The word ( ) in Sanskrit and Pali means "flock, troop, multitude, number, tribe, category, series, or clan". It can also be used to refer to a "body of attendants" and can refer to "a company, any assemblage or association of men formed for the attainment of the same aims". The word "gana" can also refer to councils or assemblies convened to discuss matters of religion or other topics.
In Hinduism, the s are attendants of Shiva and live on Mount Kailash. Ganesha was chosen as their leader by Shiva; the deity's title is or , meaning, "lord or leader of the ". They are referred to as Shivaganas or Rudraganas and Rudraganikas are considered the female equivalents.
The term gana is employed in the Rigveda in reference to the Maruts:
Chapter 108 of the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata describes a discussion between Yudhishthira and Bhishma regarding the strength of the ganas, how they defend themselves from disunion, the subjugation of their enemies, and forging friendships. Bhishma's answers to these questions are recorded in the form of shlokas (verses) from 16 â 32 of the chapter.
In the Shiva Purana, after Ganesha's life was restored by Shiva, he was crowned as the leader of the ganas by the gods.
The Cilappatikaram of Ilango Adigal, one of the Five Great Epics in Tamil, describes the prescribed offering for eighteen kind of ganas.
The Buddhaghosa mentions the palaces of the ganadeva-puttas ("GanadevaputtÃÂnañ ca vimÃÂnÃÂni") among those seen by King Nemi as MÃÂtali led him through the world of the devas. This term seems to be absent in the corresponding jÃÂtaka. It is possible that these deities are associated with the ganas of Hinduism.