Who is Ganesha?

What does Ganesha represent? He’s an archetype who is responsible for removing obstacles. He is also responsible, or endowed, with the ability to remove karma. Ganesha is a being, and he is very much alive. He belongs to the category of beings called Ganas. Ganas are Beings, Angels with a tremendous amount of intelligence, and they are willing to help human beings.” ‒Dr. Pillai

Venerated as the elephant-headed god, Ganesha by his very name is known as the King of Angels. ‘Gana’ means “angel” and ‘Isha’ (-esha) means “king” or “lord of.” Ganesha commands a huge army of angels that have immense power. And with this power, they can do anything for you when Ganesha is in your life.

 Ganesha has a very powerful and royal lineage according to many southern Indian traditions because he is the son of Shiva and Parvati, two divine beings who are often viewed as the Father and Mother of the universe. Ganesha is also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka. He is endowed with various attributes. He is revered as the ‘Remover of Obstacles.’

 Ganesha is depicted in various postures with the head of an elephant and a big belly. He is typically seen with four arms. He is sometimes seen holding an ax in one upper arm and a noose in the other upper arm. In many depictions, he holds his own broken tusk in one hand with his trunk turned to the left sampling a delicacy held in his lower left hand. He is often portrayed with a mouse by his side. The mouse is said to be his vehicle.

“Ganesha is the personification of superpower and intelligence. That’s why He is called ‘Gana Eesha.’ ‘Ganas’ are angels who can do and know everything. And these angels are the servants of Ganesha. He is the King of these Ganas.” ‒Dr. Pillai

Dr. Pillai also describes Ganesha as an archetype who loves to take control over our situation (when we call on him) for our betterment. In fact, Dr. Pillai describes Ganesha as “a divine control freak” who doesn’t want anything in your life to go out of control. What that means is that Ganesha desires everything to go right in every area of your life. He does not want you to have problems, failing health, lack of money, fear, lethargy, or any other negative karmic issue. He wants you to succeed in all areas, and this is why he is called on first.

“Ganesha has to be first. Even he tells his father Shiva: ‘I am the first although you are my father.’ ‘It doesn’t matter, if you go anywhere without telling me, I will create problems.’ He is an absolute control freak!” ‒Dr. Pillai

Ganesha is the archetype who is invoked at the beginning of all Vedic remedy ceremonies and rituals before any other archetype. Dr. Pillai says that Ganesha is “second to none,” to such a degree that even his father Shiva must also call on him first. And, Shiva is the supreme consciousness and Father of all existence!