#vinayaka

Lord Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings

Lord Ganesha — the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati — is the most universally worshipped deity in Hinduism. Before any journey, any enterprise, any prayer, any sacred text is opened, Ganesha is invoked first. This encyclopaedic guide covers every dimension of Ganesha: the competing origin myths, the deep symbolism of every element of his form, his role in all Hindu traditions, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the eight Ashtavinayaka shrines, his 108 names, key mantras, his philosophical significance, and his living presence in the world today.