Religious imagery is a popular theme for interior design. Some people use objects like Christian crosses or Jewish menorahs as part of their religious rituals. Others simply add these objects to their homes because they’re beautiful to look at. For example, many people who aren’t Hindu are adding an exotic flavor to their home decor through the strategic placement of Ganesha sculptures.
Hinduism is a major world religion. In India alone, more than a billion people are devotees. Its ancient origins make it probably the oldest of the world religions too. The faith’s central concepts like karma and the idea of reincarnation have also been the roots of other faiths, including Jainism, Buddhism and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as the Hare Krishnas.
Hinduism has many gods and goddesses, of which Ganesha is one of the most important. His elephant head makes him easy to identify, even to non-Hindus. One of the stories about how he got his head is that he was created to guard the entrance to the goddess Parvati’s chambers. When her husband Shiva couldn’t enter, he chopped off the boy’s head. Parvati was inconsolable and so Shiva gave the buy a new head, which happened to be that of an elephant. The elephant god is often depicted with a broken tusk and also with a mouse, which is the animal he prefers to ride.
Ganesha is known especially as the remover of obstacles. However, if you need it, he may place obstacles in your path instead. He also represents wisdom and the intellect and is a kind of patron saint of writers and artists.
Indian art has included depictions of the god for hundreds of years. All over the Indian subcontinent you’ll find temples dedicated to him, some of which are very ancient. Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other countries with large Hindu populations also have temples especially for this god.
Statues of the elephant-headed god often appear at the doors to Hindu temples so that he can stand guard like he originally did for Parvati. People also place his image near the doors of their own homes. This is so that he can protect the home and bring good luck. He is a regular feature of home altars as well.
You will be able to find a Ganesha statue in almost any size and made of almost any material you’d like. There are small and cheap versions made of plaster, plastic or pewter. If you prefer, you may also find ones in materials like brass or wood and some may be several feet in height. Collectors often prefer antique versions.
Finding Ganesha sculptures is quite easy. If your city has a neighborhood with many residents of Indian origin, someone should be able to point you towards a shop that sells religious imagery. You may also order statues online. Alternatively, simply buy an image of this popular Hindu deity as a souvenir when you travel in one of the countries where he is revered.
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