Ganesha, the benign god of wisdom, bestower of success and remover of obstacles, is invoked by Hindus at the start of any major enterprise. Here the elephant-headed god sits enthroned on a terrace, embracing his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi who ply him with sweetmeats and drink. In his other hands he holds his attributes, the axe and ankus or elephant-goad. Maidservants fan him with chowries (yak-tail fans). Ganesha’s associated animal or ‘vehicle’ is the rat, here seen eating from its own dish.
Ganesha
Chubby elephant-headed Hindu deity and son of Shiva and Parvati. He is the god of wisdom, bestower of wealth, and remover of obstacles who is invoked at the beginning of any enterprise.
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