Shakti Ganpati on Naga

In the Mudgalapurana, Book VII, it is mentioned that Ganesha the king of obstacles destroyed Mama, the demon of ego. On this occasion he utilized for his vehicle Shesha, the grand serpent of eternity. The first such representation showing Ganesha seated on Shesha, with his great expanded hood and all the seven heads forming the perfect canopy for Lord Ganesha is a sculpture is at the Temple of Pondicherry (XVth century).

Ganesha is depicted in a form known as "Shakti Ganpati". Here he is depicted with four arms, two of them holding symbolic implements. One hand is in the abhaya pose of protection. This hand has auspicious marks incised on it. In the two hands behind him he holds an ankusha (elephant goad) and a pasha (noose). The noose is to convey that worldly attachments and desires are a noose. The goad is to prod man to the path of righteousness and truth. With this goad Ganesha can both strike and repel obstacles. With his fourth arm he fondles his consort, who is comfortably balanced on his left thigh. His trunk too is turned towards her. She is wearing a sari and is adorned with a beautiful crown, necklaces, waistband and other elaborate jewelry. Her right hand too makes the abhaya mudra, while the left holds a lotus bud.

Ganesha too is adorned with rich jewelry, and he is wearing a waistband in the form of a snake.

References:

Martin-Dubost, Paul. Ganesa, The Enchanter of the Three Worlds:Mumbai, Project For Indian Cultural Studies, 1997.

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Of Related Interest:

Shakti Ganapati (Miniature Painting On Paper)

Shiva Shakti (Brass Statue)

Manjushri Yab-Yum (Brass Statue)