Ganesha Statue - Antique Khmer Style Enthroned Angkor Wat 8 Arm Ganesh Statue - 40cm/16"

Antique Khmer Style Enthroned Angkor Wat 8 Arm Ganesh Statue - 40cm/16"

Measures - (Height) 40cm/16"

An antique khmer style seated bronze Ganesha in 12th century, Angkor style. Ganesha is enthroned on a small, lotus petal decorated pedestal his legs crossed with a serene gaze. 

Ganesha, the beloved and iconic deity of Hinduism, holds a multifaceted role as the god of various aspects of life. With his distinctive appearance of an elephant head on a human body, Ganesha is celebrated for his unique attributes and qualities that make him the deity of beginnings, wisdom, and obstacle removal. 

Perhaps one of Ganesha's most well-known roles is that of the 'Vighnaharta', or 'Remover of Obstacles'. Ganesha's divine presence is believed to clear away impediments, both external and internal, that hinder one's progress in life. Devotees pray to him to overcome challenges, difficulties, and hurdles.

Ganesha's symbolism extends to the realm of inner obstacles, including ego, attachment, and ignorance. He teaches that true success and spiritual growth come from conquering these inner impediments.

Ganesha, the god of beginnings, wisdom, and obstacle removal, holds a central place in Hindu spirituality and daily life. His multifaceted symbolism resonates with people from all walks of life, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Ganesha's blessings are sought by those embarking on new journeys, those seeking wisdom, and those facing life's challenges.

Ganesha is the elephant headed son of Shiva. He holds his broken tusk in one hand and a bowl of sweetmeats in another hand. He is also holding one of his spiritual weapons, the Chakra or discus, a sutra, mala beads, lotus bud, Trident and noose.

The Chakra are discus, a circular spinning weapon, often referred to as the Sudarshana Chakra, represents the cycle of time, the eternal nature of the universe, and the destructive power of divine justice.

The sutra that Ganesha holds refers to an aphorism - a memorable expression of a general truth or principle. Sutras are a genre of ancient ad medieval texts found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. 

Here, Ganesha is also holding the remnants of his broken tusk. The breaking of the tusk has several backstories. One instance suggests that it was shattered when Shiva cut the head off the elephant, prior to bestowing it onto Ganesha. Another writes that Ganesha’s quill broke and he needed a writing instrument – try telling your boss that next time you try to write up a report with an elephant tusk because your computer crashed. Regardless of its multiple origins, the holding of the tusk represents less of a keepsake, and more of a depiction that our spirituality is more important than our outer bodies, meaning we must overcome the duality of the two as separate entities.

Ganesha also holds his trident and a noose in his hands. 

The trident's primary association is with the destruction of evil and ignorance. By holding the trident, Ganesha embodies the power to remove obstacles not just in the physical world but also in the spiritual and intellectual realms. It signifies his ability to destroy ignorance and lead his devotees to wisdom and enlightenment.

Whilst an elephant-headed deity wielding a rope or lasso may inspire images of a belligerent warhead, rest assured this item represents something far more encouraging. Instead, this instrument is rooted in metaphor and promotes the idea that we should cut away the obstacles before us. In destroying our vices and obstacles, be they certain hurdles in our lives or more abstract feelings such as jealousy and anger, we can source new beginnings and cultivate a new approach to the things that have been worrying us. 

The direction of Ganesha's trunk has symbolic meaning. Here the trunk turns to Ganesha's left. This signifies the direction for success in the world. It is a position associated with grihastas, or householders.

In his early forms in India, Ganesha was associated with fertility. Later he became widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles, patron of arts and sciences and the deity of intellect and wisdom.

As a symbol of auspicious beginnings, profound wisdom, and the power to surmount obstacles, Ganesha inspires individuals to embrace life's transitions, pursue knowledge, and overcome adversity.

His enduring presence in Hinduism and the broader spiritual landscape underscores the universal human desire for guidance, wisdom, and a clear path toward success and spiritual enlightenment.

Ganesha remains a beloved and revered deity, embodying qualities that continue to inspire and uplift millions of devotees worldwide.

Ganesha is often found playing a musical instrument. Similar to Krishna Ganesha celebrates life through it's pleasures and beauty.

The distinctive patina of the piece is particularly delightful.

One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of Ganesha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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