Author: Yuvraj Krishan
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 1999
Language: English
Pages: 235
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120814134
Description
An ancient legend: from Log Cabin to White House, this work is one of the most comprehensive, fully documented in original sources, and profusely illustrated relating to the rise of Ganesa to pre-eminence in the orthodox Hindu pantheon.
Ganesa commands universal respect among the indigenous religious schools and sects of the Hindus, Jainas and Buddhists. He is a god who is unique in many ways- his peculiar physiognomy an elephant's head on a human trunk, his double character, as a vighnakarta (Creator of obstacles) and as a vighnaharta (Remover of obstacles). He is worshipped first to ensure success of all religious and secular functions and enterprises. Ganesa is also the god of dance and music. The cult of Ganesh spread to various countries of Asia.
The rise of Ganesha to pre-eminence in the orthodox Hindu pantheon , as one of the Pancha devatas (five principal pauraniks gods) is truly remarkable. This work traces the origin and development of pauranika Ganesa, from pre-puranika Vinayaka, a vighnakarta, into pauranika Ganesa, a vighnaharta analyses his distinctive features and studies his representation in art both in India and in other countries of Asia.
It seeks to unravel the enigma of a non-vedic, non-epic and a non-Aryan god coming to occupy a place of honor in Hindu pantheon. The techniques adopted by the followers of Ganesa to promote his cult and status and the enduring results achieved make a fascinating study in PR work.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
CHAPTER I
The Place of Ganesa in India's Life
CHAPTER II
Names of Ganesa and their Meanings
CHAPTER III
Is Ganesa a Vedic God?
CHAPTER IV
The Family of Siva and Evolution of Siva and His Hosts
CHAPTER V
Vinayaka as Vighnakarta (Causer of Obstacles) in the Manavagrhyasutra (Mgs.) and Yajnavalkyasmrti (Yaj.) : A Comparative Study
CHAPTER VI
Vinayaka and Ganesa in the Mahabharata
CHAPTER VII
PAURANIC GANESA :
Ganas and Ganesa
The Functional Role of Ganesa
The Birth of Ganesa : His Parentage
How Ganesa came to acquire an elephant's head ?
Ganesa as ekadanta (one-tusked)
The vahana (vehicle or mount) of Ganesa
Sarpa of Naga (serpent) as ornament of Ganesa
Ganesa and Skanda
Is Ganesa a brahmacari (bachelor) or a grhastha (Householder) ?
CHAPTER VIII
The Ganapatyas
CHAPTER IX
Promotion of the Cult of Ganesa
CHAPTER X
Development of the Iconography of Ganesa
CHAPTER XI
Chronology of Ganesa as Reflected in Literary, Numismatical,
Epigraphical and Sculptural Sources
CHAPTER XII
Ganesa in Buddhism
CHAPTER XIII
An Explanation of the Sadhanas and Sculptures of Buddhist Deities Trampling upon Ganesa
CHAPTER XIV
Ganesa in Jainism
CHAPTER XV
Evolution of Ganesa Cult
CHAPTER XVI
Ganesa Beyond India's Frontiers :
Ganesa in Nepal
Ganesa in Sri Lanka
Ganesa in Myanmar (Burma)
Ganesa in Indonesia : Java and Bali
Ganesa in Indo-China : Cambodia and Champa
Ganesa in Thailand
Ganesa in Tibet
Ganesa in Central and Northern Asia
Ganesa in China
Ganesa in Japan
Binayaka, Shoten and Kangiten
Soshin Kangiten or Dual-Bodied God of Bliss
CHAPTER XVII
Ganesa : A Bibliographical Sketch
CHAPTER XVII
Epilogue
Appendix I
A New Interpretation of Panca-Ganesa Sculptures
Appendix II
Is the Fight Between Siva and Ganesa an Episode of Oedipal Conflict?
Appendix III
Is Ganesa of Indo-Greek Origin ?
Select Bibliography
Author and Title Index
Subject Index