Ganesha, The Elephant God

Ganesha, The Elephant God (from the series: series: Inanimate Subjects)

In Hindu representations of deities only two gods, Hanuman and Ganesha have animal characteritics. Hanuman is the monkey deity and is all monkey, born of the King and Queen of monkeys according to one version of his origin. By contrast, Ganesha, is simply elephant-headed god - as depicted in the above bronze.

Ganesha assumed the status of the “Lord of all existing beings” when he won a contest with his brother Kartikay. The contest was a race around the universe. Kartikay set off at great speed but Ganesha simply walked around Shiva and Parvati, his parents, who also happen to be the source of all existence - winning the race by virtue of wisdom.

Ganesha is indeed the embodiment of wisdom. In many depictions, he is shown accompanied by a rat. The rat is said to represents doubt. Without the presence of doubt, there is no wisdom.