Rare Hand-Carved Hindu Ganesha Riding a Tiger Wall Panel

Details

Description

Fresh from the estate of a collector of many Hindu and Arab works of art. This intricately carved hardwood Ganesha … Read more Fresh from the estate of a collector of many Hindu and Arab works of art. This intricately carved hardwood Ganesha is most unusual because he is riding a Tiger instead of a mouse. Look at how the deep the carving is. Stunning in its splendor. A real rarity! 11" x 7 x 2"
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Ganesha (also known as Ganesh, Ganapati, or Vinayaka) is the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, wisdom, success, and the remover of obstacles.

Key Identity & Family

• Parents: Shiva and Parvati
• Brother: Kartikeya (also known as Murugan)
• Consorts: Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity)
• Vehicle (Vahana): A rat or bandicoot named Mushaka, symbolizing his ability to penetrate and overcome any obstacle

Symbolism & Iconography

• Elephant Head: Represents supreme wisdom, intellect, and the merging of the micro-self with the macro-universe.
• Broken Tusk: Symbolizes sacrifice and the ability to overcome duality; according to tradition, Ganesha broke his own tusk to use as a pen while transcribing the epic Mahabharata dictated by sage Vyasa.
• Pot Belly: Represents the cosmos and his capacity to digest all good and bad experiences in life.
• Four Arms: Typically hold an axe (to cut away attachments), a noose (to pull the devotee closer to spiritual truth), a sweet treat (modak, representing the reward of spiritual discipline), and a hand raised in a blessing.

Origin Story

Ganesha was created by the goddess Parvati from clay, turmeric paste, or herbs to stand guard while she bathed. When Lord Shiva returned and was blocked from entering, a fierce battle ensued, and Shiva severed the boy's head. To comfort a grieving Parvati, Shiva replaced the head with that of an elephant, granting him eternal life and the status of being invoked first before any new enterprise or ritual.

Worship & Festivals

• Ganesh Chaturthi: A major 10-day annual festival celebrating his birth, where clay idols are worshipped and eventually immersed in water bodies.
• Role: He is venerated not just in Hinduism, but also historically adopted into traditions within Buddhism and Jainism across Asia. See less