Ganapati occupies the heart of every Hindu not only because he is popularly referred to as Ganesha but also because he is worshiped and adored by millions irrespective of the sect they belong to. At the same time, one particular tradition is referred to by the Ganapatya sect which elevates Lord Ganesha to the level of the Supreme Being. For those who wished to delve deeper into this fascinating tradition, let me give a comprehensive overview of it. 

About and History

Ganapatya is one of the five sects in Hinduism found mentioned in the purāṇas. All are termed the Pañcāyatana pūjā. Such tradition is old and can be traced back to at least the 6th century CE; however, the worship of Ganesha is much older in time.

The segregation of the worship of Ganesha into an actual sect is cited in the Muktikā Upanishad under enumeration of the Ganapatya among six major schools of Hinduism. The Purāṇas, especially the Gaṇeśa Purāṇa (circa 9th-10th century CE), extoll Ganesha as great and provide the main base in Scriptures for the tradition of Ganapatya. 

Basic Beliefs and Philosophy

The central theme of Ganapatya tradition, Ganesha as the ultimate reality (Brahman)

1. Ganesha is the supreme cosmic intelligence creating, maintaining, and destroying the universe
2. He is the remover of obstacles (Vighneśvara) entertaining both spirit and matter
3. He embodies wisdom (buddhi); in fact is the lord of intellect
4. He is considered to be the gateway to spiritual liberation (moksha)

Ganapatya philosophy is well summarized in Ganapati Upanishad (verse 6):

"Ekadantāya vidmahe, vakratuṇḍāya dhīmahi, tanno dantī pracodayāt" (We focus on the One-Tusked One, we meditate on the One with the Curved Trunk, may that Tusked One illuminate our minds) 

Practices of Worship 

Devotees of the Ganapatya tradition practice many forms of spirituality, such as

- reciting Ganesha Sahasranama (1000 names of Ganesha)
- meditating on the Ganesha mantra: "Oṃ Gaṃ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ"
- celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi with special dedication 
- the study of sacred texts such as those found in the Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana
- Specialized puja rituals focused on Ganesha 

The Atharvashirsha Ganesha, a polyphonic text of Upanishadic importance (verses 9-12), describes Ganesha, in his beauty, as the embodiment of all the gods and ultimate reality:

"Tvameva kevalaṃ kartāsi, tvameva kevalaṃ dhartāsi, tvameva kevalaṃ hartāsi" (You alone are the creator, you alone are the sustainer, you alone are the destroyer) 

Subdivisions-Branches and regional Varieties

The Ganapatya sect produced numerous sub-branches with most significance given to the classification as published in Sankara Digvijaya (verses 14-16) which has outlined six different forms of Ganesha worship:
1. Mahaganapati 
2. Haridra Ganapati 
3. Ucchishta Ganapati 
4. Navanita Ganapati 
5. Svarna Ganapati 
6. Santana Ganapati - 

Different attributes and qualities of Lord Ganesha are emphasized in different branches.

The Modern Worship and its Relevance 

It stands that at present, the number of exclusive followers to the Ganapatya tradition is less than Shaivites or Vaishnavites, but Ganesha worship is still of universal importance in the Hindu traditions. Major loci of the Ganapatya tradition are Maharashtra (especially at the Ashtavinayaka temples) and southern India. 

Thus, according to Ganesha Purana (1.46.15-19), worship of the Lord guarantees success in all endeavors: 

"Whatever endeavors, such is the deity of all obstacles, convert to swash I bow down to that Ganesh, giving any accomplishments, and bringing auspiciousness." 

For New Learners

If you have an affinity to Hinduism and the Ganapatya tradition, consider doing the following: 

- Simple offerings to Ganesha before beginning new ventures 
- Learning and reciting the Ganesha Atharvashirsha 
- Reading translations of the Ganesha Purana 
- Ganesha Chaturthi should be observed with devotion and contemplation 
- Visit major Ganesha temples, if possible 

Hinduism is so inclusive in that it allows a person to go at one's individualistic pace towards spirituality, which makes Ganesha an excellent entry into much deeper Hindu traditions.