Eka-danta Ganapati

Here is an exceptionally simplified image of Lord Ganesh, Indian god of auspices. With his broken tusk prominently exposed he manifests his Eka-danta form. The artist has so used his motifs that each conveys at least two meanings. With bells attached to it, his ‘chhatra’ – umbrella, acquires a shrine’s status. The motif held in upper left hand is suggestive of both, a trident and a lotus. The form of a serpent hood has been used to become his ‘varada’-imparting lower right hand. As simple a form defines his ‘abhaya’-imparting upper right hand. The lower left hand is just a projection, not larger than a lamp-stand. It carries his favourite sweet ‘laddu’ – sugar-ball. The pot-bellied Ganesh is riding his mount mouse.