Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh 

Pratihara Dynasty, 10th Century CE, Bhopal Museum

             Although Lord Ganesh is the God of wisdom, He is seen in various forms: as a sleeping child, as a child worshipping a Shiva Ling, as a dancing figure ( as in this figure), as an adult reading or writing, and even playing cricket or sitting on a rocking chair. His forms are as varied as human imagination permits. Wisdom is not a monopoly of any age, or form. It is universal. 

             Here the Lord holds an axe in one hand and his broken tusk in the other hand. The other two  hands are striking a dancing pose. The axe is symbol of wisdom 's ability to cut through any obstacle. Hence He is  the God who removes the obstacles.  The broken tusk is symbolic of His being a scriber. He records our deeds and awards or punishes us accordingly. 

             He dances for the universe is in constant motion. While one foot is firmly planted, symbolising stability,  the other foot is lifted and in motion, symbolising time and motion. 

            He is also surrounded by his parents : Goddess Parvati on his right, and Lord Shiva on his left. This not only completes the Shiva family,  but also depicts Nature (Goddess Parvati ), and the intellect  (Lord Shiva). Wisdom is not isolated; it does not exist in a vacuum. It thrives in the Nature and the intellect. It throbs and pulsates throughout the universe. It is not the monopoly of a caste or a creed or of a race. It is as universal as the universe.