Ganesha, one of the more popular gods of Hinduism and one weel-known in the US

Ganesha
Originally uploaded by izahorsky.

Lord Ganesh is the god of writers, of travelers, and the protector of beginngings. Thus people may make an offering to Ganesh before a trip, before beginning a book or prior to starting a business.

The stories about the origin of the hang-bellied, elephant-headed god are illustrative of Hinduism.