Deities & devotionGanapati, lord of beginnings
Ganesha
The elephant-headed remover of obstacles.
Try it at home
Before starting something new, chant Vakratunda Mahakaya or Om Gam Ganapataye Namah once, with a moment of intention.
Optional, as always. Adapt it to your family, region and health.
The wisdom
Ganesha, also called Ganapati or Vinayaka, is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. He is honoured first, before any puja, journey or new work.
Beginning with Ganesha is a way of starting with humility and asking for a clear path before you start.
What the evidence says
Evidence: TraditionalThe value rests on lived tradition and reasoning, not on tests.Research doesn't test devotion to a deity. Studies of chanting and prayer in general report calmer mood (see Mantra chanting); claims of blessings or results are matters of faith.
How we rate evidenceSignificance
What it means to the people who keep it. Faith-based meaning is described as belief, not as proven fact.
He is held to remove obstacles and grant wisdom. His broken tusk, large ears and mouse vehicle are each read as lessons. Ganesh Chaturthi is his great festival.