Ganesh

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• Ganesh (also known as Ganesha, Ganesa, Pillaiyar, Ganapati, and Vinayaka) is one of the most recognized of Hindu dieties. He is easily identified by his elephant head.
  
  
• In addition to being worshipped by Hindus, Ganesh is also revered by many Jains and Buddhists.
  
  
• Ganesh is known as the Remover of Obstacles, and regarded as the Lord of Beginnings and the Lord of Obstacles. He is considered a patron of the arts and sciences, and the deva (diety) of intellect and wisdom.
  
  
• Ganesh is very commonly depicted in Indian art, but may be shown performing many different activities.
  
  
• Ganesh is said to be the son of Shiva and Parvati.
  
  
• Although Ganesh is always shown with an elephant head, there are many different stories and myths about how he got it. In some stories, he is born with an elephant head, but in other stories, he acquires it.
  
  
  • In one common story, Ganesh was created from clay by Parvati to protect her, but Shiva beheaded him when he came between Shiva and Parvati. Subsequently, Shiva replaced Ganesh's original head with an elephant head.
    
    
  • In another story, Ganesh was created from Shiva's laughter, but Shiva gave him the head of an elephant and a protruding belly so as not to be too alluring.

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