The elephant-headed Ganesha, remover of obstacles and god of good fortune, is one of the most beloved of Hindu gods. Also known as Ganapati, he is invoked before the start of any action or endeavor.

In Tantric tradition there are as many as thirty-two manifestations of Ganesha, each with its own name and iconography. One of the most popular of these is Heramba Ganapati, who has five heads and ten arms, and rides on a lion. In his front arms he embraces his consorts, Buddhi (Intelligence) and Siddhi (Success), while in his other hands he holds the trident, symbol of Shiva, a battle ax, mace, elephant goad, kadabu cake, a page of scripture, a water vessel and lotus flower, and a rosary.