The elephant-headed god Gane'sa is one of the most important and popular gods throughout India and Hindu Southeast Asia - his image is found in virtually every Hindu home. In this first detailed and comprehensive study of Gane'sa, Paul Courtright looks at the mythology and the psychological meanings of this god, his rituals and festivals, and the part played by Gane'sa in contemporary Indian politics. The American Council of Learned Societies named Gane'sa the best first book in the history of religions published in 1985.