Today is Thursday - Jupiter's Day, the Day of Brihaspati. So therefore … some rather modern art of Brihaspati - also known as 'Guru', and yes in astrological terms linked to the Planet Jupiter. Now in Vedic terms, Brihaspati is an interesting figure. The name, effectively, means the 'Lord of the Songs of Prayer'. However … Continue reading Brihaspati – The Lord of the Songs of Prayer
GanaPati
Kali & Ganesha For The End Of The Old Year & Beginning Of The New
As we creep inexorably forward toward the End of 2021 and the Beginning of 2022, this image seemed apt to post. Why? Because here we have Kali - Goddess of Time, and also of Endings ; and Her Son Ganesha - a God of Openings, and One Who is prayed to at Beginnings. Perhaps entirely … Continue reading Kali & Ganesha For The End Of The Old Year & Beginning Of The New
Ganesha – The Modern Protector Of India
This is your occasional reminder that Hindu religious iconography also occasionally 'moves with the times' - as befits a Living Religion. [Which does not mean that the modern nor the novel 'displaces' the Past - only that there can be co-occurrence. And, as applies Ganesha specifically - remarkable ways for Him to continue to Get … Continue reading Ganesha – The Modern Protector Of India
The Ganesha Of Kabul – And His Custodian Guard [ Arte-Facts #14 ]
In our field, we are so often delving into impressive legends of long ago - myths about men who once lived and wrought deeds so mighty that they seem frankly 'incredible' (in the old sense of the term) today. And that can leave one quite jaded about the modern era for reasons that ought be … Continue reading The Ganesha Of Kabul – And His Custodian Guard [ Arte-Facts #14 ]
Ganesha Atop The Volcano Of Brahma in Indonesia [Incredible Indo-European Holy Sites Series Part VI]
For the Sixth Night of Ganesh Chaturthi - the theme of our devotional efforts on each of these nights has been that Ganesha Gets In Everywhere. So here's Ganesh, atop an active volcano in Indonesia where it has been and been in constant use for the past 700 years. The volcano in question is entitled … Continue reading Ganesha Atop The Volcano Of Brahma in Indonesia [Incredible Indo-European Holy Sites Series Part VI]
Ganesh Gets In Everywhere – The Ganesha Of Endere In The Taklamakan For Ganesh Chaturthi
Tonight marks the first night of Ganesh Chaturthi - and so therefore, some rather amazing art one and a half millennia ancient from the Khotanese Saka ( Scythian ) settlement of Endere, in the Taklamakan Desert of Western China. Why? Well, partially it is because this piece has been on my mind recently and I … Continue reading Ganesh Gets In Everywhere – The Ganesha Of Endere In The Taklamakan For Ganesh Chaturthi
GHOST DIVISION for Ganesha Chaturthi – An Extract
Since it is Ganesh Chaturthi - an extract from " GHOST DIVISION - On The Bhutagana Of Mahadev & The Einherjar Of Odin " that is particularly relevant; which helps to explain both one of the roles of Lord Ganesha - as well as the underlying symbolism of His Elephantine Head: The Gana As Custodian … Continue reading GHOST DIVISION for Ganesha Chaturthi – An Extract
Aum Gananam Tva Ganapatim…
Ganesh Chaturthi began yesterday, and as one should properly expect, this has been accompanied by a considerable escalation in expressions of piety towards the deity in question. Frequently, these have included a particular and rather prominent verse of Sanskrit, drawn from the RigVeda, and attributed as a prayer to Him: गणानां तवा गणपतिं हवामहे कविं … Continue reading Aum Gananam Tva Ganapatim…