As defined in the detailed descriptions of the 19th century Kannada text Sritattvanidhi and the Mudgala Purana, fifth among the major thirty-two forms of Ganesha is the ‘powerful’ Ganapati, called Shakti Ganapati. Complexioned to be reddish brown in colour, this four-armed beloved god of auspicious beginnings is presented seated in a yogic manner with his right leg hanging pendent over the pedestal, and the embracing figure of Shakti Devi seated on his left thigh. The figures are ornately clad with diaphanous clothing around their bodies and bejewelled gracefully, placed on top of a raised rectangular pedestal. A glowing ‘prabhamandala’ is attached to the back of Ganapati’s ‘mukuta.’
Representative of the elemental form of ‘akash’ or space, it is the belief of the righteous devout that praying to Shakti Ganapati not only fulfils the wishes of the devotee, protecting from evils, removing negativity, and granting wishes, but also allows a mastery over the five senses of the human body. To that end, the attributes presented in this ‘panchaloha’ sculptural image help accordingly: the goad and the noose work in tandem, removing obstacles and guiding humans to the path of celestial empowerment; the front right hand raised in the ‘abhaya mudra’ yogic gesture dispels fear from the hearts of his well-wishers; and finally, by holding onto Shakti, Ganapati is also holding onto the primordial cosmic energy and dynamic forces that define the experience of consciousness throughout the universe.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist