Ganesha is one of the most beloved figures in Hinduism. People make offerings to him at the beginning of new endeavors, as he has the power to remove obstacles. The deity is the offspring of the powerful Hindu god Shiva and his beloved consort Parvati. As tradition holds, at his father’s jealous hand, the child lost his head, and at his mother’s insistence, the boy’s head was replaced by that of an elephant.Ganesha is often depicted eating sweets. In this metal sculpture, he holds modaka sweets, an elephant goad, rosary, and radish. The radish often appears in Nepalese images of Ganesha as his important attribute. During the autumnal ritual of Ganesha, followers offer a radish to him as part of the new harvest. Here a crowned Ganesha is surrounded by a snake, or naga, and accompanied by his mount, a faithful rat.

Artwork Details

Title
Ganesha
Dimensions
8 7/8 × 6 1/8 × 2 3/4 in.
Medium
Copper alloy
Origin
Nepal
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
ca. 1922-2023
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2004.22.2
HAR Number
65369

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Devotion

Concepts

A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.

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Secular Goals

Concepts

While the primary religious goal for followers of Buddhism is enlightenment, many of the practices also serve secular goals related to daily life, including ethical conduct and cultivating well-being.

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Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Figure Type

Hindu gods (deva) are thought to be manifestations of the absolute, or Brahman. The goddesses (devi) are considered manifestations of the Great Mother Goddess (Mahadevi), who is seen as the counterpart to Brahman.

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Nepalese Regions

Region

The Himalayan kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were significant centers of Buddhist culture. Nepalese kings, Buddhist institutions, and ordinary people patronized the vibrant art guilds. The artistic traditions of the regions are well-known in Tibetan areas and beyond, and Newar artists have always been in high demand throughout Tibetan regions and Inner Asia.

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