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Our new and exquisite, one-of-a-kind, Ganesh statue is handmade in Kathmandu, Nepal by the Shakya family. This family has been making bronze statues for many generations and is well known all over the world. Each bronze statue is made using the lost wax method, which takes considerable time and skill. After casting, each statue is hand detailed and carved by master craftsmen and women. It is then painted with gold and inlaid with various gemstones. This method is extremely intricate and takes several artisans over a month to complete.
Ganesha has large ears, which are featured prominently on the statue. The wise person hears all. He has four hands. In one hand he holds a lotus, the symbol of enlightenment. The other hand holds a hatchet, symbolizing that the accumulated good and bad of past deeds get cut when enlightenment comes. The third hand holds laddus, the round sweet-meats. They are the rewards of a wise life. Ganesha is never shown eating the laddus, for the wise man never partakes of the rewards of his deeds. He is not attached to them. The fourth hand is shown blessing the people, as the wise man wishes the best for everyone.
Ganesha is shown sitting with one foot on the ground and the other resting on his knee, above the ground. The wise person is of this earth, yet not entirely of this earth. Ganesha can be seen seated on a rat; this is also prominently featured in the statue. The reason for saying that Ganesha 'rides' on the rat is that the rat is among the greediest of all animals. It will keep nibbling at whatever is available, eating everything it can. Scientifically, the rat's teeth keep growing and it has to keep chewing on something to keep these within limits. It is a symbol of our senses, which are never satisfied. They crave new experiences and new tastes. Left uncontrolled, they keep growing forever. The wise person rides on his senses and keeps them under control.
One-of-a-kind, totally unique, and expertly made statue by 5th generation master makers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Measures approximately 7 inches tall.
