Have a Joyful Christmas

Photographer: Frans Lanting

In India, Lord Jesus is often seen as the incarnation of Shri Ganesha, the protector of children and the innocent, Both are described as the embodiment of the Divine Word: Om/Amen. Both were conceived immaculately.

Light and Shadow

Photograph by Brian English

Navigating

Photographer: Frederic Soltan


Shri Ganesha gives us a sense of direction while navigating life's roadways.

Sikkim

Buddhist Temple Painting, Sikkim, Frederic Soltan

KL, Malaysia

Photographer: Fred de Noyelle

In Mumbai

Photographer: Divyakant Solanki

Alabaster

Mt Abu region, 18th century. From the collection of the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

The sacred thread, worn from the left shoulder, signifies a Brahmin, meaning: one who has realised Brahman, the Supreme Self.

Temple Lock

Shri Ganesha is the guardian of the Kundalini and also the one who gives permission for the opening of each of the seven chakras, during Her ascent.

Book Illustration

Illustration by Belgin K Wedman.

See more of her work at her website. 

Musician

A Prayer to Remove Obstacles in Life

Sankata Nasana Ganapati Stotram


Pranamya Sirasa Devam,
Gauri Putram, Vinayakam,
Bhakthya Vyasa Smaren Nithya,
Mayu Kama Artha Sidhaye.

Prathamam Vakra Thundam Cha,
Ekadantham Dveethiyakam,
Trithiyam Krishna Pingalaksham,
Gajavakthram Chathurthakam.

Lambhodaram Panchamam Cha,
Sashtam Vikatameva Cha,
Sapthamam Vignarajam Cha,
Dhoomra Varnam Thadashtamam

Navamam phala chandram cha,
Dasamam thu Vinayakam,
Ekadasam Ganapathim,
Dwadasam the gajananam.

Dwathasaithani Namani,
Trisandhyam Ya Paden Nara,
Na Cha Vigna Bhayam Thasya,
Sarva Sidhi Karam Dhruvam.

Vidyarthi Labhadhe Vidhyam,
Danarthi Labhathe Danam,
Puthrarthi Labhathe Puthran,
Moksharthi Labhathe Gatheem.

Japeth Ganapathi Sthothram,
Shadbhir Masai Phalam Labeth,
Samvatsarena Sidhim Cha,
Labhathe Nathra Samsaya.

Ashtanam Brahmanam Cha,
Likihithwa Ya Samarpoayeth,
Thasya Vidhya Bhaveth
Sarvaa Ganesasya Prasadatha.

Ithi Sri Narada Purane Samkashta Nasanam
Ganapathi Stotram Sampoornam

In Germany

This beautiful sculpture of dancing Shri Ganesha was made in North Bengal, 11th Century, and is part of the collection of the Asian Art Museum of Berlin. It has strong vibrations, and you can go into meditation just looking at it.

Axe and Trident

Seated in ardha padmasana (half lotus posture), holding trishul and axe.

At Ease

Painted clay figurine

Burmese Teakwood

Umbrella

Source: Lotus Sculpture

South Indian Bronze of Shri Ganesha wearing high-rise sandals and holding umbrella and waterpot

Power and Intelligence

Madhya Pradesh

Murthis (images) of Shri Ganesha with trunk turned to His right represent the destruction of negative forces. The female figures seated on Lord Ganesha's knees are Siddhi and Buddhi. They are manifestations of the Success and Intelligence that attend an innocent person. They are qualities of Shri Ganesha, not wives or consorts; He is an Eternal Child.

Ivory

Hoysala

Hoysala, 12th-13th Century, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

The Hoysala Empire consisted of the present day South Indian state of Karnataka and parts of the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The rulers of this dynasty were great patrons of the arts. Above the crown is a stylised depiction of the Kirtimukha, or Face of Glory, a fierce being created by Lord Shiva as a protection against evil.