Ganesha:
Parvati and Shiva have two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya (also known as Skanda). Ganesha is eldest son and Lord Shiva is proud to say that he is the Lord of all existing beings. Ganesha was created by Parvati out of dirt to guard her quarters while Shiva was away. When Shiva came back Ganesha did not let me back into the quarters not knowing who Shiva was; Shiva became very angry and cut off Ganesha's head. In a panic to please Parvati, Shiva brought Ganesha back to life and gave him an elephant head. But Ganesha's elephant head was beneficial; with his big ears he was able to hear the needs of people more.
When Ganesha and Kartikeya were young they participated in a race around the universe. Ganesha did not start the race like Kartikeya circling around the universe as fast as he could; he simply circled around Parvati and Shiva saying "the universe is nothing more or less than Shiva and Parvati".
The axes symbolizes that Ganesha is good luck.
* Happy Vinayaka Chavithi - SSMTB Team *