Ganesh

Ganesha

Worshipped by millions of Hindus across the world, Ganesh, also called Ganesha, Vinayaka or Ganapati, is a popular, elephant-headed god with a human body.

The Hindu god who is depicted with an elephant head is Ganesha (also spelled Ganesh). He is a very popular deity in Hinduism and Buddhism, and is often referred to as the remover of obstacles. Ganesha is considered the god of beginnings and is worshipped before any major enterprise. He is also the patron of intellectuals, bankers, scribes, and authors. 

Why Ganesha has an elephant head: 

There are various myths and legends explaining Ganesha's elephant head: 

• Parvati's creation: In one story, Parvati, Ganesha's mother, created him from clay to protect her and Shiva. When Ganesha came between Shiva and Parvati, Shiva severed his head. Later, he replaced it with the head of an elephant. 

   

• Shiva's gift: In another story, Shiva replaced Ganesha's original head with the head of an elephant. 

   

• Ganesha's own choosing: Some texts say Ganesha was born with an elephant head. 

   

Symbolism: 

• Elephant head:

  Represents strength, intelligence, endurance, and gracefulness. It also symbolizes control over the five senses, which are essential for wisdom. 

   

• Human body:

  Represents the manifest principle, subordinate to the unmanifest principle represented by the elephant head. 

   

• Pot belly:

  Often wrapped with a cobra, symbolizing Ganesha's link to his father, Shiva. 

   

• Trunk position:

  If the trunk turns left, it represents worldly success. If it turns right, it represents moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). 

   

In Summary: Ganesha is a widely revered deity in Hinduism and Buddhism, recognized by his elephant head and associated with wisdom, knowledge, and the removal of obstacles. He is often worshipped before starting new endeavors and is considered the patron of intellectuals, bankers, scribes, and authors.