Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesh

Chola Bronze, 11th Century AD, Thiruvananthapuram Museum

 

          Recently visited the Government Museum at Thiruvananthapuram. Although the Museum has an excellent collection of Chola Bronze,  but the collection is hopelessly displayed. There are even mistakes about the identity and importance of the images of the Gods of Hindu pantheon.  This figure of Lord Ganesh is described as holding a "horn" in his front right hand. Wish they knew it is a broken "tusk" which He holds and not a "horn". 

          The image is a beautiful one with Lord Ganesh standing on a lotus pedestal. Since the sculpture was meant to be carried,  it has two prongs on the side. Images of the Gods are still carried in many parts of the country so as to permit the devotees to have a glimpse (a darshan) of the Gods. It is also a social means of conveying that all is well in the city. Such social festivals not only permit us to be together, but also allow us to celebrate the joys of life, itself.