Preah Khan Temple, Siem Reap Province
Angkorian period, Baphuon style, 11th century
Sandstone, C.A.ក. 020, N.6849 Gallery B

Ganesha, an obstacle remover and god of new beginnings, is one of the most worshiped gods in the Hindu pantheon. He is the son of Lord Shiva and the goddess Paravati; his image is generally represented as a short, potbellied man bearing an elephant’s head. His vehicle is the rat, and he holds the attributes of a broken-off tusk or a black radish in his right hand, and a bowl of sweets in his left.

Ganesha is known by many other names, the most common ones being Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighanapati, Balachandra, and Vighaneshvara. He has two sons, Ksema (meaning prosperity; he is also called Subha, auspiciousness), and Labha (profit).