The popularity of Lord Ganesha is spread all over the world. He is one of the few Hindu Gods whose strong presence can be felt outside India as well, particularly in the countries neighbouring India at unexpected places.
With Ganesh Chaturthi being celebrated today, let us look at statues of Lord Ganesha in foreign countries.
1. Indonesia- 9th century Ganesha statue is housed in the inner sanctum of Lord Shiva Temple located in the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
2. Thailand- Chachoengsao is regarded as Thailand’s “city of Ganesha,” featuring three massive Hindu-Buddhist gods Ganesha sculptures in three separate temples: One of them is the highest standing Ganesha in Thailand is 39m high at “Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park.”
3. Afghanistan-The Gardez Ganesha is a statue of the Hindu god Ganesha, discovered in Gardez, near Kabul in Afghanistan.
4. Ireland-Victoria's Way, located near Roundwood, County Wicklow in Ireland, is home to 9 black granite Ganesh statues
5. Japan- In an 8th-century Matsuchiyama Shoden temple dedicated to Japanese deity Kangiten, there is the Japanese version of Ganesha.