Ganesh

Half-man and half-elephant. Has man's torso and elephant's head. Popular god of hindus. In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi (4th day of the lunar month) is the most important socio-cultural and religious festival.

Believed to be the son of Siva and his consort Parvati, his head was cut off by Siva in anger. Parvati took the 'rudra' form of Kali and started burning everything. Siva went to Brahma for help. Brahma suggested that he cut the head of an elephant which was in a specific place and fix it to the head of the dead boy. When the first transplant was done, Parvati was pacified.

Much later was born Kartikeya, popularly known as Murugan in South India. Murugan is not worshipped in North India, but only finds a place in written and oral traditions. But Pullaiyar (child) and Murugan are worshipped in South India.

Ganesha is the god of education, maths, Luck and astrology. Hence the starting of any venture is blessed with:

"Hari sree Ganapathaye Namah. Avighnamasthoo."
(We invoke Ganapathi to prevent any obstruction to the progress of this venture)

His 'vaahan' (mode of transport) is mouse.