- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Consort
- Riddhi and Siddhi
- Vahana
- Mooshika (mouse)
- Abode
- Kailash, Ganapati Loka
- Weapon
- Parashu, noose, goad
- Festival
- Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi
Origin story
Parvati created Ganesha from clay to guard her door. When Shiva returned and did not recognise the boy, he cut off his head in anger, then restored him with the head of an elephant and made him leader of the ganas, the divine attendants.
Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, invoked before every undertaking, journey and ritual. The elephant head is wisdom, the trunk is adaptability, the modak is the sweetness of the self, and the mouse beneath him is the restless mind that he keeps in check. Kerala's Pazhavangadi temple is among his best-known southern shrines.
Source: Wikipedia: Ganesha — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha
Symbolism
The elephant head is wisdom, the trunk is adaptability, the bowl of modak is the sweetness of the self, and the mouse is the restless mind.
Stotra
2
Ganesha Gayatri
ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि। तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात्॥
Oṃ Ekadantāya Vidmahe Vakratuṇḍāya Dhīmahi, Tanno Dantiḥ Pracodayāt
Meaning — May we know the one-tusked Lord, may we meditate on the curved-trunked one. May the elephant-faced Lord illumine our minds.
Recited for: Gayatri japa, wisdom
Sankatnashana Ganesha Stotra (Opening)
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकम्। भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यमायुःकामार्थसिद्धये॥
Praṇamya Śirasā Devaṃ Gaurīputraṃ Vināyakam, Bhaktāvāsaṃ Smarennityam Āyuḥkāmārthasiddhaye
Meaning — Bowing with the head to the Lord, the son of Gauri, Vinayaka, the refuge of devotees, one should remember him daily for long life, fulfilment of desires and prosperity.
Recited for: Removal of troubles and obstacles
