Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.63

v1.c9.63

The illustrations of Gaṇapati given on plates X to XVI are all from actual sculptures. Among these, fig. 1, Pl. X is that of the stone Gaṇapati set up just two years ago in the newly constructed temple of Śāradādēvi and Śaṅkarāchārya at Kālaḍi. The image was executed, it is reported, by a Bombay artist, and is a good specimen of the work of the new Bombay school of sculpture. There is an evenness of symmetry in the balance of the limbs and also a natural proportion in size as between the head and the trunk, as well as between the trunk on the one side and the hands and legs on the other. The modelling of the hands and legs, of the ornaments and the drapery leaves nothing to be desired. This figure holds the aṅkuśa in the back right hand, the pāśa in the back left hand; the mōdaka cake is in the front left hand and the danta is held in the front right hand. The proboscis of the elephant-head is shown to be playing with the flower garland hanging from the neck. This last feature possibly indicates that this Gaṇapati represents that variety of Uchchhishṭa-Gaṇapati which is called Unmatta.