Ganesha (Sanskrit: ; ; ), also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon.Rao, p. 1. His image is found throughout India. See:

* Brown, p. 1. " is often said to be the most worshipped god in India."

* Getty, p. 1. ", Lord of the , although among the latest deities to be admitted to the Brahmanic pantheon, was, and still is, the most universally adored of all the Hindu gods, and his image is found in practically every part of India." Hindu sects worship him regardless of other affiliati...