Extra Reading Notes: Pattanaik's Calendar Art: Part A (Ganesha)

  • The story of the mango and the race between Ganesha and Kartrikeya:
    • I am surprised at what Ganesha did and said. It was more endearing and wholesome than I expected, especially after reading more cruel things in other stories.
  • It is interesting that he comments on the subject of mythology, this case Hindu, as being beyond rationality and something to approach with an open mind. I know that even in the early days before being in this class, I always thought it was strange the way the Hindu deities were depicted, but the polytheism and interconnection of  everything was fascinating. Now in this class, I look at all of these things like "wow!"
  • I like the idea of multiple incomplete beings encompassing different aspects of life and the universe. Sometimes I look at monotheistic religions and think it is unreasonable to stow so many qualities, virtuous or not, into one being. If you have a being that is so vast, a typical mortal will easily lose sight of this being. Where all are incomplete, this allows spaces to be filled and ideas to be complemented by other beings while all is still able to be perceived.
  • Serpents are known to guard vast amounts of riches and wealth? I will have to remember that for future reference.
  • It is interesting that a demon can be allowed to repent and then become a deity. I suppose that is why some people worship Ravana.
  • I had no idea that Vishnu had two wives. I only had seen Lakshmi ever mentioned.
  • The reasoning for depicting women and goddesses alone or with their men/husbands:
    • I would never have thought something like that could hold such meaning and significance.
    • With a man or a husband, they are more along the lines of submissive. Without, they are independent, warriors, et cetera.
    • Maybe this is why in the stories written from this class so far, stories of Sita and other women leaving their husbands and doing things on their own is so powerful and meaningful.
  • As I remember, the Greeks and especially the Romans were known for "stealing" gods and goddesses from other religions and adding them to their own pantheons. It would not surprise me if the idea of Indra managed to travel from India to Greece, and this take place. Then again, people of the past feared and worshiped similar things, albeit in different ways. It may all just be coincidence.
  • Bahuchura: I wonder how many transgender people and allies know about her and what they think.
Golden Ganesha
Web Source:

Bibliography. "Seven Secrets from Hindu Calendar Art" by Devdutt Pattanaik, link to Guide A.

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