Ganesha at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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Ganapati, also known as Ganesha and Vinayaka, stands out as one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. His iconic image is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and he is worshipped by various Hindu sects regardless of their affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha extends far beyond his traditional followers, with many Jains and Buddhists also paying homage to this beloved deity. Ganesha's distinctive elephant head makes him instantly recognizable, but it's not just his appearance that sets him apart - he is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and embodiment of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, Ganesha is honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies, and he is often invoked as a patron of letters and learning during writing sessions. Several ancient texts recount mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits, which help explain his unique 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. He was formally included among the five primary deities of Smartism, a Hindu denomination, in the 9th century. A sect of devotees called the Ganapatya arose, who identified Ganesha as the supreme deity. The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan The World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.