Ganesh incense holder - wood
This incense holder is made of wood and hand-carved with an image of Ganesha: the elephant-headed deity from Hindu tradition, regarded as the son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and is traditionally invoked in India at the start of something new, from a journey to a new venture. The motif is a common one on Indian incense holders and suits anyone who likes an Eastern accent alongside their daily incense ritual.
The symbolism behind the figure has several layers: the elephant head represents wisdom and the ability to overcome obstacles with both strength and gentleness, while the goad and noose Ganesha holds in many depictions represent steering away from illusion and drawing closer those who stay on the right path. In Hindu tradition, Ganesha is invoked at a wide range of new beginnings, from a wedding to the opening of a shop.
The holder is an elongated wooden plank with a narrow hole at one end for the stick's stem; the rest of the plank catches the ash as the stick burns down. Because of the wood and the carving, each piece varies slightly in grain and finish.
Use and care
Insert the wooden stem of an incense stick into the hole at the end of the holder and place it on a heat-resistant, stable surface, away from curtains or other flammable material. Let the ash drop into the holder as the stick burns and brush it out with a dry cloth or small brush after use. Do not use water on the untreated wood, as this can damage the carving.
Specifications
- Material: wood, hand-carved
- Motif: Ganesha, Indian design
- Fits: standard incense sticks with a wooden stem
Check out the Satya incense line in the Dutch-Smart range for sticks to burn in this holder.
