Ganesha: man, elephant, serpant and mouse

Images of Ganesha almost always include parts of four animals - man, elephant, serpant (or snake) and a mouse (or rat).

Ganesha is supposed to ride on the mouse.

This may seem strange, but mice are supposed to be clever animals - just like elephants - but are wondering, inquisitive animals. Showing a mouse as servant of Ganesha shows that our minds can be tamed by the power of Ganesha's love and understanding.

Ganesha has a serpant or snake as a pet. Many people are afraid of snakes, but Ganesha tells us that we can rise above our fears and problems.