Ganesha (/ne/; Sanskrit: , Ga ea;

listen (helpinfo)), also known

as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu
pantheon.[4] His image is found throughout India, Sri Lanka andNepal.[5] Hindu sects worship him
regardless of affiliations.[6] Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and
Buddhists.[7]
Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.
[8]

Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,[9] the patron of arts and sciences and

the deva of intellect and wisdom.[10] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals
and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions. [11]
[2]

Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his

distinct iconography.
Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, during the Gupta period,
although he inherited traits from Vedic and pre-Vedic precursors.[12] He was formally included among
the five primary deities of Smartism (a Hindu denomination) in the 9th century. A sect of devotees
called the Gaapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity.[13] The principal scriptures
dedicated to Ganesha are the Gaesha Puraa, the Mudgala Puraa, and the Gaapati
Atharvashirsa.