A fantastic Nepalese Ganapati who in this example is crowned, four-armed, has a serpent around his neck (as in Purana texts), stands astride his two rat totems, and is surrounded by a flaming mandorla. His hands hold a mala, his broken tusk, an ax, and a fruit. Known as Dispeller of Obstacles, Ganesha-- or Ganapati-- is therefore one of the most popular deities in Hinduism, although he has Buddhist and Jain manifestations as well. Ganapati has a strong connection with the arts and sciences, and is also thought to purify anger. An inscription, possibly an invocation, is carved into his base.