Popularly in north India ^{[citation needed]} Ganesha is accompanied by Sarasvati (goddess of culture and art) and Lakshmi (goddess of luck and prosperity). Throughout India, on contemporary poster art, Ganesha is portrayed with Lakshmi or Sarasvati or both. Ganesha, Lakshmi and Sarswati are often grouped together as the divinities immediately responsible for material welfare. Ganesha and Saraswati share control over Buddhi (Wisdom), while Ganesha and Lakshmi are both deities of Ṝddhi and Siddhi (material and spiritual success).

Particularly in Maharashtra, Ganesha is associated with Śarda or Sarasvati. Some identify the two goddesses as the same person and thus the single consort of Ganesha while others consider them distinct and one or both of them as married to Ganesha. Lakshmi's association with Ganesha is rarely tied with the Tantric tradition of Lakshmi as Ganesha's śakti. Other reasons are variously offered for their relationship: their functional equivance and their joint worship on Diwali and in general by the "business community".Conversely, in Calcutta, Ganesha is said to be the brother of Sarasvati and Lakshmi.

may Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."