A familiar, well-loved figure in the art and religion of Asia, the elephant-headed Ganesh is universally revered as the god of auspicious beginnings. Despite his popularity, the jolly, pot-bellied deity has received far less attention in literature than he deserves. The present authoritatively researched volume attempts to collate existing reference material on the subject, as also offer valuable original insights into various aspects of Ganesh in Hindu, Tantric, Jain, and Buddhist traditions in India, and Southeast and East Asia.
 
Pratapaditya Pal is the General Editor of Marg. He is a distinguished art historian, author and lecturer. Named Getty Scholar for 1995-96, Dr Pal is presently Visiting Curator at the Art Institute of Chicago.