Definition

Proper noun 1. A Hindu deity: Ganesa (also commonly spelled Ganesha) is the Hindu god of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. He is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and is traditionally invoked at the start of any new venture or undertaking.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Devotees pray to Ganesa before starting a new business for success and to remove obstacles.
  • The festival celebrates Ganesa, the god of wisdom and good fortune.
  • An image of Ganesa is often placed at the entrance of homes and temples.

Advanced Usage

• "Invoking Ganesa": A common phrase referring to the practice of praying to Ganesa at the beginning of a ritual, ceremony, or important task to ensure its smooth progression.
  • The architect began the project by symbolically invoking Ganesa.

Variants and Related Words

• Ganesha: The more common modern transliteration of the name.
• Ganapati: Another primary name for the same deity, meaning "Lord of the Hosts."
• Vinayaka: Another common name for Ganesa, meaning "The Remover (of obstacles)."

Synonyms

• Lord of Beginnings: A descriptive synonym highlighting his role in initiating endeavors.
• Remover of Obstacles: A direct translation of one of his primary epithets (Vighnaharta).

Related Idioms and Cultural References

• "No Ganesa, no puja": A saying reflecting the belief that any Hindu ritual (puja) is incomplete without first offering prayers to Ganesa.
• The Ganesa Principle: A modern conceptual term referring to the idea of systematically removing obstacles to achieve a goal.

Noun

1. Hindu god of wisdom or prophecy; the god who removes obstacles