Ganesh

Ganesh is a prominent and widely revered deity in the Hindu pantheon. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is known as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. His elephant head is one of his most distinctive features, a result of a mythological tale where Shiva, in a fit of rage, beheaded him and later replaced his head with that of an elephant.

The name 'Ganesh' itself is derived from the Sanskrit words 'gana' (meaning a group, multitude, or Shiva's attendants) and 'isha' (meaning lord or master). Worship of Ganesh dates back to ancient times, with evidence found in Vedic texts, though his form and prominence evolved significantly over centuries, particularly during the Gupta period and later. He is invoked at the beginning of most Hindu ceremonies and ventures.