Ganesha (also Ganesa or Ganapati) is one of the most important gods in Hinduism. He is highly recognisable with his elephant head and human body, representing the soul (atman) and the physical (maya). Also the patron of writers, travellers, students, and commerce. Nritya (dancer) Ganesha is seen happily dancing and holds a goad, noose, modaka and broken tusk in his four hands. Ganesha is often depicted riding or alongside Kroncha, his rat, his divine vehicle famed for its agility and also symbolic of the god's ability to circumvent obstacles.
