In Hindu tradition, one principle appears so consistently across rituals, temples, and daily life that it almost feels universal: before any auspicious beginning, before any puja, journey or new chapter, the name of Ganesha is invoked first. This practice is so deeply embedded that it naturally leads to a fascinating and often misunderstood question- if Ganesha is worshipped before all, does that include even the gods themselves, including Shiva?
The answer, rooted in belief and symbolism rather than literal documentation, reveals something far more profound than a simple hierarchy of gods. It opens a window into how Hindu philosophy understands order, consciousness and the removal of obstacles- not just externally, but within the human mind.