Portrait of India Uddanda Ganapathy (Punisher of Evil) - In this avatar of Ganesh, he is depicted with Shakti (the personification of power) on his lap and his 10 hands holding sugarcane, a pot of gem, paddy, a rudraksh, a lily, a blue lotus, a pomegranate, a tusk and a mace – the gadha. Considered to be the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of beginnings and success, he also symbolises humility, sacrifice and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and is often shown with his mount, a mouse. Turn to Pg 58 for details on Ganesh Chathurthi, the 10-day-long festival honouring the God.
Courtesy: ‘Art Heritage of India: A Collector’s Special’, published by ‘L&T - ECC & ECC Recreation Club’. culturama | september 2011
33