Remover of Obstacles, the Deity of Wisdom, and the Patron of Arts and Sciences

In the Gaṇeśa Purāṇa, Bhagavān Gaṇeśa is not merely the elephant-headed remover of obstacles — He is exalted as a fully realized, supreme tattva, the embodiment of Brahman, Dharma, Jñāna, and Compassion. The Purāṇa portrays Him not just as a deity of beginnings, but as the Supreme Bhagavān (Parabrahman) who assumes various forms to protect dharma across yugas and lokas.

Divine Birth

According to the Purāṇas, Bhagavān Gaṇeśa’s divine birth is both cosmic and symbolic, representing the emergence of divine wisdom (jñāna) and obstacle-removing power (vighna-haraṇa) from Pārvatī’s own śakti. As per the Śiva Purāṇa and Skanda Purāṇa, Pārvatī Devi, wishing for a guardian to protect her privacy during penance and bathing, fashioned a child from the turmeric paste from her own body and infused it with life through her śakti. She instructed him not to allow anyone in. When Bhagavān Śiva returned and tried to enter, Gaṇeśa, unaware of His identity, stopped Him. Śiva unable to Gaṇeśa to move away, severed the Gaṇeśa’s head in battle. Upon Pārvatī’s grief and revelation, Śiva promised to restore the boy to life. He sent his gaṇas to bring the head of the first living being facing north, which was an elephant calf. Thus, Gaṇeśa was revived with an elephant’s head, made the chief of Śiva’s gaṇas (Gaṇapati), and granted eternal primacy in all beginnings. His birth is celebrated as a divine event symbolizing the union of Śakti and Śiva, the awakening of inner protection, and the removal of ignorance from all worlds.

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Gaṇeśa in Various Purāṇas

Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa

The Ganesha Khanda is the third section of the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and is devoted to the glorification of Bhagavān Gaṇeśa, the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom and success. This Khanda elaborates on the origins, various forms, and the significance of Gaṇeśa in Hindu worship. It underscores Gaṇeśa’s pivotal role in both spiritual and material aspects of life, making him an essential deity in the Hindu pantheon. Through stories of His birth, symbolism, and various forms, this Khanda underscores the importance of Gaṇeśa as a remover of obstacles and a source of wisdom and success. It provides devotees with the knowledge and rituals necessary to invoke Gaṇeśa’s blessings, reinforcing his pivotal role in both the spiritual and material realms of life.

The Birth of Gaṇeśa

The Gaṇeśa Khanda begins with the story of Gaṇeśa’s birth. According to the Purana, Gaṇeśa was created by Goddess Pārvatī from the sandalwood paste she used for Her bath. She fashioned a boy and breathed life into Him, assigning Him the role of guarding Her abode. The Purana then describes how Bhagavān Śiva, beheads Gaṇeśa refuses Him entry to Parvati’s quarters. To pacify the grieving Pārvatī, Śiva replaces Gaṇeśa’s head with that of an elephant, thus giving rise to the iconic elephant-headed deity revered by millions.

The Symbolism of Gaṇeśa

The Gaṇeśa Khanda also delves into the symbolism associated with Gaṇeśa. His elephant head symbolizes wisdom and understanding, while His large ears represent the ability to listen and assimilate knowledge. His broken tusk is a symbol of sacrifice, and his potbelly signifies the capacity to digest both good and bad experiences in life. Gaṇeśa’s vehicle, the mouse, symbolizes the overcoming of desires and ego, and His association with wealth and success is highlighted through the various offerings made to Him, such as modaks (sweet dumplings).

Gaṇeśa’s Role in Worship

This Khanda emphasizes that Gaṇeśa is to be worshipped first in any ritual or ceremony, as He is the remover of obstacles and ensures the success of the endeavor. The text provides detailed descriptions of various rituals, mantras, and offerings that are to be made to Gaṇeśa to invoke his blessings. It also narrates the stories of various devotees who attained success and liberation through the worship of Gaṇeśa, illustrating his compassionate nature and his willingness to assist those who seek his guidance.

Gaṇeśa’s Many Forms

This Khanda emphasizes that Gaṇeśa is to be worshipped first in any ritual or ceremony, as He is the remover of obstacles and ensures the success of the endeavor. The text provides detailed descriptions of various rituals, mantras, and offerings that are to be made to Gaṇeśa to invoke his blessings. It also narrates the stories of various devotees who attained success and liberation through the worship of Gaṇeśa, illustrating his compassionate nature and his willingness to assist those who seek his guidance.

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