Ganesha's Secret: Food alone does not satisfy hunger

by Devdutt Pattanaik

Ganapati thus embodies Shiva’s empathy for the trials and tribulations of humanity.

‘You seek food to conquer hunger and end up hoarding food. My father shows how to outgrow hunger, and hence is happy even in the absence of food.’

These are metaphors to indicate that when Ganesha is brought into the house, he removes all obstacles to wealth, peace, auspiciousness, growth and happiness. He does so by enabling the potbellied Ganas to outgrow fear of scarcity. That is why he is their leader. That is why he is Ganapati.