Namah Vighneshvara : Revering Lord Ganesh through art

TGLife

It’s a simplistic and yet artistic interpretation of Lord Ganesha from a grinding stone and his vahana (vehicle) with a grinding pestle is both unique and exquisite. Created by one of India’s grinding stone installation artists Nirmal Ulhas Kulkarni on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi that is celebrated on September 2.

“It is a result of restoring a three-generation-old grinding stone through a renewal process that includes cleansing and polishing with natural oils, and ensuring that the sanctity of the installation is in place. The creation of a symbolic base of Matti, a traditional Goan wood (Termenalia tormentosa), also the state tree of Goa is also part of the installation,” says the Goa based artist.

This is the first time, such a simple-minded and yet deep rooted installation has been created in India for one of the best known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Ganesha is also known as the Lord of Ecology. Nirmal dwells on the name of Vighneshvara, (remover of obstacles) as a reference to this primary line of interpretation for this work. He has titled the work - Namah Vighneshvara (I pray to you O remover of all obstacles).

Affected by floods and its aftermath, Nirmal dedicates this work to the people of Goa, Belgaum and Maharashtra, to whom Lord Ganesha is the reliever of obstacles, the patron deity and the most endearing. “I hope Lord Ganesha helps us all help those who are in need and clears the path normalcy to be restored in the life of one and all in the affected areas,” says Nirmal.

A devotee of Lord Ganesha himself, Nirmal, a conservation scientist, nature photographer and an installation artist is a graduate from the Goa College of Art and has exhibited images and installations based on nature and Indian culture in India and abroad. All his works are influenced and created from stone - grinding stones and wooden millstones.