Ganesha is one of the most well-known representations of God. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the husband of Bharati, Riddhi and Siddhi.

Ganesha is a Hindu deity widely worshiped in India as well as Nepal. He is said to have 108 names, the most commonly known are Vinayaka, Ekdanta and Ganpati. The most striking feature of Ganesha is his elephant head. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is said to be created by Parvati using turmeric paste and breathing life into it and declaring him as her own loyal son.

Ganesha is generally represented as an idol with a man's body and an elephant's head with an only tusk, the other tusk appearing as broken. His large belly is a unique feature apart from the elephant head. Across his left shoulder is a scared thread often in the form of a snake. Ganesha's ride is a mouse often seen placed on his feet paying tribute to the Lord.

Ganesha's figures are generally shown with four hands. He holds a lotus in one hand signifying the symbol of enlightenment, in the second hand he holds a tusk, which was broken off when his pen ran out of ink, in his third hand he holds laddoos though he is never shown eating laddoos and lastly his fourth hand is always extended to bless his devotees. He is shown to have only one tusk, the other appears to be broken.

Ganesha is generally shown sitting with his one foot on the ground and the other resting on his knee which signifies that he is the wisest person on this earth but does not belong entirely to the earth. The vehicle of Ganesha the rat signifies that the lord rides on greed to put it under control. The rat is shown to be sitting to the side in front of Ganesha looking up at him.

Ganesha and Lakshmi are worshiped together on the auspicious festival of Diwali. The Hindu mythology says that Goddess Parvati let Lakshmi adopt her son Ganesha since Lakshmi could not bear children. In return Lakshmi promised Parvati that Brahma's daughters, Riddhi Siddhi will be married to Ganesha. Since then Lakshmi and Ganesha are always worshiped together for wealth, prosperity and the intelligence to spend the wealth well.

Ganesha idols are placed in temples, homes and even corporate set-ups. Ganesha idols are available in various materials like crystal, stone, wood, white marble, copper, bronze and brass. It is said that placing the idol of Lord Ganesha is a sign of prosperity and good luck.

These idols come in various postures, each posture has some significance, the dancing posture symbolizes Natraja Ganesha which is related to the dance of destruction, his movements show grace and poise. The standing posture represents correct attitude and rigidity, the posture is called Abhanga meaning no bent body. The sitting posture has Ganesha either sitting on a throne or on a lotus. The reclining posture of Lord Ganesha signifies wealth, luxury, prosperity and comfort.

Ganesha idols are also used for gifting purpose, one can gift a Ganesha idol to the oens starting a new venture or beginning a new phase of their lives. One can choose from a variety of available options online. These online websites are also a great option for buying textiles including bags and footwear etc., books on varied subjects, paintings of different styles, beads including gemstones, moonstone jewellery and sterling silver jewellery as well as CDs and DVDs.