This artwork by Harikrishen, India's foremost batik artist, shows Ganesha alertly poised, engaged in the act of writing. It is no ordinary text that he is penning, but the Great epic Mahabharata itself. Vyasa the composer of this epic wanted a scribe who could prove himself upto the monumental task. Who else but Lord Ganesha could achieve it? He is the Lord who removes all obstacles, and against whom all hindrances melt away. Thus the four-armed deity engages in the task, his single-minded concentration evidenced in the expression of his eyes. Indeed Ganesha teaches us that to achieve success in any venture a deep and abiding attention has to be given to the task at hand.
His two main arms hold a beautifully crafted pen and the leaf on which he inscribes the text. The other right hand holds a mace, a symbolic weapon which destroys all obstacles in our chosen path. The last left hand holds a deep-red lotus in full bloom. This signifies the auspicious nature of the task being performed.
Of significant note is Ganesha's elaborate jewelry, consisting of a crown, armbands, necklaces, and finger rings. All of these are studded with shining rubies and emeralds. Credit must be given to the artist for achieving a luminosity in the medium of batik, which by definition leads to subdued tones.
In the foreground can be seen the mouse, Ganesha's constant companion holding a sweet in his hand and paying obeisance to his master. Next to him lie a couple of bound volumes, plus an inkstand.
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