Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Ganesh 19th Century

Indian Stone Carving of Ganesh in Black Schist

Dancing Ganesh

Ganesh is one of the most popular dieties found in Hinduism, as well as in some sects of Buddhism. He is considered to be the Lord of success and the remover of obstacles. He is often worshipped at the commencement of any important activity or venture, and is associated with wisdom, scholarship, the written word, and wealth.

This 19th century Ganesh is made of black schist. He is in the dancing pose and has four arms. In his upper left hand he holds an elephant goad or axe, which symbolizes his divine authority, as well as the removal of attachments and obstacles. It is also thought to symbolize the prodding of the devotee toward Truth. In his lower left hand he holds a ball of sweets, and his trunk also holds a sweet ball. These are his favorite food, and symbolize the fruits of practice and the realized self. His lower right hand holds a large radish, another of his favorite foods, which symbolizes abundance. And his upper right hand is held in a mudra, or symbolic gesture. A devotee kneels in worship at Ganesh’s left knee.

The most common version of the story of Ganesh comes from the Shiva Purana: The goddess Parvati, wife and consort of Shiva, was bathing and wanted someone to keep watch at her door. So she created a boy out of a mudball with the dirt from her body. She instructed him not to let any intruders in. Shiva came to the door and Ganesh did not know who he was, refusing to let him in. Shiva became enraged and cut off Ganesh’s head. Parvati was horrified and grief-stricken, and threatened to destroy heaven and earth in her rage. To pacify her, Shiva ordered his servants to bring back the head of the first suitable creature they came across. They brought back the head of an elephant and Shiva placed it on Ganesh and brought him back to life.