Wood sculpture, "Fiery Ganesha"

Sitting on a splendid throne, Lord Ganesha blesses those who are faithful. He is also known as Vinayak ("Knowledgeable") or Vighneshwer ("God to Remove Obstacles"). Regarded as a benevolent deity, he is always called upon to bless any auspicious event. From Suresh and Devender Garg, this fantastic sculpture is hand-carved from kadam wood with rich detail and vivid artistry.

Ganesha is the son of the mighty god Siwa and the Goddess Parwati. Legend tells that while pregnant, a powerful demon appeared wanting to destroy heaven. The only thing that could destroy the demon and prevent the destruction of heaven was a demi-god who is neither animal nor human, but rather a combination of the two. The group of gods thus brought an elephant before Parwati, who had just given birth. She cast a powerful spell causing her newborn baby to take on characteristics of the powerful elephant and, in effect, creating the half-animal, half-man demi-god that could fight off the demon. The baby Ganesha then succeeded in killing the cruel demon and solidifying his legend.