The meaning of the elephant-headed god changes in different cultures. In Jainism, the elephant-headed yaksha is linked to a turtle and is a guardian of one of the Tirthankaras.

An artist works on an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha inside a workshop ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) ...

An Indian child artisan carries an idol of elephant-headed Hindu God Ganesha at a workshop ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Chennai, India, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013.

Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed god of Hinduism, is a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. He is instantly recognizable with his large ears, round belly, and of course, his ...

Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is worshipped first in all auspicious events. Created by Goddess Gauri and later given an elephant's head by Shiv after a misunderstanding, he symbolizes wisdom ...

An idol of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh is transported through a street to a place of worship ahead of the Ganesh Chaturti festival in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.