Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is the oldest dharma in the world and Lord Ganesha is one of the most beloved of all Gods. Often people wish to seek more information in a nutshell, and so here is one attempt to define the majesty of the Lord:

Conferred with the honour of being worshipped first among all Hindu gods on every auspicious occasion, Lord Ganesha is respected among gods and worshippers alike. Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (albeit not biologically) Ganesha was born when Goddess removed dead skin and dirt when she was cleansing herself. It is said that she accumulated the skin, gave it the form of a boy and then brought it to life. Thus was born the Lord, and Parvati’s favourite child, Ganesha. As soon as he came to life, the Goddess assigned him the task of guarding the entrance of her bathhouse. While she was taking bath, her husband, Lord Shiva came there and demanded to see her. Lord Ganesha, true to his oath refused to allow Lord Shiva and got into an argument with him. Taken aback by a brash but brave boy who was refusing to allow even omnipotent Lord Shiva to see his own wife, he decided to discipline the boy and attacked him with a trident and beheaded him.

As soon as the boy’s head touched the ground, a thunder that shook the world brought out a worried Mother Parvati, and when she came to know about the incident, she got enraged and asked Lord Shiva to bring her beloved son Ganesha back to life. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva too melted (another name for Lord Shiva is Bholenath, or someone who is innocent!) and unable to cope up with her emotional loss, he decided to forget the past and to infuse life in their son. He ordered his disciples to bring the head of the first creature that they lay their eyes on; soon Shiva’s followers returned with an elephant’s head. Shiva then placed it on Lord Ganesha’s head and he sprung back to life. From then on, Lord Ganesha is considered the first among all Gods and is worshiped by everyone as he is said to be the one who brings ‘goodness, prosperity and well-being’ to a worshiper.

His blessings are sought to get rid of all hardships and troubles of one’s life, or while making a new beginning in life.

Though there are several stories about Lord Ganesha, but primarily he is regarded as a Hindu god who is above any sect and is a symbol of happiness, wisdom, education and prosperity. There are also differences of opinions in whether Ganesha is elder or younger to Shiva-Parvati’s biological son Kartikeya (also known as Murugan), yet that he is part of Sanatan Dharm is not a question of debate for any Hindu at all.

There are scripts which refer to Ganesha as a Brahmachari (one who has abstained from marriage or Grihasth bandhan) while there are others which mention him as being married to Buddhi (Wisdom), Riddhi (prosperity) and Sidhi (Attainment).

All Ganesha idols are easily identified because of the elephant head, his vehicle-a mouse and a plate full of modakas (his favourite sweet) near his feet. Being the god of wisdom and education all Ganesha idols have a book and pen. His idol usually have four hands one carrying a book, second a betel leaf, third a lotus flower and fourth hand carries a mahaparashu (an axe). It is to be noted that some Ganesha idols depict him as a god with six heads thus giving him another name Shadanan (one with six heads). His head is decorated with a crown and near his picture or idol is placed a plate full of fruits and other offerings for him.

Generally, Thursday is considered to be Ganesha’s favourite day or the best day to worship him, in some Ganesha temples (also called Vinayak temples) special pujas are performed on Thursdays. Besides Thursdays, Mondays are also considered to be a suitable day to perform a Ganesha puja. Special festival called Ganesh Mahotsav is celebrated on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi across the world. On the day of Hindu festival of Diwali (or Deepawali) Ganesha, along with Goddess Lakshmi, is worshipped and better financial rewards, peace and prosperity are sought from them. Lord Ganesha is worshipped with ghee and incense lamps, flowers (preferably a lotus or rose mallow) and modakas, all the offerings are made amidst the chanting of Ganesha mantra which is:

Om gum ganpatye namah!

Hail the Lord and be blessed!