Ganesha Plays the Shehnai

The exquisitely carved object depicts Ganesa as a musician; playing the shehnai, engaged in a pleasant mood. Music is one of the important branches of ancient Indian culture. Early Indian sages and musicians were well aware of the science of music; therefore, their endeavors paved way for the invention and composition of different ragas and raginis of Indian classical music. Instrumental music was also known from ancient times. The damaru (a tiny drum) is one of the attributes of Siva-Nataraja, the king of dancers, who used the damaru for the reviving all the universe at the end of a cosmic cycle. Apart from him, several Brahmanical deities have also been depicted in early Indian art, e.g., Krishna has shown with Venu (flute), this is why he is also known as Venugopal. Sarasvati, the goddess of learning is shown with Vina, while sage Narada with Vina Vallake.

Ganesha has been manifested in Indian art, inter-alia, as a musician and dancer. He has been shown with different musical instruments, e.g., damaru, flute, tanpuru and Shehnai etc. It is said that the basis of the seven notes of the musical scale was very much Ganesha himself. His predilection for music is known by the presence of musical instruments in his hands as attributes. The early Indian texts clearly mention Ganesha's affiliation with music. The composers of different regions of the country have dedicated several hymns to Ganesha.

In the present artwork, Ganesha has been shown seated on a Lotus pedestal.He is holding the Shehnai with both of his hands.

References:

D.N. Bakshi, Hindu Divinities in Japanese Buddhist Pantheon, Calcutta, 1979.

Paul Martin-Dubost, Ganesha: the enchanter of the three worlds, Mumbai, 1977.

R.C. Majumdar (ed.), The age of imperial Kanauj, Bombay, 1955.

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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