There are about ninety one different figures of Ganesha according to the, estimate of research scholars. The details of their make up vary from figure to figure with no change in the main set up. It is in the enigma of certain striking variations in details that the sublime in the figures of Ganesha has to be sought for.

Some figures are seen standing; some are seen in a dancing pose; some are seen sitting with trunks turning towards the left side invariably reaching a bowl of modaka (a sweet edible preparation). In some figures the trunks are seen turning towards right and in some straight hanging down with or without a pot of nectar in the curve of their trunks.

In some images he is seen standing, resting his right foot on a lion and his left foot on a mouse. In some other images his left foot is found resting on a mouse and his right foot lifted in an effort to touch the serpent girdle, his mount carrying a jewel in its mouth.

According to the strict rules of Hindu iconography, Ganesha figures with only two hands are taboo. This rule is however waived by Vigneshwara Prathishta Vidhi (rules for installing Vigneshwara idols). Vigneshwara is another name for Ganesha. Ganesha figures are generally seen with four hands which signify their divinity. Some figures are seen with six, some with eight, some with ten, some with twelve, some with fourteen hands, each hand carrying a symbol which differs from the symbols in other hands, there being about fifty-seven symbols in all, according to the findings of research scholars.

Three animals viz., the elephant, the serpent and the mouse have contributed for the make up of the figures of Ganesha. The elephant has contributed for his head, the serpent for his girdle and the mouse for his mount.

When you look at this funny figure, it looks as though the fragile mouse is made to carry the heavy head and bloated belly of the Deity with the serpent girdle, in perpetual fear of the serpent, aggressively poised within striking distance, which may appear to be nothing short of a piece of iconographic vagary. In spite of this vagary Ganesha is addressed reverentially as Sumukha meaning 'He of good face.'

Ganesha being a composite image we have to study the parts involved in his make up to understand the concept behind his image, how it was evolved and what it stands for.