Hindu deity
Ganesha
the remover of obstacles — lord of beginnings
In short
Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings. He is invoked first in almost every Hindu ceremony and before any new undertaking, and is also honoured as the patron of wisdom, learning, and letters.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Significance & stories
Ganesha's elephant head, formed after a famous encounter with his father Shiva, marks him as unmistakable and beloved. He is Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and Buddhi-pati, lord of intellect.
Because he clears the path and blesses beginnings, he is worshipped at the start of every venture, journey, and rite. His great festival is Ganesh Chaturthi, when clay images are installed, worshipped, and immersed.
A mantra to Ganesha
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
I bow to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings.
See all Ganesha mantras with Devanagari, transliteration, meaning, and how to chant.
Festivals of Ganesha
Temples of Ganesha
Questions about Ganesha
Other deities
About Ganesha
Who is Ganesha?
Ganesha is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati — the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings, invoked first before any new undertaking.
Why is Ganesha worshipped first?
As the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), he is invoked at the start of any venture or ceremony to clear the path ahead.
Bring your heart to Ganesha
Talk to Bhagavan — the Divine in the first person — and receive warmth and verified scripture, free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan