Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.40

v1.c9.40

The name of this goddess is Vighnēśvari, and it is particularly stated that she should be sculptured beautifully. There is great deal of difference between the description of Uchchhishta Ganapati as contained in the books and the execution in the actual sculptures. In all cases this god has a nude Dēvi seated on his lap; two of his hands carry the pāśa and the ankuśa, one has a ladduka in it, and one of his arms is used in embracing the Dēvi about her hip. It is the proboscis, but not one of the hands, which is in contact with the private parts of the Dēvi. And the right hand of the Devi is shown to be holding the private parts of the god; in her left hand she carries a lotus. Mahā-Ganapati. The image of Mahā-Ganapati is one with ten arms; and it should have in its hands a lotus flower, a pomegranate, a jewelled water-vessel, the gadā, his own broken tusk, a sugar-cane, ears of paddy and the pāśa. The colour of this image has to be red. The figure of Śakti, whose complexion is white, should be seated on the lap of this god, and she should a have lotus in her hand.