Ganesha - is one of the most well-known and venerated representations of God. He is the first son of Shiva and Parvati. His name means both “Lord of the People”. Ganesha is thus considered the master of intellect and wisdom and god of beginnings and success. He is frequently represented sitting down, with one leg raised in the air and bent over the other. Typically, his name is prefixed with the Hindu title of respect, 'Shree' or Sri. Ganapati is popularly worshipped in different avataras such as Krishna, Sage Parashurama, Naga (the snake god). He is also depicted as a warrior king and at times in a playful mood with dandiya sticks, the symbol of the navaratri festival. The popularity of Ganesha is widely diffused, even outside of India. Some of his devotees identify Ganesha as the Supreme deity and are called the Ganapatya.