What is ganeshji?

Ganeshji, also known as Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered and worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is known as the remover of obstacles and is worshipped before starting any auspicious work or event.

Ganeshji is depicted as a humanoid figure with an elephant's head and a pot belly. He has four arms, one of which holds a weapon, one a lotus flower, and the other two hold his favorite sweets, modakas. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, and his pot belly represents his ability to digest all experiences in life.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is celebrated with great pomp and show in India and other countries with significant Hindu populations. During the festival, idols of Ganeshji are worshiped in homes and public places for ten days before being immersed in water.

Ganeshji is also believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and his brother is Lord Kartikeya. He is associated with many other Hindu deities such as Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga. Ganeshji is seen as a benevolent deity who provides blessings and protection to his devotees. His image and symbolism are widely used in Indian art, literature, and pop culture.