Versatile Ganpati

Ganpati or Ganesha, is the most versatile god of the modern times. Ganpati is present in so many styles, such diverse presentation that it appears that as if we have fonts for writing we have shapes for ‘gannu’. I am referring to ganpati as ‘gannu’ here, my personal customization for this versatile god after looking through so many forms. We rarely get to see the same sketch of ‘gannu’. Try observing through the wedding cards, mementos, small sculptures on desks or car dashboards you will never find the same one, but yes you will find the similar ones. Until date, I have not seen such diverse sketches for any deity and I will not be wrong in saying for any entity that exists. ‘Gannu’ gives artists the freedom to design new forms, apply ample of customization.

I have never seen anything more than ganpati on any desk. Every second desk that sports some showpiece is must to have a ‘gannu’. Does that mean ganpati is the most worshipped God? However, no extremist group supporting ganpati, though you get to hear lot of ‘Ram’ and ‘Rahim’, but the ‘gannu’ steals the show.

Might be such diverse forms helps each individual to relate, and can be one of the reasons of popularity of this celebrity. Round is such a beautiful shape with no corners. Corners usually hurt and this no corner or round deity never places anyone at corner and manages to be at the center. It is a belief that ganesha loves food. Food is an integral part of any celebration, and who would mind inviting someone who loves food at the event. This happy go lucky person leads a life, which a lot of us aspire to. A fat guy offended by the name of elephant, often considers a compliment when referred by the elephant head deity. The round belly with the elephant head is artist’s paradise to tweak and invent new forms and still present the original. This god is unique and beyond comparison, might be this is one of the reasons behind the custom of worshipping ganesh on the first place.

A basic research on internet reveals there are 108 names of ganesha. No surprise if the number is even thousand times attributed to the fact how each individual uniquely connects to ‘gannu’.

Gannu you are rock star!