In the cultures and religious practices of the Indian subcontinent, Gaṇeśa is one of the most easily recognized deities. Gaṇeśa is a prominent figure in Southern and Himalayan Asia, with an elephant head and a pot belly as one of his distinguishing characteristics. The origins of Gaṇeśa worship are unclear, and various scholars have proposed different theories about this deity’s origins. It is common practice today to honor Gaṇeśa as a patron of the arts, an embodiment of good fortune and safety, and a remover of obstacles.