Bronze Khmer Deity Ganesha small

Shiva’s four hands symbolize Shiva’s multiple powers.
1. The back right hand holds the drum, the symbol of creation. Sound was the first of the five elements that became manifest in the cosmos.
2. The back left hand holds a flame within a bowl. The flame symbolizes destruction leading to creation.
3. The front right hand is held in the gesture that tells the devotee to have no fear. This is the gesture of reassurance.
4. The front left hand points to the raised leg in a gesture that is called ‘like an elephant trunk” and signifies that Shiva’s activities will bring salvation.