The marital status of Ganesha varies widely in mythological stories and the issue has been the subject of considerable scholarly review. Several patterns of associations with different consorts are identifiable. One pattern of myths identifies Ganesha as an unmarried brahmacārin with no consorts. Another mainstream pattern associates him with the concepts of Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi, and Riddhi (prosperity); these qualities are sometimes personified as goddesses who are considered to be Ganesha's wives. Another pattern connects Ganesha with the goddess of culture and the arts, Sarasvati. In the Bengal region he is linked with the banana tree, Kala Bo. Usually Ganesha's consort is portrayed as his shakti, a personification of his creative energy.
Ganesha with consorts Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power), Painting titled "Riddhi Siddhi" by Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906)
Ganesha with the Ashta (8) Siddhi. The Ashtasiddhi are associated with Ganesha. – painting by Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906)
Ganesha in his form as Mahāganapati with a shakti. From the Sritattvanidhi (19th century).
Ganesha (centre), Lakshmi (left) and Sarasvati on a temple.
Ganesha, also spelled Ganesh, and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect. His depictions are found throughout India. Hindu denominations worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists and beyond India.
Basohli miniature, c. 1730. National Museum, New Delhi
A 13th-century statue of Ganesha, Hoysala-style, Karnataka
A typical four-armed form. Miniature of Nurpur school (circa 1810)
6th-century Ganesha Statue in Badami caves temples, depicting Ganesha with two arms
