Ganesha' hands

Ganesha is almost always shown with at least four hands.

One hand is usually raised up in the "abhaya pose" which is a sign that means "fear not - I am with you".

Another hand is usually shown holding a sweet - this is a sign of the sweetness of the world or the generocity of God.

Two other hands often hold a goad and a noose.

The noose is there to remind people that they can be tied up with wanting one thing then another and another and all wrapped up in the belongings they have and want.

The goad is to remind people that God wants to prod people back onto the right way of living. With this goad, Ganesha can puch away obstacles and fight off evil things.

If Ganesha has more hands then each one carries a special object or has a symbol on it.