Ganesha The Traveler

 

Ganesha The Original desi Traveler __/|\__

 

Ganesha has more names than a mere mortal can remember some of the popular ones are Ganesha, Ganpati, Vinayak, Ekdant, Vighneshwar, Lambodar and many more. He is found not only in India but in other countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, China, Malaysia etc. As per one of the stories from Indian Mythology there was competition between Ganesha and his brother Kartikay, as to who can travel around the world first. So Kartikay started on his Peacock that he uses as his ride and goes on a world tour.  Now Ganesha who is the original Smart Kid from the first family of Indian Mythology i.e. Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati has a small mouse as his ride, which is no match for the agile peacock in speed. So Ganesha wonders how to win this race and he simply circumambulates his parents Shiva and Parvati who represent the universe and wins the race.  But from that day on every year Ganesha visits millions of homes, housing societies, neighborhoods, public parks and blesses his devotees.

A few days ago I was returning from Bandipur Tiger Reserve after attending my second phase of Eco Volunteer Training, and I took an auto rickshaw to reach home. This is when I spotted Ganesha traveling on a mini truck to be installed on Ganesh Chaturthi. I quickly took out my cell phone and clicked this picture from moving auto.

We all consider Ganpati to be our own, he is part of the family, the wise one whose blessings are taken before anything new and auspicious begins.  When I moved desi Traveler to its own domain the first post was dedicated to my friend, philosopher and guide Ganesha. I think he is the original desi Traveler, who travels in eco-friendly way on his mouse, was the first one to travel around the world and every year travels to millions of homes and becomes part of the family. Is that what not what the travel all about to blend with the locals?

Here are some picture below clicked by my friend A V Satish Kumar , who recently visited a colony of idol makers who make Ganesha Idols. So below are some idols of Ganapati as he prepares to get ready for his annual travel to his millions of devotees.

The Wise One

 Here is wishing you all a happy Ganesh Chaturthi, may the divine one travel in your life and become your companion on all your adventures. Ganapati Bappa Morya… The original desi Traveler.__/|\__

Here are some other posts devoted to Ganapati

• A Rare Ganesha Idol
• Eco Friendly Ganesha
• Around Bhongir Fort

I hope  you have liked the post and the pictures, please spread the joy and share the post with your friends and family. Once again a very happy Ganesha Chaturthi. to all.  Ganpati Bappa Morya!!!!! Mangal Murti Morya….! __/|\__