The elephant God Ganesh symbolises change. What I dig about Hinduism is that if you need to invoke something in your life at a certain time, for instance strength and courage, you can invoke the warrior god Shiva; if you feel you need protection, invoke Durga; if you need abundance, pray to Lakshmi, etc. Whether these deities exist external to you or whether you invoke your inner aspects which correspond to them is immaterial; they personify and give a face to what you need in your life at specific times, and there are invocations for each of them. Some are blessedly short: a prayer of protection can be said as you leave your home on a trip Om Doom Durgayei Namaha …