12 Interesting Facts About Lord Ganesh

Things About Lord Ganesh You Might Not Know

Also Read:- Lord Shiva's Parents||Who is lord Ganesha wife?||Bhagwan Parshuram||The Best Ganesh Idols

Lord Ganesh, also known as Ganesha or Ganapati, is one of the most beloved and worshipped deities in Hinduism. With his elephant head, chubby body, and cheerful personality, Lord Ganesh is not just a god but a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Often called the "Remover of Obstacles," Lord Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new task or journey.

Let’s explore 11 fascinating and lesser-known facts about Lord Ganesha that reveal why he holds such a special place in millions of hearts across the world.

Some Unknown 12 Interesting Facts About Lord Ganesha

1. Lord Ganesha Has 108 Names

One of the most amazing facts about Lord Ganesh is that he has 108 different names, each highlighting a different aspect of his personality and powers. Some of the popular names include:

  • Vighnaharta – Remover of obstacles
  • Lambodara – One with a big belly
  • Gajanana – The one with an elephant face
  • Ekadanta – The one with a single tusk
  • Vinayaka – The leader of all

These names are often chanted in prayers and bhajans, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.

2. Lord Ganesha Birth Story 

He Is the Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh was created by Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati made Ganesh from the sandalwood paste she used for bathing. She gave life to the idol and asked him to guard her while she bathed.

When Shiva returned home and tried to enter, Ganesh, not knowing who he was, stopped him. This led to a fierce battle in which Shiva beheaded Ganesh. Realizing his mistake, Shiva brought him back to life by attaching an elephant’s head to his body. This marked the birth of the elephant-headed god we worship today.

3. Lord Ganesh Is the God of New Beginnings

Before starting anything important, Hindus first pray to Lord Ganesha. Whether it is a wedding, a housewarming, a new business, or even a school exam – Ganesh is always the first to be worshipped. That’s why he’s also known as the God of Beginnings.

His blessings are believed to ensure success, remove obstacles, and bring positivity. That’s why his image is often placed at the entrance of homes and offices.

4. Ganesh Has a Mouse as His Vehicle (Vahana)

Lord Ganesh rides on a mouse, which is quite surprising given the size difference between an elephant and a tiny mouse! But there's deep symbolism in this.

The mouse, called Mushika or Mooshak, represents our desires and ego. By riding on it, Ganesh shows that he has complete control over both. It also teaches us to stay humble and not let desires dominate our lives.

The mouse can also go anywhere, even through the tiniest spaces, symbolizing that Ganesh can remove even the smallest of obstacles in our lives.

5. Ganesha Has a Twin Brother: Lord Kartikeya

Not many people know that Lord Ganesha has a brother, Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda, Murugan, or Subramanya). While Ganesh represents wisdom and calmness, Kartikeya is the god of war and courage.

According to one story, once both brothers were told to circle the world. Kartikeya took off on his peacock, flying across lands and oceans. Ganesh, however, simply walked around his parents and said, “You are my world.” This act of wisdom won him the competition. This story is often told to teach the value of intelligence over speed or physical power.

6. The Symbolism Behind His Elephant Head

  • Ganesh’s elephant head is one of his most recognizable features, and it holds deep spiritual meaning.
  • Elephants are symbols of wisdom and memory, and Lord Ganesh is considered the god of intellect.
  • Elephants are also known to clear the path in forests, just like Ganesh removes obstacles in our lives.
  • The large ears show his ability to listen carefully to all prayers, while the small eyes teach focus and concentration.
  • His trunk is flexible and strong, symbolizing that we too should be adaptable and resilient in life.

7. The Legend Behind His Broken Tusk

One of the most striking symbols of Lord Ganesh is his broken tusk. It is said that he broke it off himself during a sacred task. The story goes like this:

When the great sage Vyasa wanted someone to write down the Mahabharata, Ganesh agreed to do it under one condition—Vyasa must recite the epic without stopping. As Ganesh wrote continuously, his pen broke. To avoid any interruption, he snapped off one of his tusks and used it as a pen. This act shows his dedication, sacrifice, and wisdom. It reminds us that to fulfill our responsibilities, we may have to make personal sacrifices and keep going even when it gets tough.

8. The Enigmatic Tale of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Ganesha: A Divine Disagreement

In Hindu tradition, Tulsi (Holy Basil) holds immense spiritual significance and is offered in many rituals—except when worshipping Lord Ganesha. The story behind this exception is both captivating and symbolic.

According to legend, Goddess Tulsi once encountered Lord Ganesha deep in meditation. Struck by his divine aura and wisdom, she instantly fell in love and proposed marriage. However, Ganesha, devoted to a life of celibacy, gently declined her offer.

Heartbroken and angered by the rejection, Tulsi cursed Ganesha, declaring he would be forced into not one but two marriages something he had never intended. In response, Ganesha, maintaining his calm, cursed Tulsi in return: that she would marry a demon (Asura).

Eventually, both curses came true. Ganesha married Siddhi (Success) and Riddhi (wealth), while Tulsi became the consort of the demon Shankhachuda. As a result of their divine disagreement, Tulsi leaves are never used in offerings to Lord Ganesha—a tradition rooted in this ancient tale of love, pride, and celestial fate.

9. The Symbolism in His Hands and Objects

Ganesh is usually depicted with four hands, each holding a different item, and each symbolizing a spiritual idea:

  • An axe (parashu): To cut off attachments and negativity.
  • A lotus or rope (pasha): To pull us closer to our higher self.
  • A sweet (modak): Reward for spiritual discipline.
  • A hand in blessing pose (abhaya mudra): To offer protection and fearlessness.

Every detail in his image is filled with meaning and lessons about life, devotion, and growth.

10. Lord Ganesha Wrote the Mahabharata

Yes, you read that right. Lord Ganesh is said to have written the great epic Mahabharata.

When Sage Vyasa was about to narrate the Mahabharata, he asked Ganesh to write it down. But Ganesha had one condition: Vyasa should narrate it without stopping. Vyasa, in turn, made a rule that Ganesh would only write if he fully understood each verse.

This way, both had to stay fully focused and mindful, making the Mahabharata a perfect example of divine teamwork.

11. Ganesha Is Worshipped Around the World

Though primarily a Hindu god, Lord Ganesh is worshipped in many countries outside India. In countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and even Japan, Ganesh is respected and celebrated.

In Buddhism, he is considered a guardian figure. Statues and temples dedicated to Ganesh can be found across Southeast Asia. His global appeal comes from his joyful appearance, positive energy, and association with success and protection.

12. Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated with Great Joy

One of the most colorful and joyful festivals in India is Ganesh Chaturthi. This 10-day celebration marks the birth of Lord Ganesh and is especially grand in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

People bring Ganesha idols to their homes or communities, decorate them beautifully, and offer sweets like modaks, which are said to be his favorite. On the final day, the idols are immersed in water (called Visarjan) with processions filled with music, dance, and devotion.

The festival reminds everyone of unity, joy, and the message that all good things come to an end for a new beginning.

Final Thoughts

Lord Ganesh is not just a god – he’s a guide, a protector, and a symbol of everything that is good in life. From his elephant head to his mouse companion, every part of him has a story and a lesson.

Whether you're religious or spiritual, the values that Lord Ganesh represents – like wisdom, patience, kindness, and humility – are universal. By learning more about him, we don’t just understand a god better, but also get closer to understanding life itself.

So the next time you see a Ganesh idol, remember that there’s more to that joyful face than meets the eye – there’s a whole universe of meaning, tradition, and inspiration behind it.

FAQ’s

Q1: What does Lord Ganesh symbolize?
 A: Lord Ganesh symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, good fortune, and the removal of obstacles.

Q2: Why does Ganesh have an elephant head?
 A: It represents intelligence, wisdom, and the ability to listen deeply. It also comes from the mythological story where Shiva placed an elephant head on him after beheading him unknowingly.

Q3: What is the favorite food of Lord Ganesha?
 A: Modaks (sweet dumplings made of jaggery and coconut) are considered his favorite.

Q4: What is the significance of Ganesh’s mouse?
 A: The mouse represents desires and ego. Ganesh riding on it shows his control over them.

Q5: Can non-Hindus worship Lord Ganesh?
A: Yes, Lord Ganesh is a symbol of positivity and wisdom, and anyone can seek his blessings, regardless of religion.

Back to blog