This is a six-armed sandstone sculpture of Ganesha standing in a warrior’s pose called alidha. Flanked by a cymbal player and a drummer, Ganesha gently balances his swaying body while the vahana (a mouse), sits between his feet. This dancing pose is suffused with energy and agility reminding us of his passion for dance. Though most of the multiple arms are broken, the arms would have held weapons in them. This sculpture is delicately yet realistically carved with the head of the elephant and a pot-bellied torso is bejeweled with beaded ornaments, including a pearl festooned head ornament. This Ganesha represents a lighter and humorous aspect of his nature and personality.
