Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ganesha and My Childhood

Ganesh carved on rock
Picture from my archives
During my childhood days, I used to wish visiting this Ganesha carved on the rock by a small mound in Mamallapuram – a town famous for rock cut sculptures and a UNESCO WHS near Chennai, while we visiting our relatives house there. The rock cut Ganesha is very close to the Karukathamman Temple – one of our families commonly worshiped temples, in the west of the town; so, many of our visit to Mamallapuram witnessed worshiping at the temple and for me to check the Ganesha climbing on the rocks  beside the temple.

More than the rock-cut Ganesha, the quiet and pleasant environment and a small adventure of climbing on the rocks and following path track are the main that attracts me to this place; and there are also two rock cut shrines on the mound belong to 7th century, named as Pidari Ratham and Valiankuttai Ratham. (Ratham is a word means Chariot in Tamil). Other than these, we could find a trace of red on the rocks for which my grandma used to say, ‘that it was the bloodstain of an evil man who was killed and dragged though the rocks by the goddess for ill-treated the people of the town.’

This photo was taken by mom in 2006, during one of our visit to Mamallapuram and today no one is allowed on this mound or checking the Ganesha, since archeology department has put fence across the area to protect. I really love visiting this temple, not in devotion but just for the isolation and pleasantness provide by the pond side with trees for shadow and benches to sit relax and cherish.

Ganesh used to be my favorite god in childhood and my mom used to tell till date that my hands come closed wherever I see Ganesh then.  Today the totally perception is different and I have come to believe there no god exists but I don’t deny the fact that I had great faith on god once, unconsciously. In no way I interrupt others belief on god and I respect their faith and wishes from heart for their plea get answered in some ways!

13 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

the carved rock is impressive! thank you for sharing it. i'm glad it is protected from harm.

Anonymous said...

That carved rock is lovely. I like to believe in something greater than myself - but consider it to be more of a spirit - like the one found in nature.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Interesting!

sm said...

beautiful ganesh carving

eden said...

Great shot. Thank you for sharing information about it.

Ponniyinselvan/karthikeyan(1981-2005 ) said...

karthik too had no belief in god.He used to argue a lot.As you said in childhood we pray because we are being taught by elders.Once we start reasoning, we find out that no such things exists. Those who shower affection and love and care are our gods. In that way, my one and only god is Karthik.My loving GOD.
karthik+amma

Bob Bushell said...

I love Ganesha too.

Destination Infinity said...

I have not seen this rock in Mahabalipuram. But I went there very rarely. When I was young, it seems I liked Murugar very much. Ganesha's brother!

Destination Infinity

Devilish Angel said...

Good pic...How you celebrated vinayagar chathurthi jeevan?

Lakshmi said...

great post and a great picture..I so agree with you on perceptions ..

Indrani said...

Beautiful picture, it is precious since nobody is allowed to photograph it now.

Meoww said...

Such a pretty Pillayar! Wonderful :)

Vetirmagal said...

Lovely places, and good recalls.I liked the way you connected your younger experiences.

Ganesha is one legend, that makes me smile whenever I get to see him. Belief or not, he is a god with a mischievous smile.