Why Lord Ganesha is called the remover of obstacles and God of wisdom in Hindu mythology?
By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World
Introduction
Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta, Ekadanta, and Pillaiyar, is one of the most revered and beloved deities in Hinduism. Recognized instantly by his elephant head, large belly, and gentle yet powerful form, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the Remover of Obstacles, God of Wisdom, Intellect, Knowledge, and New Beginnings.
He is traditionally invoked before starting any auspicious work, ritual, journey, business, education, or ceremony. No Hindu puja, yagna, or religious event is considered complete without first seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Birth and Origin of Lord Ganesha
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Popular Birth Story
Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used while bathing and infused life into him. She appointed him as her guard and instructed him not to allow anyone inside while she bathed.
When Lord Shiva returned and was stopped by Ganesha—who did not recognize him—Shiva became furious. In anger, he severed Ganesha’s head. Seeing Parvati’s grief, Shiva promised to restore Ganesha to life and ordered his followers to bring the head of the first living being they encountered facing north. They returned with an elephant’s head, which Shiva placed on Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life.
Shiva then declared Ganesha as Ganapati, the leader of all Ganas, and granted him the boon that he would be worshipped before all other gods.
Physical Appearance and Symbolism
Every aspect of Lord Ganesha’s form carries deep spiritual meaning:
Elephant Head
Symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and foresight. It teaches humans to think big and remove ego.
Large Ears
Represent the importance of listening carefully and absorbing knowledge.
Small Eyes
Indicate concentration and focus.
Trunk
Represents adaptability and efficiency—strong enough to uproot trees, yet gentle enough to pick a blade of grass.
Big Belly
Symbolizes the ability to digest both good and bad experiences in life with patience.
Single Tusk (Ekadanta)
Signifies sacrifice, retention of good, and removal of evil. It also represents perfection beyond duality.
Vahana (Vehicle): The Mouse
Lord Ganesha’s vahana is a mouse (Mushak).
Symbolism
Represents desire and ego
Ganesha riding the mouse symbolizes control over desires
Shows that no obstacle is too small or too large for Ganesha
Weapons and Objects Held by Lord Ganesha
Ganesha is often depicted with four arms, holding:
Modak – Symbol of spiritual bliss and reward of devotion
Ankush (Goad) – To remove obstacles from the path of righteousness
Pasha (Noose) – To capture difficulties and attachments
Broken Tusk or Lotus – Sacrifice, purity, and enlightenment
Role and Powers of Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as:
Vighnaharta – Remover of obstacles
Vighnakarta – Creator of obstacles for the arrogant
God of Education and Learning
Patron of Arts, Sciences, and Literature
Guardian of Thresholds and Beginnings
Students, writers, artists, and businesspeople especially seek his blessings.
Lord Ganesha in Scriptures
Lord Ganesha is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including:
Ganapati Atharvashirsha
Skanda Purana
Mudgala Purana
Brahma Vaivarta Purana
These texts describe his forms, legends, philosophical meanings, and methods of worship.
Forms of Lord Ganesha
Some important forms of Ganesha include:
Vakratunda – Curved trunk, remover of obstacles
Ekadanta – Single-tusked form
Mahodara – Large belly, cosmic form
Gajanana – Elephant-faced, supreme wisdom
Lambodara – Symbol of the universe within
Heramba – Protector of the weak
Haridra Ganapati – Golden form, prosperity and success
Ganesh Chaturthi: The Grand Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Celebrated in Bhadrapada month (August–September)
Marks the birth of Lord Ganesha
Widely celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa
Rituals Include
Installation of Ganesha idols
Daily puja and aarti
Offering of modaks and sweets
Visarjan (immersion) on the final day
The festival symbolizes the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Mantras of Lord Ganesha
Most Popular Mantra
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
Vakratunda Mahakaya Mantra
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva
Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Chanting these mantras removes obstacles and brings clarity, success, and peace.
Lord Ganesha teaches:
Humility over ego
Wisdom over ignorance
Patience over anger
Devotion over pride
He reminds us that true power lies in inner balance, knowledge, and compassion.
Global Worship and Influence
Lord Ganesha is worshipped not only in India but also in:
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Indonesia
Malaysia
Western countries by Hindu communities
He is often considered a symbol of universal wisdom and positivity.
Conclusion
Lord Ganesha is more than a deity—he is a philosophy of life. His form, stories, and teachings guide humanity toward wisdom, humility, and success. By worshipping Lord Ganesha, devotees seek not only material prosperity but also spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from our lives and bless us with wisdom, prosperity, and happiness.
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