Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh

from Abhaneri,  Rajasthan,  8th Century AD

        Abhaneri, a town near Jaipur,  has the distinction of having the first step well of the country.  It also had beautiful temples which were influenced by Gupta art. 

        Here we see a dancing Ganesh. Whole he holds the axe, and the broken tusk, in his hands, his usual attributes,  he also holds a snake, which is rather unusual.  For snake is symbol of desires which sneak into our minds and heart. The God of wisdom knows how to control them. He rewards us with the bowl of 'ladoos' or 'modak'-- symbol of his generosity.