This five-faced icon manifests the Heramba Ganapati form of the elephant headed god Lord Ganesh. It is one of his rarer manifestations and much rarer example of artistic skill for planting five elephant heads on a single torso could be a challenge to any skilled artist and any kind of iconography.
Heramba Ganapati is revered as the 'protector of the poor' and as one who bestows bliss. He has been conceived as five-faced obviously each one taking care of one of the four directions and the fifth one that of the worlds below and above. He has been endowed with white complexion, one tusk broken, a garland on his person and a noose, rosary, axe, hammer or mace, fruit and 'modaka' in his various hands. He is usually eight handed. Gestures of protection and blessing define his demeanour and one, or sometimes two of his hands bestow 'abhaya', that is, freedom from fear.
This metal cast image of Lord Ganesh slightly deviates from this established tradition. Lion has been omitted here and instead Lord's usual mouse has been re-summoned, though the deity does not ride it. It on the other hand rides his right foot. It seems the lion- riding Heramba Ganapati could not be a convenient position for an isolated icon like this, though the same could suit a canvas, a rock or wall-face or a fixed sculpture. 'Modaka', axe, mace and 'abhaya' are the same but other attributes have been replaced with trident, snake, bow, lotus and conch. Another snake has been used to serve as sash around his waist. Instead of a garland consisting of flowers he is putting on his breast a studded gold necklace.
Despite his five faces he has just one couple of ears. In four of his five trunks he is seen holding the auspicious pot symbolizing variedly rain, ocean, Ganges, earth and riches. His crown consists of the flame and vine motifs symbolizing energy, fertility and crop. A circular cross-lined diagram in the center of four of his five trunks is suggestive of his cosmic control as 'Ganapati', the lord of 'ganas'. In all his eight hands he is wearing gold bangles. The trident mark on all his five foreheads suggests that he is a deity of Shaivite pantheon.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain. Prof. Jain specializes in the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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