Ganesha or Ganesh - Indian

God of wisdom.

     Ganesha was the son of Shiva and Parvarti though, in another legend, he was created by Parvarti to be her protector. According to this, he was originally human featured. Ganesha over zealously guarding Parvarti, barred Shiva's way, and was decapitated for his trouble. Shiva relented and gave Ganesha the head of the first animal which approached him, an elephant.
    An amiable and friendly deity Ganesha, despite his curious appearance, is god of literature, learning, and wisdom. In one story he broke off his tusk in a burst of enthusiasm to write and used it as a pen. In another he hurls it at the moon who was mocking him.
    Ganesha is most popularly regarded as a god of luck, money and transactions dealing with wealth. When an Indian bank becomes insolvent, his effigy is turned to face the wall.
    Ganesha has an enormous appetite and eats whenever the opportunity and offerings appear.
His companion and steed is a rat, which was given to him by a demon as a token of contempt.