Gouche on Canvas
50 x 66 cm
2022
Gaṇeśa, the deity worshiped before starting any auspicious event, is revered as a remover of obstacles. The common attribute of his identification is the elephant head. However, most are not aware of his 32 different forms. Although many of these forms are mentioned in tantric writings, they are not usually portrayed in art. Many of Gaṇeśa’s tantric forms are revered in India, Nepal, and Tibet.
The five heads of Heramba have various colors :
- Green
- The color of the lighting which has a Yellow tint
- The dark blue color of rain cloud
- White like the color of milk
- and Saffron.
All these attributes show close similarities to the five aspects of Śiva, known collectively as the Pancha Brahmans.
The arrangement of heads of Heramba can vary as the tantras do not give instructions about their placement. The heads can be seen arranged in one row or four heads can face the cardinal directions and the fifth one is put centrally at the top. In this painting, Raj Prakash Man Tuladhar’s depiction of Heramba Gaṇeśa showcases the heads arranged in three tiers. There are three front-facing heads, one on the second tier and one on the third. In his paintings, one of the heads is in green color.
In Nepal, a mural of Heramba Gaṇeśa is present in Kumārī Chhen who is worshipped alongside the Surya, the Sun, Chandra the Moon and a mountain, possibly Kailāsha.