Ganesha is a noun that refers to a Hindu deity, widely known and revered as the Hindu god of wisdom, intellect, and knowledge. In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is considered the son of Lord Shiva, the destroyer, and the goddess Parvati, the mother goddess. As one of the most worshipped and widely recognized gods in Hinduism, Ganesha is also known by several other names, such as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vighnaharta.
Ganesha is often depicted with the body of a human and the head of an elephant, symbolizing his wisdom and divine power. He is typically depicted with a curved, elephant trunk, large ears, and a protruding belly on a four-armed body. One of his hands holds an axe, symbolizing the destruction of obstacles, while another hand holds a noose, representing the capture of ignorance. His third hand carries a sweet delicacy, usually a modak, symbolizing the rewards of knowledge, and in his fourth hand he holds a lotus or a book, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment.
Ganesha is widely worshipped at the beginning of any significant endeavor, as he is believed to remove obstacles and bring success and prosperity. His image and sculptures are commonly found in temples and households across India and other regions where Hinduism is practiced. Devotees seek Ganesha's blessings and guidance to overcome challenges, acquire knowledge, and embark on new ventures. Ganesha is also celebrated annually during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, where devotees immerse large idols of the deity into water bodies, marking the end of his physical presence on Earth. Overall, Ganesha is regarded as a benevolent and beloved deity, symbolizing intellect, wisdom
