Ganesh - Hindu Lord of Many Names

One of the most influential deities of Hinduism, and Dharamic religions in general, Ganesh is the most worshipped divinity in India. Ganesh often revered before exams, the purchase of a new home, a new vehicle, or any new venture. By calling on him people believe that he will come to their aid and grant them success in their endeavors. Devotional chanting and Puja are common forms of religious services. The chanting of Ganesh's thousand names or a short mantra in Sanskrit is done to express love and devotion. Puja (pronounced poo-jah) is a ritual that is performed morning, noon, and night. The ritual consists of inviting the God, making offerings, washing the statue, and bowing or prayers. Home shrines are the center of attention in many Hindu homes. Ganesh having a multitude of names, attributes, and associations is most often recognized by his elephant trunk.

Having many other titles and epithets, Ganesh is sometimes referred to as Ganapati or Pille. The name Ganesha is a Sanskrit compound, joining the words gana and isha. Gana means "a group, multitude, or categorical system" and isha is "lord or master." Ganesha is most commonly known as Vigesha. The name refers to his primary function in Hindu mythology as being able to both create and remove obstacles. In Hinduism the saying, "truth is one, but sages call it by many names," refers to God being of one nature but possessing many different qualities. There are twelve main names used before rituals, but one hundred and eight are recited during Puja. Thirty-two names exist describing the unique features of Ganesh. South India is the main region where fifty-one names are given to Ganesh, every name representing a letter in the Sanskrit alphabet. The Litanies of Ganesh explains the qualities given to invoke the deity.