GANESHA or GANESH, in the post-Epic Hindu mytho logy, eldest son of Siva and Parvati. His name means leader of (Siva's) attendants; he is a creator of obstacles and as such came to be placated for their removal. Depicted with an elephant's head, to symbolize his sagacity, he is the god of worldly wisdom ; and is invoked on the first page of every book, especially in ledgers, as he bestows prosperity in trade. He is worshipped all over India, especially in the south, and is affected by six sects, under his six titles, Maha-Ganapati, etc. These hold him, not Siva, to be the real first cause and the Hairamba Ganapatiyas are taxed with unedifying rites.
See Hastings, E.R.E., vi., Edinburgh, 1913, s.v. GANAPATIYAS.