Ganesha

The probably most popular God in the Hindu pantheon is Ganesha (Ganapati), the God with the elephant's head. About ninety manifestations exist on Ganesha. He is shown mostly big-bellied, with four arms, seated on a lotus blossom or also dancing (Nritya-Ganapati). With him is always his riding animal, the rat. In the Indian mythology he is seen as a son of Shiva and Parvati.
Ganesha is a typical folk God: He is considered to be the lucky charm and eliminator of all obstacles. Before the beginning of a trip or an important enterprise he is called. He embodies the wisdom and intelligence and is a patron of the sciences.