About this piece

Vinayaki is conceived as the energy or shakti of Vinayaka or Ganesh, but as a divine mother, she could not find a place among the seven mother goddesses. However, she has been mentioned in the Puranas among the 9 mother goddesses (Navamatrikas). According to historians, the earliest mention of Vinayaki occurred in the Matsya Purana, compiled in 550 AD. She was listed among 200 other goddesses as one of Shiva’s various forms. The earliest representation of the Vinayaki is from Rairh in Rajasthan. A damaged terracotta sculpture, dated to the 1st century CE, has her depiction. The rest of the representations appeared only after the 10th century AD. The sculpture of Vinayaki represents the art legacy of the Kachchapaghata period. The hybrid form of the goddess with an elephant head carries weapons and usual ornamentation prescribed according to the Shastric tradition. Another legend connects Vinayaki’s origin with the death of Andhkasura. A demon named Andhaka wanted Parvati to be his wife. Shiva attempted to kill him, but the only way he could die was if not a drop of blood fell on the ground. Parvati then called for help from the shaktis of every divine being, including Vaishnavi, who is Vishnu’s shakti; Indrani, who is Indra’s shakti; and Brahmini, who is Brahma’s shakti. Here, Ganesh’s shakti also emerged to drink the blood of Andhaka before it touched the ground.