According to the strict rules of Hindu iconography, Ganesha figures with only two hands are taboo. Hence, Ganesha figures are most commonly seen with four hands which signify their divinity. Some figures may be seen with six, some with eight, some with ten, some with twelve and some with fourteen hands, each hand carrying a symbol which differs from the symbols in other hands, there being about fifty seven symbols in all, according to the findings of research scholars.
The most striking feature of Ganesha is his elephant head , symbolic of auspiciousness, strength and intellectual prowess. All the qualities of the elephant are contained in the form of Ganesha. The elephant is the largest and strongest of animals of the forest. Yet he is gentle and, amazingly, a vegetarian, so that he does not kill to eat. He is very affectionate and loyal to his keeper and is greatly swayed if love and kindness are extended to him. Ganesha, though a powerful deity, is similarly loving and forgiving and moved by the affection of his devotees. But at the same time the elephant can destroy a whole forest and is a one-man army when provoked. Ganesha is similarly most powerful and can be ruthless when containing evil.
Again, Ganesha's large head is symbolic of the wisdom of the elephant. His large ears, like the winnow, sift the bad from the good. Although they hear everything, they retain only that which is good; they are attentive to all requests made by the devotees, be they humble or powerful.
Ganesha's trunk is a symbol of his discrimination (viveka), a most important quality necessary for spiritual progress. The elephant uses its trunk to push down a massive tree, carry huge logs to the river and for other heavy tasks. The same huge trunk is used to pick up a few blades of grass, to break a small coconut, remove the hard nut and eat the soft kernel inside. The biggest and minutest of tasks are within the range of this trunk which is symbolic of Ganesha's intellect and his powers of discrimination.
The little mouse who is Ganesha's preferred vehicle, is another enigmatic feature in his iconography. At a first glance it seems strange that the lord of wisdom has been granted a humble obsequious mouse quite incapable of lifting the bulging belly and massive head that he possesses. The mouse is, in every respect, comparable to the intellect. It is able to slip unobserved or without our knowledge into places which we would have not thought it possible to penetrate. In doing this it is hardly concerned whether it is seeking virtue or vice. The mouse thus represents our wandering, wayward mind, lured to undesirable or corrupting grounds. By showing the mouse paying subservience to Lord Ganesha it is implied that the intellect has been tamed through Ganesha's power of discrimination.
The Making of a Copa Doll: Copa is the art of making beautiful hand-crafted dolls with the use of cotton and papier-mache, using a needle as the primary tool. Eco-Friendly: This doll is totally made out of eco-friendly material, such as cotton wool, cotton cloth, papier-mache etc. Face: Every face is given shape by using papier-mache as the basic material. These are then hand-painted and made-up in great detail in order to bring out the authentic expression and appearance. Body: Every part of the body is prepared individually by hand. First is created the cotton sleeve which is filled with cotton and reinforced with wire, and each finger is separated to bring about a realistic impact. Dress and Jewelry: This is the most exclusive feature of Copa Dolls. A separate design of the dress and jewelry for each individual doll is prepared. The designers chosen are well versed with Indian tradition, culture and history. This is amply reflected in the splendid costumes and ornaments of these dolls. Made in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Of Related Interest:
Book: Ganesa The Enchanter of The Three Worlds
Comic Book: The Sons of Shiva
Jewelry: Ganesha Sitting on OM
Dolls: Fifteen inch high sitting Ganesha Doll
Textiles: Shri Ganeshai Namah Prayer Shawl
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