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Loving Ganesa: Hinduism's Endearing Elephant-Faced God
Hot new second edition. Learn about Ganeshas powers, pastimes, mantras, nature, science, forms, sacred symbols, milk-drinking miracle and more. There is no book about this beloved elephant-faced God that is more complete. The Lord of Dharma comes to life through the pages of this inspired masterpiece. Loving Ganesa makes approaching Ganesa easy and inspiring. A copy of Loving Ganesa should be placed in every library and Hindu home (Sri Om Prakash Sharma). Available April 2000, 592 pages paper, 5.5" x 8.5", US$29.85, ISBN 0-945497-77-6
592 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 29, 2008
I am a Ganesha devotee and I love this book. No I am not Hindu. Nor do I wish to convert. I have a healthy respect for Hinduism and consider myself a IndoPagan, which is a branch of Neo-Paganism.
This book provides a wonderful guide to the loving God Ganesha for Hindu's and Non-Hindu's alike.
History, stories of actual occurences and encounters with Lord Ganesha, mantras, worship, it's all here.
If you love Ganesha as I do (He's my patron God!), this is one of your bibles.
While this book is available online for free in it's entirety, I highly recommend the hard copy print version. It is well worth the investment.
This book provides a wonderful guide to the loving God Ganesha for Hindu's and Non-Hindu's alike.
History, stories of actual occurences and encounters with Lord Ganesha, mantras, worship, it's all here.
If you love Ganesha as I do (He's my patron God!), this is one of your bibles.
While this book is available online for free in it's entirety, I highly recommend the hard copy print version. It is well worth the investment.
July 9, 2026
At the core of the text is the assertion that Lord Ganesha is the primary gateway to the Hindu pantheon and the broader spiritual mysteries of the universe. Subramuniyaswami frames the elephant-headed Deity not merely as a mythological figure or a cultural symbol, but as an immediate, ever-present cosmic intellect who governs the material universe. By positioning Ganesha as the Lord of Dharma, the book establishes that all spiritual journeys must begin with an invocation of this benevolent force to stabilize karma and harmonize the mind. The narrative deliberately counters Western or reductionist interpretations that view Ganesha as a superficial or purely exotic entity, reinstating Him as a complex, sophisticated, and accessible manifestation of the Divine Will.
A significant portion of the book’s analytical weight rests on its explanation of mystical geography, specifically the relationship between Ganesha and the muladhara chakra. Subramuniyaswami elucidates that Ganesha resides at the base of the spine, governing the nerve center that controls time, matter, and memory. The text notes that when an aspirant struggles with lower emotional frequencies such as fear, anger, or jealousy, they are operating below this foundational chakra. Through focused devotion and attunement to Ganesha’s shakti (spiritual energy), the consciousness is lifted into the muladhara, stabilizing the intellect and paving the way for higher meditative states. This psychological framing transforms the act of worship from a simple ritual into a systematic method of emotional and mental refinement.
One of the more profound philosophical contentions in the text involves the transition from individual, instinctive willfulness to divine direction. Subramuniyaswami explains that as a devotee deepens their connection with Ganesha, they naturally relinquish their animalistic free will—characterized by personal likes, dislikes, and erratic egoic impulses. This is not depicted as a loss of agency, but as an alignment with dharma, a cosmic order that brings perfect timing and harmony into daily life. The author carefully balances the traditional depiction of Ganesha as the Vighneshwara (the Lord of Obstacles), explaining that the Deity places barriers in a seeker's path just as deliberately as He removes them, functioning as a protective guide who prevents the soul from straying into harmful karmic loops.
Structurally, the work reflects the unique teaching style of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order, blending high philosophy with accessible pastoral guidance. It spans across twenty-two chapters, covering an expansive array of topics that include the symbolic meaning of Ganesha’s implements—such as the noose and the goad—detailed instructions for performing puja (ritual worship), scriptural stotras, and Sanskrit mantras. Beyond the purely theological, the text integrates broader lifestyle components of the culture, featuring chapters on vegetarianism, Ayurvedic principles, and domestic traditional practices. This multi-layered architecture ensures that while the book provides rigorous theological depth for the scholar, it remains an intimate, living manual designed to bring the presence of the Deity into the immediate domestic and internal life of the reader.
A significant portion of the book’s analytical weight rests on its explanation of mystical geography, specifically the relationship between Ganesha and the muladhara chakra. Subramuniyaswami elucidates that Ganesha resides at the base of the spine, governing the nerve center that controls time, matter, and memory. The text notes that when an aspirant struggles with lower emotional frequencies such as fear, anger, or jealousy, they are operating below this foundational chakra. Through focused devotion and attunement to Ganesha’s shakti (spiritual energy), the consciousness is lifted into the muladhara, stabilizing the intellect and paving the way for higher meditative states. This psychological framing transforms the act of worship from a simple ritual into a systematic method of emotional and mental refinement.
One of the more profound philosophical contentions in the text involves the transition from individual, instinctive willfulness to divine direction. Subramuniyaswami explains that as a devotee deepens their connection with Ganesha, they naturally relinquish their animalistic free will—characterized by personal likes, dislikes, and erratic egoic impulses. This is not depicted as a loss of agency, but as an alignment with dharma, a cosmic order that brings perfect timing and harmony into daily life. The author carefully balances the traditional depiction of Ganesha as the Vighneshwara (the Lord of Obstacles), explaining that the Deity places barriers in a seeker's path just as deliberately as He removes them, functioning as a protective guide who prevents the soul from straying into harmful karmic loops.
Structurally, the work reflects the unique teaching style of the Saiva Siddhanta Yoga Order, blending high philosophy with accessible pastoral guidance. It spans across twenty-two chapters, covering an expansive array of topics that include the symbolic meaning of Ganesha’s implements—such as the noose and the goad—detailed instructions for performing puja (ritual worship), scriptural stotras, and Sanskrit mantras. Beyond the purely theological, the text integrates broader lifestyle components of the culture, featuring chapters on vegetarianism, Ayurvedic principles, and domestic traditional practices. This multi-layered architecture ensures that while the book provides rigorous theological depth for the scholar, it remains an intimate, living manual designed to bring the presence of the Deity into the immediate domestic and internal life of the reader.
June 3, 2025
The book covers every aspect of Ganesha’s presence in Hindu tradition, including mythology, iconography, symbolism, and worship practices. It begins with the famous “milk-drinking miracle” of the mid-1990s, using this event to introduce Ganesha’s history, nature, and significance within the Hindu pantheon. The text is organised into sections that address Ganesha’s powers, forms, sacred symbols, mantras, prayers, festivals, and global worship, as well as practical instructions for puja (worship) and recitation of mantras.
Subramuniyaswami’s approach is both scholarly and accessible. He explains complex spiritual concepts in clear language, includes stories of personal encounters with Ganesha, answers common questions about Hinduism, and reflects on the broader meaning of dharma and karma. This makes the book suitable for devotees, seekers, and anyone interested in understanding Hindu spirituality.
Interfaith and Universal Appeal
While deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, Loving Ganesa is written with a global audience in mind. Subramuniyaswami explores the universal values embodied by Ganesha—such as wisdom, compassion, and the removal of obstacles—making the deity’s teachings and blessings accessible to all who seek them.
The book underscores Ganesha’s role as the deity invoked at the beginning of all endeavours, highlighting his importance in daily life, festivals, and personal transformation. It also discusses Ganesha’s symbolism in art, music, and literature, reflecting his pervasive influence across cultures and generations.
It is important to recognise that Subramuniyaswami’s work, including Loving Ganesa, reflects many patriarchal beliefs that are characteristic of traditional Hindu priestly culture. His teachings and practices are rooted in a worldview where power structures—such as the hereditary male priesthood and gendered interpretations of scripture—are presented as divinely ordained. As such, some perspectives and practices described in the book may be considered outdated or not inclusive by contemporary standards, particularly regarding gender roles and the participation of women and marginalised groups in spiritual leadership and ritual life.
Loving Ganesa stands out as a definitive guide to Lord Ganesha, blending devotion, scholarship, and practical wisdom. However, readers should approach the text with an awareness of its traditional patriarchal context and recognise the need for more inclusive interpretations that reflect evolving understandings of gender and equality within Hinduism.
Subramuniyaswami’s approach is both scholarly and accessible. He explains complex spiritual concepts in clear language, includes stories of personal encounters with Ganesha, answers common questions about Hinduism, and reflects on the broader meaning of dharma and karma. This makes the book suitable for devotees, seekers, and anyone interested in understanding Hindu spirituality.
Interfaith and Universal Appeal
While deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, Loving Ganesa is written with a global audience in mind. Subramuniyaswami explores the universal values embodied by Ganesha—such as wisdom, compassion, and the removal of obstacles—making the deity’s teachings and blessings accessible to all who seek them.
The book underscores Ganesha’s role as the deity invoked at the beginning of all endeavours, highlighting his importance in daily life, festivals, and personal transformation. It also discusses Ganesha’s symbolism in art, music, and literature, reflecting his pervasive influence across cultures and generations.
It is important to recognise that Subramuniyaswami’s work, including Loving Ganesa, reflects many patriarchal beliefs that are characteristic of traditional Hindu priestly culture. His teachings and practices are rooted in a worldview where power structures—such as the hereditary male priesthood and gendered interpretations of scripture—are presented as divinely ordained. As such, some perspectives and practices described in the book may be considered outdated or not inclusive by contemporary standards, particularly regarding gender roles and the participation of women and marginalised groups in spiritual leadership and ritual life.
Loving Ganesa stands out as a definitive guide to Lord Ganesha, blending devotion, scholarship, and practical wisdom. However, readers should approach the text with an awareness of its traditional patriarchal context and recognise the need for more inclusive interpretations that reflect evolving understandings of gender and equality within Hinduism.
November 8, 2019
Comprehensive and written in clear language.
October 20, 2024
Modern and sectarian, with a few useful pieces of information.
April 30, 2023
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has done an extraordinary close study of Lord Ganesha. This text equips one with all important knowledge of the foremost deity of Hinduism.
Beginning with the miracle of Lord Ganesha's drinking milk in the mid-1990s, the sagacious and highly enlightened author introduces us to the eponymous protagonist, his history, nature, iconography, symbols, puja, mercy and beauty. In the second half of the book, Swami Sivaya Subramuniya discusses issues that have always boggled the minds of everyone, including Hindus. We get clear answers to questions like what or who is a Hindu, and what is Hinduism.
This is a book that every Hindu should read, and it serves as a useful introduction to Dancing with Siva and Living with Siva.
Anyone who wants to know more about Hinduism should begin with this book.
Beginning with the miracle of Lord Ganesha's drinking milk in the mid-1990s, the sagacious and highly enlightened author introduces us to the eponymous protagonist, his history, nature, iconography, symbols, puja, mercy and beauty. In the second half of the book, Swami Sivaya Subramuniya discusses issues that have always boggled the minds of everyone, including Hindus. We get clear answers to questions like what or who is a Hindu, and what is Hinduism.
This is a book that every Hindu should read, and it serves as a useful introduction to Dancing with Siva and Living with Siva.
Anyone who wants to know more about Hinduism should begin with this book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews