Ganesha

     In Hinduism, there is a deity known as Lord Ganesha. He is immediately recognizable because he has the head of an elephant on a human body. There is a myth that explains this. The Goddess Parvati was tired of her husband Shiva intruding on her privacy as she was bathing. So she used her powers to create for herself a child, who possessed immense power. The child was instructed to guard the doorway to the palace where Shiva and Parvati lived, and deny access to anyone who tried to enter. Shiva arrived home and intended to enter his palace, but he was thwarted by the child. The child explained that he was Parvati's son and was guarding her privacy. The child even managed to best Shiva in a duel- something totally unheard of. Shiva eventually used his spear to sever the child's head and enter into the palace.
     Paravati was devastated at the loss of her powerful child. Shiva was overcome with remorse and wanted to cheer up his beloved wife. He instructed one of his servants to go earth and bring him the head of the first creature the servant found. This was an elephant. Thus Shiva placed the head of the elephant on the boy's body and brought him to life. That is why Ganesha looks the way he does.
Ganesha is a very popular deity in Hinduism because he is known as "The Remover of Obstacles." Because of this, devotees pray to him before starting something new- whether it be a new job, a new endeavor, or purchasing something new.
     I am starting a new artistic endeavor of my own. I have never done sculpting before, but I always wanted to. This longtime dream of mine will finally be realized! As my first project, I am working on a sculpture of Lord Ganesha. Who better to begin with than the Remover of Obstacles? I always liked his unique look, and I am excited to complete my debut attempt at sculpting in honor of him. He is an auspicious personality to start with.
     I included the except above in this week's blog post because I plan to post pictures of the completed statue on this blog when it is finished. This way those viewing the pictures who do not know who Ganesha is could have some background knowledge.

Pictures of the Ganesha statue are on the way!
Jai Gurudev!