Author: Rankorath Karunakaran
Publisher: Book Quest Publishers
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 96
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8186025006
Description
This profusely illustrated work in large format and on art paper traces the history of Ganesha cult and Worship seeks to give a perspective of this ancient cult prevalent from the earliest times in the sub-continent.
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 changer in the main set up. It is in the enigma of certain striking variations in detail that the sublime in the figures of Ganesha has to be sought for.
The elephant-faced-Deity of the Hindus known popularly as Ganesha has intrigued all thinking men all over the world, all through the ages even unto the present day. They are puzzled as to how a cultured class of people going by the name of Hindus could have denigrated themselves by worshipping this funny looking elephant-faced-Deity giving him an eminent status in their pantheon. He reverence and devotion for him in India and also elsewhere have not abated even in these days of free thinking and rationalism. He is invoked by all classes of orthodox Hindus in all walks of life for success in their endeavors and thanked profusely after success.
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.
Ganesha obviously is a design meant to convey a profound meaning. But owing to the play of ignorance a great deal of ritualism has sprung around him clouding the meaning of his design and form. It behoves one and all who is in search of knowledge to probe into the deeper meaning behind Ganesha's funny form.
Contents
Preface
Foreword by H H Dr. E Nandiswara Nayake Thero
Ganesh the Sumukha
Ganesha and the Elephant
Ganesha and the Serpent
Ganesha and his Mount
Ganesha and Shiva
Ganesha and Yoga
Ganesha and Psychic Centres
Ganesha and Mystical Terms
Ganesha and 'Om'
Ganesha in the Hindu Pantheon
Ganesha and his Idol
Ganesha and his Lambodaram
Ganesha and his Worship
Ganesha and his Martyrdom
Ganesha and Mythology
Ganesha and Karthikeya
Ganesha and his Festival
Shree Ganesh Atharva Sheersha
One thousand names of Lord Ganesha