From the Land of the Rajas:
Creativity in Rajasthan
| Three Common Hindu Gods |
One of the most popular Hindu gods, Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati. The god of wisdom, he is a bestower of favors. As the remover of obstacles, he is prayed to before beginning journeys, marriages, and other endeavors. Ganesha is worshipped at the start of all religious ceremonies, and his statue is placed at temple entrances.
Amba Mata: Mother Goddess
Along with Vishnu and Shiva, Devi (“goddess”) is one of the trinity of gods worshipped throughout India. Like many Hindu gods, Devi has both a positive aspect, as the sustainer of virtue, and a negative one, as the destroyer of evil. She takes many forms; as the fertility goddess, she is known as Mata in northern India.
Hanuman: Monkey God
Son of the wind god Vayu, Hanuman is a semi-divine monkey who assisted the god Rama in his struggle with the demon Ravana, as described in the Ramayana epic. Depicted as a strong human being with a monkey’s face and fangs, Hanuman is a protector of towns and villages, wrestlers and acrobats.
(L) Ganesha marriage painting
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, Jaisalmer, 2005–06
(R) Ganesha shrine
Photo by Renaldo Maduro, 1969–70
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Puppets
Henna prints Religious Paintings |
