<p>Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known for his elephant head and his role as the remover of obstacles. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is closely associated with new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity. Ganesha’s form is rich in symbolism: his large head represents knowledge, his small eyes focus, his large ears the importance of listening, and his broken tusk reminds us of sacrifice for knowledge, as it is believed he used it to write the Mahabharata. His potbelly signifies abundance and contentment, reminding us to embrace challenges with grace.</p><p><br></p><p>According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from sandalwood paste to guard her while she bathed. When Lord Shiva unknowingly tried to enter, Ganesha blocked him, leading Shiva to behead him in anger. Realizing his mistake, Shiva replaced his head with that of an elephant, making Ganesha a symbol of wisdom and strength.</p><p><br></p><p>Ganesha has been worshipped for centuries, with references in the Rigveda, and his importance grew during the Gupta period. He is invoked at the start of any important task to remove obstacles and ensure success. His festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the grandest in India, celebrated with devotion and festivities for 10 days.</p><p><br></p><p>Beyond India, Ganesha is also honored in Jainism, Buddhism, and other cultures, making him a global symbol of resilience, intellectual growth, and spiritual progress.</p>