The gem of Khiching art

During the seventh century A.D. Ganesh for the first time appeared in the Odishan temples. The images of Ganesh found in the
temples of Odisha fall into three categories, i.e., Asina (seated), Sthanaka (standing) and Nrutya (dancing) from the point of iconography. The Asina Ganesh is found in Odisha from the seventh to eighth century A.D. During this period the image of Asina Ganesh is seen to be seated in Bhadrasana and in some cases in Padmasana like Parvati. The number of Sthanaka Ganesh is rare in Odisha. This type of images were carved in the ninth century A.D. mostly installed by the Somavamsi rulers of Odisha.

This Ganesh is regarded as the ‘gem of Khiching art’ for its grandeur and elegance. The dancing Ganesh with eight hands on a lotus pedestal along with other figures of Ganesh with two and four arms, preserved in the museum go to prove that the cult of Ganapati was popular at Khiching.

Khiching occupies a place of distinction in the Odishan archaeological heritage. The remnants of the monuments standing here are the witness of its past glory highlighting the cultural greatness of the region and the country as well.