The most fundamental of Hindu deities, is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - popular deities include Ganesha, Krishna, Hanuman and goddesses like Lakshmi, Durga,Saraswati.
Story concerns Vishnu As Bala Ganapati, the child Ganapati used to play with Shiva's ganas at the foot of Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and Parvati. Hiding in a flower garden, he would suck in water from the Ocean of Milk (on which Vishnu lay on his serpent Ananta) and spray it on the ganas, teasing them that it was raining. Vishnu one day found that his Valamburi Shankh (his sacred conch with swirls towards the right) was missing, and was perturbed. He then heard the deep resonant sound of a conch and knew that it was his Paanchajanya Shankh being blown in the vicinity of Mount Kailash. He now meditated on Shiva who said that anyone wishing to retrieve the conch should pray to Valamburi Ganesha (Ganesha in the rare posture of his trunk turned to the right). Vishnu did accordingly and Ganapati then returned the Paanchajanya Shankh to its rightful owner, Vishnu, who was overjoyed to have it back. It is for this reason that when a Valamburi Ganesha image is found, it is believed to be very lucky for the owner.
