Chapter 1: Birth and Origins In the first chapter, we delve into the intriguing tale of Ganesha's birth. Chapter 2: Iconography and Symbolism In this chapter, we investigate the iconography of Ganesha, from his elephant head and multiple arms to his broken tusk and the objects he carries. Chapter 3: The Many Names of Ganesha Ganesha is known by numerous names and epithets in Hindu tradition, Chapter 4: Ganesha in Hindu Epics Ganesha's presence extends beyond mythology into the pages of revered Hindu epics. Chapter 5: The Worship of Ganesha This chapter delves into the various rituals, festivals, and practices associated with the worship of Ganesha. Chapter 6: Ganesha Beyond India Ganesha's influence has transcended the borders of India, spreading to numerous countries and cultures. We explore the presence of Ganesha in countries. Chapter 7: Ganesha in Art and Literature Ganesha has left an indelible mark on various forms of artistic expression, from sculpture and painting to literature and poetry. Chapter 8: Ganesha's Influence in Daily Life Lord Ganesha is not confined to the realm of religion; he plays a significant role in the everyday lives of his devotees. Chapter 9: Stories and Parables This chapter recounts some of the most cherished stories and parables involving Lord Ganesha. Chapter 10: Modern Interpretations In the final chapter, we examine the evolving perception of Ganesha in the modern world.

In the game of cricket, having scored 99 runs, when a batsman stands poised on the threshold of that much coveted century, he experiences the moment that is best associated with Ganesha. Fear and uncertainty envelope him; between him and his achievement stand hurdles, both real and imaginary: a possible spin from the bowler can overwhelm him, his own anxiety can paralyze him, cheering fans can distract him. He needs divine intervention then. He needs to focus, get rid of all hurdles, perform, get the final run, and achieve what he so longs for. In other words, he needs to think of Ganapati. This book brings together 99 meditations to better understand the stories, symbols and rituals of that adorable elephantheaded Hindu god who removes hurdles and brings prosperity and peace. Known variously as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka or Pillayar, he can help all of us score a century in the game called life.

The magical story of how Ganesh, the son of Shiva and Parvati, was brought back to life with the head of an elephant • The story of one of the most beloved characters in Indian lore, made accessible for Western children • Illustrated throughout with paintings from the classic Indian tradition Any Indian child can tell you how the beloved god Ganesh got his elephant’s head--now American children can know as well. For centuries Indian children have grown up hearing Ganesh’s story--how his mother, Parvati (an incarnation of the great mother goddess), created a small boy from sandalwood soap and commanded that he guard the palace against all intruders while she took her bath. How her husband, Shiva (the fearsome god of destruction), didn’t take kindly to being barred from his own home. How Shiva beheaded the boy during the cosmic war that followed, but then, when he realized that the balance of the entire universe was at stake, brought the boy back to life by grafting an elephant’s head onto his body and made him the people’s intercessor against the powers of destruction. Ganesh’s timeless story teaches children about the steadfast power of dedication to duty, the awe-inspiring power of a mother’s love for her child, and the gentle power of compassion, which holds the world together. Accompanied by rich, color illustrations prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon, How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head will transport children to a magical world filled with ancient wisdom.

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is easily the most recognizable and loveable of Hindu deities. But pinpointing his various attributes is not quite so simple. He is at once the portly, merry, childlike god and the sage, complex philosopher. He is the presiding deity of material wealth and the lord of spirituality. He removes all impediments for his devotees but creates all manner of difficulties for the transgressors, man or god. And associated with every aspect of Ganesha-be it his extraordinary birth, his elephant head, his broken tusk, his vehicle (the mouse), his appetite, his anger-are scores of myths, each more colourful than the other. In this thoroughly researched and delightfully narrated book, Royina Grewal gives us the many stories of Ganesha, exploring their significance and how they reflect the times and the cultures during which they originated.

Adaptation of Vālmīki's Rāmāyaṇa; for children.

Sri Ganesha presents Pãrvatiputra Ganpati Gajãnan in all hue and colour magnificently and magestically, as it deals with all the aspects of the most revered God of the Hindus, who start every Puja or Ritual with the invocation to Lord Ganesha. Sri Ganesha gives not only 108 mantras for meditation on and through this Vighnahurtã God but also discusses in detail his 32 forms and the symbolical significance and meaning of everything attached to and associated with the Mangalkartã, Siddhidãtã, Vinãyak Sri Ganesha.

The bold, bright colors of India leap off the page in this picture book retelling of how Ganesha helped write the epic Hindu poem, the Mahabharata. Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, but when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off! With the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, Ganesha learns that what seems broken can be quite useful after all. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and offbeat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive rendition of a classic tale. Praise for Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth “Pink elephants haven’t looked this good since Dumbo.” —The New York Times “Beautifully presented. . . . So sweet we almost want to pop it in our mouths.” —Entertainment Weekly “Stylish. . . . A fresh and comedic introduction to a Hindu legend, with a winning combination of both eye candy and actual candy.” —Publishers Weekly “Bright, elaborately detailed illustrations. . . . Grade-schoolers. . . . will enjoy the story’s turnarounds and focus on luscious sweets, and many will be ready for the classic Hindu myth.” —Booklist

This book examines the complete Ganesh for the first time. Here is the God in his multiple forms from the different geographical areas in Asia. Particularly important are chapters that deal with his Buddhist and Tantric forms. The controversial question of his origins is also thoroughly discussed.