Ganesh, or the ‘master of the heavenly herds’, was the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. With a reputation as ‘he who removes obstacles’, Ganesh is the patron divinity of travellers, merchants, thieves and scholars. In India, Ganesh is often depicted accompanied by a rat. This combination of the most powerful and the smallest of animals is able to overcome all hindrances. The bigger of the two tramples on everything in its path, while the rat can find a way through any obstacle that the elephant cannot pass. Indians rate elephants the most intelligent of all animals, and it is no coincidence that Ganesh, the protector of wisdom, knowledge and well-being, has the head of this majestic creature.
Ganesha - an Indian God
Tuesday 12 July 2011, by Sébastien Duffillot
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