Thanks for joining us for another Families’ Deity!
We’re exploring deities that tie into families and family values, or who are important to the family unit or children in some way. This month, we are exploring the well-known God, Ganesha
Who is Ganesha?
Ganesha whose name means “Lord of hosts” is the Hindu god of wisdom, new beginnings, luck and removing obstacles. He is a patron of the arts and has been worshipped since 400AD. We know this from the bronze and stone sculptures dedicated to him and literary sources.
He is depicted in stout human form with an elephant’s head and sometimes one tusk. He has four arms on his body which can been seen holding a variety of things including items such as a shell, a discus, and a water lily or
Why is Ganesha one of our Families Deity?
He is one of our family deities because of his gentle nature and protectiveness and because he had been revered as a common household guardian often being invoked for everyday issues and causes such as travelling, moving house, opening a business or help with overcoming difficulties in general.
Honouring Ganesha
There are two festivals that honour Ganesha which are Ganesha Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada (August/September) and Ganesha Jayanti which is his birthday in the month of Magha (January/February.) There are also numerous temples and shrines.
Ganesha Correspondences
Animals
Bandicoot
Mouse
Colours
Red, primarily
White
Blue
Flowers
Water Lily
Symbols
Swastika
Om
Tools
Shells
Mace
Discus
Axe
Noose
Offerings
Sweets named Modak
Sweet treat called Laddus
Red Sandalwood Paste
Shell
Discus Water Lily
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