According to legend, Ganesha was born while his father Shiva was away on a hunting trip.  As in many stories from the heroic or mythical age, Ganesha was born full-grown, and he was protecting his mother when his father returned.   Finding this stranger near his wife's bath, Shiva promptly beheaded him.  When Shiva discovered that he had in fact beheaded his own son, Shiva promised Parvati to restore his head  with the first head he encountered. Unfortunately, the first creature Shiva beheld was an elephant.

    In addition to his elephant's head, Ganesha is depicted with four hands in which he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments to wordy things), and a sweet dessert ball (laddoo)- (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people.   His elephant-like head and the quick moving tiny mouse vehicle suggest his tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and acumen.