Tribhanga Panchmukha Ganesha

The elephant faced lord makes his unequivocal and dramatic debut in the Puranas. In these, we find many variations of myths about Ganesha's birth, beheading and restoration and his exploits among the gods, demons and humans. The most striking and obvious, recurrent element in the Ganesha cycle of myths is the elephant head.

This painting on tussar silk from Puri, Orissa, show the god having five of the much talked about heads. The Panchmukha Ganapati stands in tribhanga posture on an inverted lotus pedestal. Of the two sons of Shiva, it is Ganesha who matches Shiva Nataraja in all respects, in the most subtle postures of the dance. Ganesha with five faces shows with his left lower hand the cinmudra. The others hold a rosary, his tusk and the axe by the handle even as he dances. He is dressed in a yellow garment and a blue billowing scarf. The cobra serves him as the sacred cord. He wears armlets, bracelets, anklets and numerous necklaces, apart from the five elaborate crowns.

At the base of the pedestal is the small harnessed mouse. This is Ganesha's vehicle, who raises his snout towards the Lord in salutation. The entire body of Ganesha is painted in sinduri or red colour but the five heads are white in colour. Brightness is added by giving different colours to the garments he wears. The border contributes to the beauty of the painting.

This description by Kiranjyot.

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