Ganesha

Ganesha is perhaps the best known of all the gods. He is considered the son of Parvati and Shiva. According to legend, Shiva retired to meditate and Parvati created a son from loneliness. When Shiva returned, he cut off his head out of anger. After realizing what he had done, he ordered the head of the first person to pass by to be placed on Ganesha's body to revive him. This was an elephant - a new god was born, who combined the power of Shiva and Parvati.

Ganesha has four arms representing the four aspects of the subtle body: Mind, Ego, Spirit and Consciousness. In one hand he carries a protective weapon, in the other a lotus flower as a sign of wisdom and rebirth. With one hand he forms a comforting mudra and his last hand shows a blessing gesture.

It is said that Ganesha clears all obstacles. Thus, he is often invoked before any kind of undertaking. He provides material and spiritual prosperity and is thus considered a patron saint for businessmen.

The god with the elephant head has always been a popular object in art. There are countless paintings and statues of him. Especially beautiful are his statues made of shiny brass. They are very suitable as a gift for someone who moves or starts a new job. Also at a wedding or business opening Ganesha should not be missing, as he blesses the new marriage or business and promises luck.