Guest guest Posted May 18, 2004 Report Share Posted May 18, 2004 Book Review: Ganesha, The Elephant-Headed God Source: Free Press Journal AS TOLD BY SUBHADRA SEN GUPTA, ILLUSTRATED BY TAPAS GUHA. INDIA BOOK HOUSE The elephant-headed god in Hindu legends is a delightful one, a great scholar, a super scribe) who took down Vyasa's Mahabharat on condition that the great saint should never stop dictating) and a practical prankster. Ganesha has primacy over all other gods, since he is the one who obviates all hindrances when one launches a project. The birth and transformation of the little Ganesha's head are told pleasantly, eloquently and delightfully. But the age group for which it is meant is a problem. For, five-year olds would find the words beyond them. A pitter-patter mode of narration would have been more enjoyable. The shade and voice of words are significant in children's stories. A caveat. The contest between Ganesha and his brother Karthikeya has another version. The great athlete that he is, Karthikeya started running round the universe the moment moth-er Parvathi announced the race. The egghead that Ganesha is, he just lolled about till Karthikeya disappeared from view. Then Ganesha ran round his father (the epitome of the entire universe) and came and sat by the side of his mother, claiming victory. Shiva could not but smile at the smartness of his son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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