Gana

(“host”) In Hindu mythology, a collective term for a group of minor gods
who are the god Shiva’s servants and
attendants. The members of this gana
are often represented in frightening
forms—smeared with ash, bearing
skulls and weapons, physically malformed, and grinning and laughing
horribly. The members of the gana are
Shiva’s followers, supporters, and
minions, who are ready to do his bidding when commanded. The leader of
the gana is the god Ganesh (“Lord of
the Host”).