Ganesh · गणेश

Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is the remover of obstacles and is worshipped first at the start of any undertaking.

Stories tell how Ganesh received his elephant head after his human head was lost, and how he won the right to be worshipped first by circling his parents rather than the world. He is shown with a broken tusk, a large belly, modak sweets and a mouse as his mount, and is honoured as the lord of wisdom and of new beginnings.

Ganesh Chaturthi is his main festival, and Sankashti Chaturthi is observed monthly. In many regions Wednesday is associated with him; practices vary.