Ganesha Frame

The Ganesha 3-D light box frame depicts the majestic Hindu deity Ganesha, also known as Ganesh or Ganapati, the elephant God, famously known as the remover of obstacles. He is revered as the God of new beginnings, wisdom and good fortune, and is therefore invoked at the beginning of prayers and before taking on new ventures, to ensure that he blesses you with a clear path without obstacles and complication, and to bestow you with prosperity and good luck. He is the patron of arts and science, and the deva of intellect and wisdom.

Ganesha is depicted with an elephant head, four arms, a pot-bellied human body, and a mouse as his mount. Each feature and body part has deep symbolism and meaning attached to it. His large elephant head symbolises enormous knowledge and wisdom reminding us to also think big, learn more, and to use one’s intellect to the fullest potential. His small mouth indicates speaking less, while his large ears signify listening more, reminding us that our words can have a greater impact than we intend and that it is better to just listen and concentrate, winnow out the unnecessary information and adjust your ideas or views. His elephant trunk symbolises adaptability, efficiency, and that every task big or small must be completed. His big belly reminds us to accept and digest all experiences that life has to offer, taking in everything with grace and strength, the good with the bad, the beautiful with the ugly. His single tusk reminds us to embrace the good and let go of the bad.

He is also depicted with four arms, each carrying something significant and auspicious. In one hand he holds an axe which teaches us to cut off all bonds of attachment signifying that one’s ego and pride must be conquered, in another he holds a lotus flower representing the awakening of the consciousness. In his third hand he holds out modaks, a traditional Indian sweet closely associated with Ganesha, which represent the rewards of happiness and delight one receives in life with Sadhana or realization. He holds out his fourth hand with his palm open offering his devotees blessings of intellect, refuge and protection on their spiritual path.

Portrayals of Ganesha also show him seated with one leg folded while the other leg is placed on the floor. This symbolises that while we can enjoy the world and its pleasures, we must remain detached from material pleasures and instead seek one’s inner self. The uneaten sweets or offerings depicted at his feet echo this teaching showing you that the whole world is at your feet and ripe for the taking, but it is your responsibility to not let material pleasures distract you from your true path. Ganesha’s mount, the mouse that is always seen at his side, symbolises desire, teaching us that we must not let our desires take us for a ride and control us, as this can cause havoc in one’s life.

The paper cut-outs in this frame depict Ganesha seated on his throne within a temple scenery. Above him swings temple bells and marigold and mango leaf garlands. At his feet lies blessed prayer offerings like a tray of modaks, a coconut, fragrant flowers like marigolds and lotus flowers, and agarbatti or incense sticks. Next to Ganesha is his trusted stead, the mouse that he mounts. Behind him is a temple archway and an intricate mandala pattern, representing the ornate and elaborate temple architecture and details.

The frame is made with 5 layers of craft paper cut-outs that are layered to create a 3-D depiction of Ganesha. It also includes amber fairy lights which peek through the paper layers to create a magical contrast of lights and shadows that highlight the delicate details of the design. The layers are placed within a white box frame with a clear acrylic top.

Colour: White, black and amber.

Size: 27cm x 22cm x 4,5cm