My essay is not based on a creation myth but on creation of Ganesha and its influence in today’s world. To begin with, Indian mythology has many versions of stories which have been carried on by generations. Here, I am going to talk about one of such stories about Ganesha. This story has been derived from Shiva Purana.
Parwati, wife of Lord Shiva was disappointed that none of the guards could stop her husband from entering her chamber where she had a bath. She created Ganesha from the dirt of her own body so that he could stop Shiva. When Parwati was having a bath, Shiva comes to her chamber but finds Ganesha who was following her orders and doesn’t allow Shiva to go through. Enraged Shiva sends his army to kill him but they fail. Then Brahma comes and requests Ganesha but doesn’t succeed. Then Shiva asks Kartikeya and Indra to send their armies, but they also fail. Finally when Ganesha is fighting against Vishnu, Shiva enters the battle form the rear and cuts off his head. When Parwati comes to know about this, she bursts into tears and explains the situation to Lord Shiva. To console her, Shiva sends his servants to get a head of any creature which is sleeping and has its head pointing to the north. The servants get an elephant’s head which was attached to the boy and was revived by Lord Shiva. Shiva blessed Ganesha that he will be the lord of beginning and people will worship him.
Until now, Ganesha Chaturthi (Ganesha’s Birthday) has been celebrated on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-Paksh of Hindu calendar in August/September. Ganesha is worshipped everywhere on this day. Idols of Ganesha made of clay are brought home and are also kept in the streets for five to twelve days. Many sweets are made, especially Modak, which is considered as his much loved sweet. After these five to twelve days, the idol is taken to a nearby well /lake/beach and immersed in water. He is valued by most Hindus and during Ganesha Chaturthi many people get together to celebrate the occasion and worship Ganesha, irrespective of caste.
Many artists have their concepts based on Indian mythology. M.F. Husain, also known as the “Picasso of India,” captured the humanity, myths, legends, gods and goddesses of his distinctly Indian subjects. For instance, Ganesh Darwaza (1964). Many movies, cartoons, comic books are also inspired by the character of Ganesha. We can also say that the hybrids of contemporary art form might have been inspired by such Mythological characters which are innumerable. Patricia Piccinini's work often consists of hybrids. She uses her artistic practice as a forum for discussion about how technology impacts upon life.
Ganesha is now regarded as a personality who will unshackle all the problems and difficulties and ensures success. He is known as Vigneshwara, Vignahara. Ganesha can be always seen on the gate of a house, door of a shop, cover of book and so on. He is considered to be auspicious and his image can be seen in most of the ceremonies.
References
http://www.godandguru.com/shiv-puran/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha
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