The Lord of Obstacles

Take a look at the sculpture pictured here. What is the first thing you notice? Is this an elephant or a person? This is a sculpture of the Hindu god Ganesha (gah-NESH-ah ). He has the head of an elephant, a round belly, and many arms. Ganesha is sometimes called the lord of obstacles because he can make it easier for you to do something. Today Ganesha is worshipped by people of many faiths in India, Southeast Asia, and other places throughout the world. People pray to Ganesha for good luck when starting something new in their lives or when facing a difficult problem.

In what ways can Ganesha be identified? Besides his unmistakable elephant's head and large belly, he carries objects that are symbols of his power and his personality. In this sculpture, his right hand holds an ax that he uses to protect people from trouble. In his left hand he holds a bunch of mangoes—a snack that elephants love! Ganesha also loves sweets and is about to scoop up a treat with his trunk. He is joyfully dancing on a pedestal decorated with flower petals. Around his ankles are bands of bells that are worn by dancers and elephants in India. What would it sound like if you could hear Ganesha dancing? 

You can see this and other images of Ganesha in the South and Southeast Asian art galleries on the third level of the Ahmanson building at LACMA. 

Search Collections Online for other images of Ganesha.

Image above:
Dancing Ganesha, Lord of Obstacles, India, 16th–17th century, bronze (copper alloy), 19 7/8 x 13 x 7 3/4 in., purchased with funds provided by Harry and Yvonne Lenart, photo © 2006 Museum Associates/LACMA.

Text prepared by the Education Department, LACMA, for the "Kids' Reading Room" (Los Angeles Times, August 26, 2003).

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