Ganesha is the portly with an elephant's head. Elephants are not rare sight in many parts of India. Hindus appreciate them for their high intelligence, extraordinary strength, and exceptional devotion to each other and to their human peers. Elephants will not abandon a friend in trouble but will risk their lives to save those they care about.
Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. After all, if you are lost in thick jungle, just follow an elephant. Wherever it happens to walk becomes a path you can easily follow. Ganesha has very large ears so that he can hear everyone's prayers. He has a huge belly because he contains the entire universe inside himself. His wisdom, strength, and compassion are indomitable.
You'll often see a small mouse darting around Ganesha's feet. Like cowboys riding ponies and Carlifornians riding their SUVs, Ganesha goes for a ride on his mouse. Gurus explain that the mouse is the human mind, always scurrying here and there, nibbling at this and that. The mouse doesn't realize that riding on its back there's an elephant with unimaginable strength, wisdom and power. Just so, the mind is often oblivious to the limitless light and power of spirit that "rides around" within its inner recesses.
Throughout history, many Hindus have been illiterate. Their gurus used memorable images like an elephant headed god astride a mouse to teach unforgettable lessons about the nature of the Supreme Being.
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