The female deity with an elephant head is Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings, prosperity, and wisdom.
While Ganesha is most often depicted as male, there are some rare instances of female representations of Ganesha. These are typically associated with the goddess Parvati, Ganesha's mother.
Here's a breakdown of why Ganesha is considered both male and female:
- Ganesha's Gender: While often portrayed as male, Ganesha's gender is complex and fluid within Hinduism. He is considered a hermaphrodite, meaning he embodies both masculine and feminine energies.
- Parvati's Role: Parvati, Ganesha's mother, is known to have created Ganesha from her own body. This connection to Parvati, a powerful feminine deity, adds a layer of feminine energy to Ganesha's persona.
- Female Representations: While rare, there are depictions of Ganesha with feminine attributes, highlighting the deity's multifaceted nature. These representations are often associated with Parvati's creative power and Ganesha's ability to embody both masculine and feminine energies.
It's important to note that Ganesha is primarily worshipped as a male deity, and the feminine representations are less common and more symbolic.
