Ganesha

Ganesha is a symbol for God present in the Vedic tradition and also used by the Hindu religion. He is characterized by having an elephant head and a body of people and also popularly known as Lord of the obstacles. It is important to make this distinction between Hindus and the Vedic tradition because based on the Vedas within India we have a multitude of sects and religions, and it is easier to define the Vedic tradition than Hinduism itself. It is present in all religious and devotional lines that are structured around the Vedas and that is why it is seen throughout India. Traditionally every altar has a Ganesha form and every ritual, prayer or even endeavor begins with a prayer for him.