This “Dancing Ganesha” is a sculpture full of movement and represents a favorite theme in South Asian art. Ganesha is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. One of the Ganesha stories involves a battle with a powerful demon that had terrorized the gods. One of Ganesha’s tusks was broken during the struggle, which speared the demon and transformed him into a rodent, which can be seen below Ganesha’s right foot. Accompanying Ganesha is also his entourage of musicians.
One of Ganesha’s roles is to entertain his parents, which he does by dancing. Hindu mythology identifies him as the son of Parvati and Shiva. The act of dancing is related to the perpetual cycle of creation and destruction, that defines the universe and from which humans seek to escape.
Ganesha’s image can be found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal. Commercial and cultural contacts extended India’s influence in Asia, and Ganesha is one of many Hindu deities who consequently reached many foreign lands. Devotion to Ganesha is widely spread and continues to Jains and Buddhists. Ganesha’s elephant head makes him easy to identify. He is worshipped as the lord of beginnings and as the lord of removing obstacles. He is also the patron of arts and sciences and the god of intellect and wisdom.
Dancing Ganesha
- Title: Dancing Ganesha
- Dates: 90 – 1000
- Providence: Madhya Pradesh, India
- Materials: Sandstone
- Museum: Asian Art Museum – San Francisco
A Tour of the Asian Art Museum
- Dancing Ganesha
- Seated Ganesha
- Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara – Guanyin
- Seated Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara – Guanyin
Explore Buddhist Art
- Mucalinda Sheltering Buddha
- Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
- Buddha performing Twin Miracles at Sravasti
- Buddha
- Seated Buddha from Gandhara
- Luohan – Yixian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture (British Museum)
- Luohan – Yixian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture (Royal Ontario Museum)
- Luohan – Yixian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture (MET)
- Garuda (British Museum)
- Avalokiteshvara – Guanyin (British Museum)
- Popular Buddhist Art
- Walking Buddha
- Meditating Buddha Shakyamuni
Reflections
- Can you visualize Ganesha performing his cosmic dance in this sculpture?
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“When we take one step toward God, he takes seven steps toward us.”
– Indian Proverb
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Photo Credit: JOM