Ganesha is the God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles.He is the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also called Vinayak ( knowledgeable ) or Vighneshwer (god who remove obstacles). He is worshiped, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness.
He has four hands, elephant's head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people. In this painting it is in abhaya mudra.
Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, ' is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.In western India,especially in Maharashtra,the grand festival lasts for 10 days ending on the day of 'Ananta Chaturdashi'On this day,Ganesha is placed in homes and common Ganesha mandals,and worshiped though out these 10 days..on the 11th day the image is taken out in procession,to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash .It is believed that Sree Ganesh will take away with him all the misfortunes of his worshipers.
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