Mangalore: Lord Ganesha taking Form - In Different shapes and Sizes
Pics: Sphoorty Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jul 27: The annual 'Ganesha Charuthi' will be celebrated in the country on Sunday August 23. Preparations are in full swing for making the idols of Lord Ganesha. One such spot where idols of Lord Ganesha in-the-making can be found is Lord Humanth Temple, Gollarakeri in the city. Yogeesh Mallya can be seen devotedly engaged in the task of skillfully making the idol of Lord Ganesha here.
As per mythology, Lord Ganesha was made out of grime. Accordingly, an idol of the Lord should be made out of clay alone, as per the scriptures. Making an idol out of plaster of paris or other artificial objects not only pollutes water, but because they do not dissolve in water, the idols which sometimes float in water, are crushed with the help of bulldozers etc., a practice that is considered inauspicious. It is believed, that only seated idols of the Lord should be made and every idol should be hand-crafted and not moulded. The person who makes the idols should strictly adhere to a food and behavioural regimen during the period of making the idols, as per tradition.
Yogeesh Mallya has been making the idols of Lord Ganesha in the city since the last 25 years. He normally is engaged in selling flowers in the flower market. Every year, several weeks prior to Ganesha Chaturthi, he starts making clay idols of Lord Ganesha. This time, he will be making about 200 idols of the Lord that are 18 inches to 36 inches tall and 25 bigger ones that are four to eight feet tall. Taller idols are made to order and specifications, while smaller ones can be bought on the spot. During the Navaratri, Mallya makes the idols of Goddess Sharada. Mallya is also adept at making artifacts by cutting thermocol and moulding art forms out of pulp.
Mallya sticks to the regimen during this period and makes the idols as per traditions. He takes up this task as a holy mission, rather than a way of earning money. For over a month, he can be seen devotedly giving authentic shape and adding a fine finishing touch to the idols with his deft fingers. Mallya believes that his service pleases Lord Ganesha, who in turn, showers on him bounteous blessings.