Lord Ganesh with Riddhi

Lord Ganesh with Riddhi

Paramar Dynasty,  11th Century AD

        It is a rarity to see Lord Ganesh with Riddhi in a standing posture. Thus, this a unique piece. 

        Goddess Parvati was worried as to who would marry her elephant headed son. Lord Brahma agreed not one, both of his daughters,  Riddhi and Siddhi to him. Riddhi and Siddhi stand for the material wisdom and the spiritual one. Ganesh being the God of wisdom had to personify the secular and the sacred wisdoms. The Greeks believed that there are two sides of human personality: the rational ( God Apollo), and the irrational  (God Diyonesus ). But we believe there is also the spiritual side. Hence, Siddhi. 

        We have been worshipping wisdom from time immemorial.  Notice the devoted couple standing at the bottom.