Which Hindu god is known as the remover of obstacles?

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The Hindu god known as the remover of obstacles is Ganesha.

Ganesha is one of Hinduism’s most widely worshipped deities and is recognizable by his elephant head, rounded body, and association with a mouse or shrew vehicle. He is revered as the deity of beginnings, wisdom, intellect, learning, and good fortune. Worshippers often invoke him before starting a journey, ceremony, business venture, examination, or other important undertaking.

The title “remover of obstacles” reflects the Sanskrit epithet Vighneshvara, meaning “Lord of Obstacles,” and related names such as Vighnaraja. Ganesha’s role is more nuanced than the popular shorthand suggests: in some traditions he can also place obstacles in the path of people who need correction or restraint. His power therefore includes controlling obstacles, not merely erasing them.

Hindu texts commonly describe Ganesha as the son of Shiva and Parvati, although accounts of his birth vary. He is also called Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Ganesh. The elephant head and broken tusk are especially prominent symbols, associated in different stories with wisdom, sacrifice, and his mythic exploits.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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