It is a common sight in India to find a Ganesha icon affixed above the main doorway of any Hindu household. It is believed that placing the icon of Ganesha at the doorway will stop evil forces from entering homes.

There are many stories highlighting the role of Ganesha as a guard or a gatekeeper. The most commonly known story is about how Parvati made a figurine out of the layer of dirt on her skin, breathed life into him and posted him in front of her house to guard her home as she went to have her bath. This is the tale which is commonly associated with the birth of Ganesha. But there is another version of the same tale in Skanda Purana, suggesting how Ganesha was created to guard the doorways of heaven.