant-faced one), and Ekadanta (one-tusked).