By Indsamachar bureau, 18 September : Amoung 64 Yoginis, in Hindu Mythology inscribes Vinayaki or Ganeshi, a female form of Ganesha. She holds all the characteristics of Ganesha, however her form is of Female and not male. Her mythology and iconography are not clearly defined. However her form is inscribed in various types of sculptures in India. Few of her forms can be seen in Bhuleshwar temple near Pune, 64 Yogini temple in Hirapur and Bedaghat temple of Yoginis. She also can be seen at many places in Odhisha, Karnataka, Rajasthan etc.
Sometimes she is shown as potbellied, sometimes with thin waist. The earliest known elephant-headed goddess figure is found in Rairh, Rajasthan. It is a mutilated terracotta plaque dated from the first century BCE to the first century.
At Bhuleshwar, Pune Vinayaki is, she is shown as one of the prime female goddess trinity. Specially to be noted at Bedaghat Vinayaki is, the goddess’s bent left leg is supported by an elephant-headed male, presumably Ganesha.
Sometimes she is considered as one of the Matrikas, which is a group of goddesses who are always depicted together. Worship of Vinayaki was not only prevalent in India but Tibet also accepted her as one of the deity who removes obstacles.
In Madurai the beautiful temple of Meenakshi Amman has a unique iconography of Ganesha. It’s a she deity with Ganesha features however her feet are of tiger. She is known as Vyaghrapada Ganeshi. She doesn’t have a potbelly, however her head is like Ganesha. She also has a tail of tiger and feet like tiger. She holds a weapon in her right hand and she is in form of walking, such a sculpture is rare, as we have always been seeing Ganesha either sitting, or standing or dancing, the walking iconography in female form and with tiger feet is one of the most rare combination.
Compiled by: Dr Sandeep Sadanand Chaugule
You can follow the author on Twitter @sandipchaugulle
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