Modern Ganesha statues sometimes draw inspiration from the religious connections. Some statues may portray him with his parents – Shiva and Parvati, and his brother Skanda or with Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (Goddess of learning) to emphasize the importance of the trio for attaining wisdom and success. He may be seen holding a trident, sometimes may sport the three horizontal lines on his forehead, symbolic of Shiva.
Ganesha as a baby in idols:
Ganesha statues sometimes depict him in the form of a baby holding in his tiny hand a pat of butter similar to Lord Krishna's childhood. He may also have a peacock feather tucked in his head. He may be seated or laying down on the coiled folds of a giant serpent whose multiple heads are spread above him in protection -reminiscent of Lord Vishnu. He may be depicted seated under a Kalpa Vriksha - the wish fulfilling tree.
1. A baby Ganesha idol holding a pat of butter in his hands, (approximately 60mm in height) made in silver, and tarnished to give an antique effect.
2. A tiny moulded Ganesha in plastic styled like a baby, seated and having a bald head (approximately 30mm in height)
3. A moulded Ganesha in plastic styled like a baby in a resting posture. The idol is adorned semiprecious stones on the headgear, and ears and has painted accents to make it colourful.
4. A small clay Ganesha idol in a crawling posture on a decorative base moving towards a plate of sweets (approximately 50mm in height). The Ganesha is painted in black, with blue, green colours used as accents and the white colour used for details. A completely modern, artistic interpretation of Ganesha.