Ganesha

Brother of Lord Subramanya . The Goddess Parvati was bathing and needed someone to guard her privacy. Siva and his entourage were out hunting so Parvati created Ganesha out of the cells (cloned) from Her body. She placed Him at the entrance to the house, instructing Him not to permit anyone inside while she bathed. Meanwhile, Siva returned home and was stopped by Ganesha at the gate, taking Him for an intruder. Siva got angry and cut off Ganesha’s head. Parvati came to know of it and grieved. Having realized that Ganesha was his son Siva ordered his servants to bring the head of the first creature they found sleeping with its head facing north. The servants made a thorough search and found only an elephant. The head was cut off and brought before the Lord. Siva joined the head of the elephant to the body of Ganesha.

Ganesha is known as the remover of all obstacles and is worshipped at the beginning of all undertakings. Nothing is undertaken without Ganesha’s support, grace or blessings. He is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. Ganapathi, Eka Danta, and Vigna Vinayaka are some of his many names.