Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu religion. As the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, God Ganesha is revered as the God of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings. His elephant head and portly physique make him a distinctive figure in Hindu mythology, but there are many lesser-known facts about Ganesha that are equally fascinating. In this essay, we will explore 10 lesser-known pieces of information about Lord Ganesha.

1. Ganesha was not always an elephant-headed God

While Ganesha is most commonly depicted with an elephant head, he was not always portrayed this way. In some of the earliest depictions of Ganesha, he is shown with a human head. It wasn’t until later that he was given an elephant head to symbolize his wisdom and intelligence.

2. Ganesha is not just worshipped in Hinduism

While Ganesha is primarily worshipped in the Hindu religion, he is also venerated in other religions and cultures. For example, in Buddhist and Jain traditions, Ganesha is known as Vinayaka and is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune.

3. Ganesha has many names and titles

Ganesha is known by many different names and titles throughout India and beyond. Some of the most common names include Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vighnaharta, which means “remover of obstacles.”

4. Ganesha has a sweet tooth

Ganesha is known to have a particular fondness for sweets, especially laddus. In fact, it is believed that Ganesha’s love for sweets is so great that he once ate an entire tray of laddus, causing his stomach to burst. To remedy the situation, Lord Shiva was said to have replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant.

5. Ganesha is associated with the Muladhara chakra

In Hindu philosophy, there are seven chakras or energy centers located throughout the body. Ganesha is associated with the Muladhara Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine and is associated with feelings of safety and security.

6.Ganesha has a mouse as his vehicle

In Hindu mythology, Ganesha is often depicted riding on the back of a mouse. This unusual pairing is said to symbolize the idea that wisdom and knowledge can overcome even the smallest of obstacles.

7. Ganesha is worshipped on many different occasions

Ganesha is a popular deity in Hinduism and is worshipped on many different occasions, including the beginning of new ventures, weddings, and other auspicious events. His image is often placed at the entrances of homes and businesses to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

8. Ganesha is associated with the color red

The color red is often associated with Ganesha and is believed to represent his energy and vitality. In some parts of India, it is customary to wear red clothing or tie a red thread around one’s wrist when worshipping Ganesha.

9. Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata

According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was asked to write down the epic poem, the Mahabharata, as it was being dictated by the sage Vyasa. In order to do this, Ganesha broke off one of his tusks and used it as a pen.

10. Ganesha is believed to be a symbol of unity

In Hinduism, Ganesha is often viewed as a symbol of unity and harmony. His elephant head represents wisdom and intelligence, while his human body represents earthly pleasures and desires. This duality in Ganesha’s appearance is believed to represent the balance between the spiritual and material worlds. It also symbolizes the idea that true wisdom comes not from renouncing the material world, but from integrating it with one’s spiritual practice.