Ganesha is portrayed with two arms, seated with his right leg on his left one (padmasana), in the utkutaka attitude on a rectangular throne. The short pleated sampot he wears and the splendid belt with carefully arranged panels of cloth are typical features of the Bayon style. A cobra-shaped yainopavita, the sacred corde, twines diagonally across his body and alludes to Shiva nature as well as to all animal instincts we try to bring under control. His forehead is marked with an urna, the sign of illumination. His ornate jewellery consists of a diadem with a cone-shaped crown of hair, a necklace, bracelets and anklets. In his right hand is a sweet modaka, and in his left one his broken tusk bhagnadanta. Ganesha’s trunk is shown in the middle, with its end turned to the left known as endampuri. The directions correspond to the two ways in which obstacles can be got round and the supreme goal reached. The god’s importance is emphasized by a crown worn on the plaited hair topped by an ushnisha symbolizing spiritual elevation. The ears resemble winnowing trays because he winnows all words addressed to him. He throws away the dust of vice and virtue. Real values alone then remain to be apprehended.<BR> <BR> <BR>