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Five-Headed Ganesha Venerated by Rat

$5142
$6856
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EC21
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 70 inch
Width: 34 inch
Depth: 12 inch
Weight 77 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse of Divinity

Behold an exquisite representation of the beloved Hindu deity, Ganesha, meticulously hand-carved from wood. This captivating statue, originating from South India, embodies the artistic richness and spiritual depth of the region's temple traditions. The intricate detailing and vibrant colors bring this iconic figure to life, offering a glimpse into the profound symbolism and mythological narratives surrounding Ganesha. This piece is not merely a decorative object but a powerful symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings.

The Legend of Ganesha

Ganesha, easily recognizable by his elephant head, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is revered as the remover of obstacles, the bestower of success, and the patron of arts and sciences. According to legend, Ganesha was created by Parvati, the consort of Shiva, using turmeric paste. She tasked him with guarding the entrance to her dwelling. When Shiva attempted to enter, Ganesha, unaware of his true parentage, refused him entry. In a fit of rage, Shiva severed Ganesha's head. Parvati, heartbroken, demanded that her son be brought back to life. Shiva, remorseful, instructed his followers to replace Ganesha's head with that of the first living creature they encountered – an elephant. Thus, Ganesha came to be known as the elephant-headed god.

The Panchamukha: Five Faces of Wisdom

This particular depiction showcases Ganesha with five heads, known as Panchamukha Ganesha. Each head represents a specific aspect of consciousness and spiritual practice: *

Isana:

Facing upwards, represents the supreme consciousness and the unmanifested reality. *

Tatpurusha:

Facing east, symbolizes purity and the dispelling of ignorance. *

Aghora:

Facing south, represents transformation and the destruction of negativity. *

Vamadeva:

Facing north, symbolizes creation and the nurturing of positive qualities. *

Sadyojata:

Facing west, represents the manifested reality and the cycle of birth and death. The five heads together embody the complete mastery of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the five senses, representing ultimate wisdom and control over the universe. The multiple arms further emphasize his power and ability to bestow blessings in various forms.

The Divine Companion: The Rat

Notice the small rat at the base of the statue. This is Mushika, Ganesha's vahana, or vehicle. The rat might seem an unlikely companion for a deity of Ganesha's stature, but their relationship is deeply symbolic. The rat, being small and nimble, represents our desires and ego, which can often run rampant and cause chaos. By choosing the rat as his vehicle, Ganesha demonstrates his mastery over these unruly forces. He rides the rat, signifying his ability to control and channel our desires towards positive and purposeful actions. It is said that whispering your prayers into the ear of the rat will ensure that they reach Ganesha. This representation serves as a reminder that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant aspects of our lives can be brought under divine guidance and transformed for the better. This hand-carved wooden statue encapsulates the rich symbolism and vibrant artistic traditions of South India, offering a unique and inspiring piece for any home or sacred space.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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