Ganesha
Remover of Obstacles
The beloved elephant-headed god. Every Telugu puja, wedding, and new venture begins with "Sri Maha Ganapathaye Namaha."
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: గణేశుడు
- Also known as: Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighnaraja, Lambodara
- Vehicle (vahana): Mushikam (ఎలుక)
- Weapons: Ankusham, Pasham
- Symbols: Elephant head, Big belly, Modakam, Broken tusk
Story
Ganesha's origin story: Parvati Devi created him from pasupu (turmeric paste) to guard her door. When Shiva returned and Ganesha blocked his path, Shiva - not knowing this was his son - severed his head. When Parvati was devastated, Shiva replaced it with the head of the first creature found: an elephant. In Telugu states, Vinayaka Chavithi is one of the biggest festivals. Families bring home clay Ganesh idols, perform puja for days, and immerse them in water during Ganesh Nimajjanam - the processions in Hyderabad are legendary. No letter is written, no exam taken, no business started without first invoking Vinayaka.
Fun fact
Ganesha broke his own tusk to use as a pen when Vyasa Maharshi dictated the entire Mahabharatam. This is why he is also called Ekadanta. Telugu kids love this story!
Family and connections
- Sibling: Kartikeya