Ganesh is one of the most popular guardian deities worshipped in Nepal by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Large numbers of independent temples of Ganesh are found in Kathmandu valley. Ganesh is said to be the deity of eliminator of obstacles. To begin any auspicious work or enterprise Nepalese people adore this deity with the hope that they may accomplish their work successfully by averting the obstacles if there be any. The form of Ganesh or Ganapati is described in Sadhanamala and Nispannayogavali

Ganapati rides on a mouse and is white in colour. He has an elephant face. A snake forms his sacred thread. He is four-armed. In the two right hands he carries a trisula and a laddu i.e. sweet ball and in the two left hands a parasu i.e. axe and a radish.Ganesh is said to be the son of Shiva and Parvati. It so happened once that Kumara or Kartikeyya challenged Ganesh to circumambulate the world. The winner’s prize was to be to be worshipped by the people first. Kartikeyya travelled the world with his vehicle peacock several times and was about to report this to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Ganesh then thinking that he would not be able to circumambulate the world with his tiny vehicle mouse came out with different idea. He began to circumambulate around Lord Shiva and Parvati thrice.

Lord Shiva and Parvati asked the reason for that. Ganesh replied that this triple world was not greater than his parents and circumambulating them, it is thus far more better than circumambulating the triple world. On hearing the wise answer of his son Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Parvati blessed Ganesh that he should be the first deity to be worshipped before any ritual ceremony or auspicious occasion.