Ganesh - the Elephant-headed Hindu God Indians consider the elephant to be the most intelligent of all the animals. So it was not by chance that the protector of wisdom, erudition and well being should have the head of a clever elephant on his shoulders. It is considered that if you call on him, the "lord of the blessed host," before any undertaking or beginning of a project be it business or study he will bring success and good fortune.

Ganesh is represented in countless sculptures: big bellied, the heavy elephant head with only one developed tusk above a human body, with four arms and usually shown accompanied by a slightly surprising mount, and companion, the rat. The elephant shares with the rat the ability to remove obstacles. The giant breaks down and tramples whatever is in his way: the rat bites and wriggles through barriers the elephant does not remove.

The rounded belly is sign that he welcomes the offerings given to him and in returns provides divine help

Why has Ganesh have the Head of an Elephant?

Ganesh is the son of Shiva, the cosmic mover and the beautiful Parvati. Hindu myths provide numerous imaginative explanations for the origin of the elephant's head.

According one legend, Parvati, neglected by her husband, had long yearned in vain for a son. When finally her wish was granted through the intervention of Kama the God of love, who awakened Shiva's desire with a flowery arrow, she was so proud of her beautiful child that she urged all the gods to admire him. Only Sani (Saturn), cursed by his wife to turn everything that he looks at to turn to ashes, bowed his head and did not look. But Pavati insisted he looked, and immediately his head to ashes.

Moved by pity, Brahma, the wise god of creation, promised her that he would bring her son back to life as soon as a new head was found. Shiva set out in search. He came to a riverbank and found an elephant sleeping and cut off its head for his son.