Ganesha is called Siddhidata because he is the giver of siddhi. The word siddhi means success or the accomplishment of a task. According to Hindu tradition, Ganesha is worshipped before any auspicious work or the beginning of anything new. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha removes obstacles and ensures the successful completion of the task.
Reason For Calling Ganesha The Name Siddhidata
There are several Hinduism stories as to why Ganesha is
considered Siddhidata. Two of the most well-known stories are:
The Contest of Superiority
Once, a competition was held among the gods. The condition
was that whoever could circle the entire world and return first would be
considered the superior deity. All the gods mounted their respective vehicles
and set out to circle the world. Even Kartikeya set off swiftly on his peacock.
While the other gods were proud of their speed,
Ganesha—riding on his mouse—circled his parents, Shiva and Parvati, and said,
"To me, you both are equal to the entire world. So circling you is
equivalent to circling the world!"
The gods were delighted by Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence and awarded him the honor of superiority. Since then, Ganesha has been worshipped as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) and Siddhidata (bestower of success).
Ganesha and Saraswati
According to Hindu stories, once the gods asked Saraswati,
the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, about the source of her knowledge.
Saraswati replied that her knowledge comes from Ganesha, who is the source of
all wisdom and success. She added that without Ganesha’s blessings, no knowledge
or work can be successful. From then on, Ganesha has been worshipped as Siddhidata.