Twenty-Armed Dancing God Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles

Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is one of South Asia’s most popular deities. Venerated as the “Remover of Obstacles,” the portly god is here shown mid-step performing an exuberant dance while heavenly musicians play instruments at the corners of the frame. Beside Ganesha’s lifted left foot, his rat vahana (mount) peers up at him in adoration. In a feat of artistic virtuosity, the sculptor has carved twenty arms on this Ganesha, which is remarkable both for its quality and iconography. The image originally occupied an exterior wall niche of a temple, perhaps one dedicated to his father Shiva.