Ganesh is a representation of God within the Hindu religion, and is depicted as a plump, yellow or red god, with four arms and the head of an elephant. Other versions of the name are Ganesha, Ganesa, and Ganapati.

Ganesh is the first born son of Shiva and Parvati, and is considered to be the god of the intellect, wisdom and logical solutions to problems.

Ganesh is often portrayed with a mouse in attendance, or even riding upon the mouse.

Ganesh is traditionally worshipped by merchants and business people, because of the association between logical thought, problems solving, and the making of money.

According to tradition, Ganesh's mother, Parvati, generated him without any intervention from her husband, Shiva.

In the south of India, Ganesh is frequently portrayed as being celibate, whereas in northern India, Ganesh is portrayed is being married to the two daughters of Brahma: Buddhi and Siddhi.