Ratta Tattoo
RSS Twitter Facebook
  • Home
  • Tattoo Articles
  • Tattoo Artists
  • Tattoo Videos
  • Tattoo Designs
  • Tattoo Pictures

Tattoos of the God Ganesh Create a Skin Religion

Ganesh is one of the most renowned Hindu Gods who is worshiped not only in India, but across Asia and in many other parts of the world. With his elephant head, Ganesh is highly recognizable and is generally the figure who is used to represent the Hindu religion in the media. Ganesh is so popular that he even has spiritual significance for many people who aren’t Hindu. His image has become a popular tattoo design as a symbol of spirituality, religion and godliness.

This amazing tattoo of Ganesh by Dmitriy Samohin shows the Hindu God adorned with jewelry

This amazing tattoo of Ganesh by Dmitriy Samohin shows the Hindu God with four arms, adorned with jewelry and dancing. This is one of the most popular poses for Ganesh in tattoo designs. [source]

 

The Meaning of Ganesh Tattoos

In the Hindu religion, Ganesh is the Lord of Beginnings and so he is usually called upon at the beginning of any ritual or ceremony. In tattoo art, new beginnings are often symbolized by designs like flowers and birds, representing spring, the season in which the world begins anew after winter. Tattoos of the Indian god Ganesh are often accompanied by flowers, especially the lotus flower. In many Ganesh tattoos, the god sits on a lotus flower in the lotus position in a symbol of spiritual openness.

In this tattoo design, Ganesh sits in the lotus position and holds a lotus flower in his upper left hand

In this tattoo design, Ganesh sits in the lotus position and holds a lotus flower in his upper left hand. The lotus flower is a tattoo symbol of overcoming struggles and obstacles and beginning anew. [source]

 

Ganesh is revered as the Lord of Obstacles and the Remover of Obstacles. When a Hindu person wishes to succeed in a certain task, it is often Ganesh that they call upon to assist them. Ganesh’s role as a Remover of Obstacles is often described in images by placing a rat or a mouse at his feet. Rodents are a symbol of annoyance and destruction because they eat stored food and destroy crops. By displaying Ganesh as standing over the obstacle (the rodent), the design is depicting Ganesh’s power over such obstacles.

This tattoo of Ganesh shows the elephant god with a rat sitting at his feet

This tattoo of Ganesh shows the elephant god with a rat sitting at his feet, symbolizing the obstacles that Ganesh assists people to overcome. The tattoo artist has given the silhouette of the tattoo design a darker outline than the shapes within the tattoo. This means that over time this design will simply look like a grey mess. This could have been prevented if Ganesh’s arms were held further away from the body, strengthening the silhouette, or if the tattoo artist had used more contrasting colors in the center of the tattoo design. [source]

 

In most tattoo designs Ganesh has a large belly which has earned him the names Lambodara (hanging belly) and Mahodara (great belly). This physical feature is considered by many to be an important aspect of Ganesh’s appearance, as is is a symbol that within Ganesh reside all of the universes of past, present and future.

Most tattoos of Ganesh show the Hindu god with a large belly

Most tattoos of Ganesh show the Hindu god with a large belly. HIs big stomach is a symbol of containing everything within him, including the past, present and future worlds. In times past, having a large stomach was a sign of success and bountifulness. [source]

 

Ganesh is often depicted as having four arms. Not all pictures of the god describe him as having four arms – depictions of Hindu gods have changed over time and change from one region to the next. This means that images of Ganesh don’t necessarily have to have four arms. What he holds in each hand is symbolic and depends on whether the tattoo designer has given Ganesh traditional objects to hold, such as his own broken tusk, a lotus flower or if the tattoo designer has chosen objects that are symbolic to the client. Often, Ganesh holds up a hand to the viewer in a cautionary manner. The raised hand is also used in Hindu art to symbolize protection and the blessing of the god.

This Ganesh tattoo shows the god with only two arms.

This Ganesh tattoo shows the Hindu god with only two arms. The number of arms that Ganesh has varies from one design to the next. What doesn’t change is the sense of reverence that is portrayed in tattoos of Ganesh. In this tattoo design, Ganesh wears a wealth of gold and jewels, symbolizing both reverence and opulence. [source]

 

Hindu Designs in Tattoo Art

The Hindu religion is filled with beautiful art works of deities, animals and plants that are decorated with intricate patterns. These detailed images work well as tattoo designs and have a deeper, spiritual meaning for the tattoo owner. A lot of detail can be lost in smaller tattoos, and because of the complexity of most Hindu designs, it is best to place Hindu tattoos on a large part of the body that will provide a broad canvas for the design.

A portrait tattoo of Ganesh allows the tattoo artist to add detail while working on a smaller area of the body

A portrait tattoo of Ganesh allows the tattoo artist to add detail to Ganesh’s features while working on a smaller area of the body. This tattoo uses black, white and red inks to create detail in the design. The flat red designs stand out brilliantly against the beautifully shaded grey areas of the tattoo. [source]

 

Ganesh is often depicted in a variety of poses, sitting, standing, dancing, fighting demons or playing with his family. The patterns on his clothing and body change from picture to picture, as does the color of his skin. His skin color appears to depend on what symbolism the artist is trying to capture within the picture. The most popular colors for Ganesh, in both Hindu art and tattoo designs are blue, green and pink.

In this tattoo design Ganesh is depicted as having pink skin tones. Other popular colors are blue and green.

In this tattoo design Ganesh is depicted as having pink skin tones. Other popular colors are blue and green. Pink is generally thought to be a feminine color because it symbolizes caring, affection and gentleness. It is a very sensual color, giving this ethereal deity a tactile appeal. [source]

 

Hindu gods are often depicted in art with a decoration on the brow to symbolize the third eye. These decorations can sometimes take the shape of symbols like the ohm sign, a symbol of spirituality and the inner realm. The ohm sign is also often used in the background of Ganesh tattoos, creating a link between Ganesh and the spiritual realm. Other symbols that are often found in Ganesh tattoos are an axe, a lotus flower, Ganesh’s broken tusk and a bowl of delicacies.

A tattoo by Grimmy3D of the Hindu god Ganesh

A tattoo by Grimmy3D of the Hindu god Ganesh. His lower right hand is raised in a protective, cautionary way. The lower left hand holds a bowl of delicacies, While his upper left hand holds a lotus. The tattoo shows Ganesh holding an axe in his upper right hand while sporting an ohm symbol on his brow. These are all traditional objects used in portrayals of the god, Ganesh. [source]

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
November 8, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Next

Camouflage your Skin with Chameleon Tattoos

Camouflage your Skin with Chameleon Tattoos

The chameleon is a type of lizard that is admired for its ability to change the color of its body. It is sometimes displayed in art as a symbol of adaptability and awareness, and is worn as a tattoo design for similar reasons. Chameleon tattoos are often colorful, cheerful designs that express a person’s attitude […]

November 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Prev

Turn On Your Spidey Sense with a Spider-Man Tattoo

Turn On Your Spidey Sense with a Spider-Man Tattoo

Spider-Man is a Marvel Comics character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He first appeared in comic books in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. Spider-Man became such a popular character that animated cartoons, TV series and several movies have been created to tell his tale. This crime fighting costumed hero has become a popular media favorite […]

November 7, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • November 8, 2012
  • by Catherine Nessworthy
  • Tattoo Articles
  • animal, art, body, body art, character, decorative, deity, design, elephant, ganesh, god, hindu, images, india, ink, meaning of, paisley, pattern, pictures, religion, spiritual, symbol, tattoo

You may also like

  • Hummingbird Tattoos are Fast Fliers on Skin
    August 13, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Hamsa Tattoos Protect Lucky Spirits
    August 30, 2014 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Cat Tattoo Designs Guard the Skin You’re In
    June 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Camouflage your Skin with Chameleon Tattoos
    November 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Iron Man Tattoos are Skin Deep Superheroes
    September 13, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • The Spiritual Magic of Mandala Tattoos
    July 7, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Koi Tattoos are a Sign of Success
    July 18, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Beautiful Bird Tattoos give Wings to Skin
    June 21, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Skull Tattoos give Death Life on Skin
    July 4, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Anime Tattoos Animate the Skin
    September 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Tentacles and Tattoos: Octopus Tattoo Designs
    October 1, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Love Tattoos Ink Romance into Skin
    July 5, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Gorgeous Goldfish Tattoos
    September 14, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Ideas for Bird of Paradise Flower Tattoos
    July 2, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Rainbow Tattoos are a Splash of Color on Skin
    July 13, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • The Sweetest Sea Horse Tattoos
    October 17, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Peacock Bird Tattoos display Color and Beauty
    July 22, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Sugar Skull Tattoos
    August 1, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • David Hale Tattoos his Illustrated Spirit
    October 23, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Put a Spring in Your Step with Rabbit Tattoos
    January 7, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Abstract Tattoos Distort Reality on Skin
    June 29, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Life’s a Gallop with Horse Tattoos
    October 15, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Eye-catching New School Tattoos by Jee Sayalero
    January 15, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Feather Designs become Ticklish Tattoos
    September 5, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • The Love and Loyalty of Swallow Tattoos
    September 25, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • 3D Animation Characters perform on skin in Pixar Tattoos
    August 29, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Hand Tattoos are Art in the Palm of Your Hand
    July 19, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Mayan Tattoos combine Tribal Spirituality with Body Art
    July 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Yakuza Tattoos: Japanese Gang Members wear the Culture of Crime
    February 7, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Tags

    abstract america animal art artist artistic asian bird body body art cartoon character color creature cute death design dotwork europe feminine flight floral flower geometric girl guys illustration images ink inspiration life man mandala meaning of men painting pictures spiritual symbol tattoo totem video watercolor wings woman
© Copyright 2012 - 2019 Ratta Tattoo.