Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.57

v1.c9.57

Sūrpakarṇa. The story regarding this form of Gaṇēśa is that once upon a time Agni was cursed by the Ṛishis to become extinguished and lost. Agni accordingly became quite powerless. Gaṇēśa took pity and fanned Agni into life again with his ears, as with a sūrpa or winnowing basket. Hence he is known as Sūrpakarṇa.