Ganesh Archives -

March 3rd, 2023

I’ve just returned from my buying trip, which included my final stop in Indonesia where I found myself captivated by the rows of moss-covered stone statues amidst the thick air left behind by the previous night’s rain. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these beautiful sculptures every time I laid eyes on them, and my weakness for their allure led me to purchase not one but two 40-foot containers full of them. These exquisite stone statues are set to arrive just in time for the spring gardening season in April-May.

Nyoman and I have been collaborating since 2004. His exceptional talent is immediately apparent in the delicate and fluid lines he carves into his Buddha statues, as exemplified by the plump and content Buddha he’s currently holding. The expression on the statue’s face is unlike anything else you’ll find in the Indonesian market, and to top it off, the Buddha is even holding a cup of coffee!

As an art enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for artists who possess the ability to create something truly distinctive with a style that’s unmistakably their own.

For 19 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Wayan Sabur and his son. Whenever I step into their workshop, I’m always greeted by Wayan’s warm and welcoming smile, which reflects his joyous outlook on life. He takes each day as it comes and truly enjoys every moment.

Despite the different perception of time in Indonesia, I’ve often commissioned custom orders with Wayan, only to return the next year to find them partially completed.

One of his remarkable creations is a stunning Buddha standing on a blooming lotus. The intricate carving of the Buddha’s robes is exceptional, resembling the undulating waves of the ocean more than traditional cloth. This design is so unique that I always purchase every statue he creates in this style.

Artists like Wayan used to be more common in Indonesia, but their time is dwindling. Thankfully, his son is ready to continue his father’s legacy by carrying on his designs and artistry into the next generation.

What do you think of these doors? Teak wood doors. Should Lotus Sculpture start importing them?

What do you think of this teak wood root decorative piece? It will be polished and cleaned up. It is unique in that it is just fine outdoors as well as indoors. It is monstrous too with a size of 8 feet by 8 feet. It is one of those unique pieces that you just do not see anymore.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Echo for around 15 years. He works at a stone workshop and is a true character, as evidenced by his mischievous grin and playful demeanor, as seen in the photo of him holding his dentures.

Echo is like a large feline in his approach to work – he only works when he needs money and takes days off to rest and relax when his pockets are full. His lifestyle has earned him the nickname “Sultan Echo” since he lives like a sultan, sleeping when he’s satisfied and only working when he has to.

Personally, I love his approach to life. What a fantastic way to live – enjoying the fruits of your labor and only working when necessary!

Borobudur & Prambanan Temples of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

February 23rd, 2023

I have been wanting to go to the famous Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple of Prambanan since my backpacking days. I have seen the temples in Bagan, Burma, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia and this was the last piece to the 3 sacred, must-see, sights of South East Asia. Needless to say, I was not disappointed!

Wandering around Prambanan I was like a kid in a candy store. I started off in the furthest, least impressive temple. It is my philosophy when seeing temples to always start at the least impressive first and build your way to the most impressive. This way you don’t start off with amazing and then just get disappointed with seeing everything else. (I think the reverse is true with food. I always start with the best and work my way to the worst). I love the feeling of an abandoned ruin. Walking alone up the steps and through the narrow temple doors you feel like you are the first person to step foot into the temple for the past 500 years, Marco Polo made a discovery for the world. It is an amazing feeling that only lasts until some tourist in sneakers comes into your picture frame when you are looking for that perfect shot! But the feeling is there…you are an explorer!

A magnetic Ganesha statue I fell in love with inside one of the temples of Prambanan

I am a huge Pink Floyd fan. They have a famous live recording of them playing in the ruins of Pompei, Italy. Walking around Prambanan that first day I had the soundtrack to this playing in my mind…..I could literally hear Richard Wright belting out the crescendo in the epic song, Echoes as I climbed over the rocks and surveyed the temple!

Sunrise bathing Borobudur temple in its misty, pink glow. After 25 years of wanting to go, I finally laid eyes on it!

The next day I woke up at 4 am to catch the sunrise peak over the horizon and bask in its light on the Buddhist temple of Borobudur. It was amazing! The whole complex is set up like a mandala (a Buddhist depiction of the universe) with a huge stupa in the middle with 18 huge stupas surrounding it. The stupas were enormous and impressive, each containing a Buddha statue inside the stupa. There were 4 levels to the temple, each containing a story from either the Buddha’s life or the Ramayana epic. The carvings were all absolute masterpieces.

It is an amazing thing when you get to experience something that you have been waiting for for over 25 years! It is good to know that there is still some adventure out there, you just have to get out there and discover it!

Thailand

February 17th, 2023

Jew is an artist who creates stunning Buddha statues with intricate patinas that boast an impressive level of texture and depth. I ordered a set of his statues four months ago and they are currently in the process of being colored and patinaed. I have yet to find an artist who can match the quality of Jew’s work

Three years ago, when I was in Bangkok, I had the pleasure of meeting Aon for the first time. He was only 17 and was helping out his family. Fast forward to today and Aon is 20. He was beaming with pride when he showed me the Ganesha statue he had made entirely by himself, from the wax model to the casting and coloring. This is an impressive feat considering it’s usually a group effort. Seeing Aon carry on the tradition of statue-making was encouraging and gave me hope for the future of the industry. It’s often discouraging to hear news of the older masters passing away without any new students to take their place, but Aon is a glimmer of light in the darkness.

It’s fantastic to observe, female artisans in the statue-making process! Many women are involved in the painting and decorating of traditional Thai Buddhas.

During my shopping trip, I stumbled upon these stunning photos of revered Thai monks. I couldn’t resist purchasing them to add a unique touch to my warehouse. It’s always so exciting to find such lovely, unexpected items!

I have had the great fortune to be friends with Jew and Jin for 16 years. It’s been wonderful to watch our relationship grow and develop over the years, just like a flower blooming in the spring. Our friendship has been a blessing, and I’m so grateful for the long-lasting bond we’ve been able to share.

My trip to Thailand ended with a half day of sightseeing. In my 30 years of visiting Bangkok, I was still surprised by the number of sights to take in. While I have often admired Wat Arun from the river, I had never taken the opportunity to visit it until my recent trip. If you’re ever in Bangkok, I highly recommend a short ferry ride across the river from the Grand Palace to Wat Arun. It’s well worth it!

3 most important things to know about Ganapati Murtis

Ganesh, also known as Shri Ganapati, is one of if not the most popular of all Hindu deities. He’s worshiped and honored regardless of Hindu denomination. So much so, his reverence spreads to even Buddhists and Jains alike. Being the patron of arts & science, remover of obstacles, keeper of wisdom, and lord of beginnings, it’s hard to not like him! Ganesha can be found in just about every Hindu shrine due to these attributes, so here are the most important things to keep in mind when placing your Ganapati murti!

Where to place the Murti in home

Most are not aware, but there are specific places one may place the Ganapati Murti in order to strengthen the vibrations of bliss and success. It is ideal to seat the Murti in the northeasternmost part of the home. If any other murtis are present, it is most proper for Ganesh to be seated to the right-hand side of these murtis if he is not to be the center of the mandir. According to the Vastu Shastra(traditional Vedic architecture), this positioning aids with the flow of chakra in the temple. It is also extremely common to have a small picture or idol of Ganesh next to or above the entryway of the home &|or puja room as it is said this acts as a blessing for those coming and going.

The posture of the Murti

Ganesha murtis come in many postures, & each gives off an entirely different vibration for a completely different purpose. The most common type is the sitting or meditating position. This posture is called lalitasana. Sometimes rather than having both legs folded, one leg will be on the ground while the other rests upon his vahana(his mouse). This denotes that he is concerned with earthly affairs & is here to aid his followers and remove obstacles while his meditating pose where both legs are folded creates an atmosphere of calm and determination. His dancing or standing posture is for those seeking a creative, energetic, & artistic atmosphere. His sitting postures are best for the home while his standing postures are best for work environments.

Position of the Trunk

Ganesh murti trunk hanging in the center and curled to the left This is a key aspect of Ganesh murtis that is often overlooked but should never be! When purchasing a Ganapati murti, be very very choosy. The trunk is the most important aspect of this specific murti. There are three main styles: Vamamukhi, Dakshinmukhi murti, and Shushumna. Vamamukhi trunks hang to the left & are the easiest to please and are associated with calmness, success, & happiness. They are also sometimes called Vastu Ganesh because he is perfect for solving vastu related issues. Whereas, Dakshinmukhi murti trunks hang to the right. It is believed that the sun’s energy flows through this murti’s trunk & because of this, owning one is not recommended as they require special care as per Vedic tradition. If one worships this murti properly, it is said to grant immediate results & moksha(liberation from reincarnation); however, if one doesn’t follow the proper tradition then it is said that all the good results gained from the worship are burned away by the sun’s energy. The final kind is called Shushumna. With trunks hanging down straight, these statues are rather rare and considered extremely auspicious.

6 Murugan Mantras, Quotes & Hymns of Murugan, Subramaniyan, including 108 Chants to Murugan

The ardent devotees of Murugan call him by a variety of names – Karthilkeya, Arumuga, Shanmuga, Guhan, Skanda, Subramanya and Kumara. He is the son of the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva and the brother of the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesh (The elephant-headed God).

As far as Indian history goes, Skanda began his existence basically from the beginning. He was a popular war god who lived on forested hills, was fond of hunting, fighting, and an appetite for blood sacrifices. He was young, handsome and a fire-eating, spear-wielding bravo.

This basic template went by many names in different parts of the country. In Maharashtra he was called Khandoba and in vast areas of the south of India the god was known as Malai Kilavan, the Lord of the hills in ancient Tamil. His other name was Murugan. This is the name that he is most recognized as today in places of worship.

1. Moola Mantra

“Om Sharavana-bhavaya Namaha“

Meaning: Adoration to Lord Subrahmanya

2. Muruga Sloka

“Gyaanashaktidhara skanda
valliikalyaaNa sundara
devasenaa manaH kaanta
kaartikeya namo.astute
OM subrahmanyaaya namah“

Meaning: Adoration to Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Skanda. He is the one who holds the staff of intelligence, and holds the beautiful beloved of Goddess Vallii. She is the enchanter of the mind of Goddess Devasena. I offer adorations repeatedly to that Divine Kartikeya.

3. Sri Subramanya Pancharatnam: This mantra is also known as Murugan Pancharatna stotram and is a six-verse prayer chanted everyday by devotees, especially on Sashti Viratham days.

“Shadananam, chandana lepithangam,
Mahorasam, divya mayoora vahanam,
Rudrasya soonum, sura loka nadam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Jajwalyamanam, sura brunda vandyam,
Kumaradhara thada mandirastham,
Kandarpa roopam, Kamaneeya gathram,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Dwishadbujam dwadasa divya nethram,
Trayee thanum soolamasim dadhanam,
Seshavatharam, kamaneeya roopam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Surari gorahava shobhamanam,
Surothamam shakthi daram kumaram,
Sudhaara shakthyayudha shobhi hastham,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Ishtartha sidhi pradha meesa puthram,
Ishtannadham bhoosura kamadhenum,
Gangodbhavam sarva jananukoolam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

Ya slokamidham padatheeha bhakthya,
Brahmanya deva nivesitha manasa san,
Prapnothi bhogamakilam bhuvi yadyadishtam,
Anthe cha gachathi muda guha samyameva“

4. Sri Subramanya Karavalambam : This is one of popular mantra of Lord Subramanya, which is chanted by almost all devotees.

“Hey Swaminatha karunakara deena bandho,
Sree Paravatheesa mukha pankaja padma bandho,
Sreesadhi deva gana poojitha pada padma,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Devadhi deva sutha, deva ganadhi nadha,
Devendra vandhya mrudu pankaja manju pada,
Devarshi narada muneendra sugeetha keerthe,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Nithyanna dana nirathakhila roga harin,
Bhagya pradhana paripooritha bhaktha kama,
Sruthyagama pranava vachya nija swaroopa,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Krouncha surendra parigandana sakthi soola,
Chapa thi sasthra parimanditha divya panai,
Sree kundaleesa drutha thunda sikheendra vaha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Devadhi deva radha mandala Madhya methya,
Devendra peeda nagaram druda chapa hastha,
Sooram nihathya sura kotibhiradyamana,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham
Heeradhi rathna vara yuktha kireeda hara,
Keyura kundala lasath kavachabhirama,
Hey Veera tharaka jayaa amara brunda vandhya,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Panchaksharadhi manu manthritha ganga thoyai,
Panchamruthai praudhithendra mukhair muneendryai,
Pattabhishiktha maghavatha nayasa nadha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham

Sree karthikeya karunamrutha poorna drushtya,
Kamadhi roga kalushi krutha drushta chitham,
Sikthwa thu mamava kala nidhi koti kantha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham.“

5. Sri Subrahmanya Ashtottara Sata Namavali: We all know the fact that the names of Lord Skanda are innumerable, but in this sthothram the 108 of His descriptive names are enumerated.

1. Om Skandaya namaha
Hail Skanda! Vanquisher of the mighty foes

2. Om Guhaya namaha
Praise be to the Invisible Lord—He who abides in the hearts of devotees true

3. Om Shanmukhaya namaha
Praise be to the six-faced one

4. Om Balanetrasutaya namaha
Praise be to the Son of the Three-Eyed Siva

5.Om Prabhave namaha
Praise be to the Lord Supreme

6. Om Pingalaya namaha
Praise be to the golden-hued one

7.Om Krittikasunave namaha
Hail to the Son of the starry maids

8. Om Sikhivahanaya namaha
Hail to the rider on the peacock

9. Om Dvinadbhujaya namaha
Hail to the Lord with the twelve hands

10. Om Dvinannetraya namaha
Hail to the Lord with the twelve eyes

11. Om Saktidharaya namaha
Hail to the wielder of the Lance!

12. Om Pisidasaprabhajanaya namaha
Praise be to the destroyer of the Asuras

13. Om Tarakasurasamharine namaha
Praise be to the slāyar of Tārakāsuran

14. Om Raksobalavimardanaya namaha
Praise be to the Victor of the Asuric forces

15. Om Mattaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord of felicity

16. Om Pramattaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord of bliss

17. Om Unmattaya namaha
Hail Oh passionate One

18. Om Surasainyasuraksakaya namaha
Hail Saviour of the Devas

19. Om Devasenapataye namaha
Hail Commander of the Heavenly hosts

20. Om Pragnya namaha
Hail, Lord of Wisdom

21. Om Kripalave namaha
Hail Compassionate One

22. Om Bhaktavatsalāya namaha
Lover of devout ones, Praise be to Thee

23. Om Umasutaya namaha
Son of Uma—Praise be to Thee

24. Om Saktidharaya namaha
Mighty Lord—Praise be to Thee

25. Om Kumaraya namaha
Eternal youth—Praise be to Thee

26. Om Krauncadharanaya namaha
He who reft asunder the Krauñca Mount—Praise be to Thee

27. Om Senanye namaha
Praise be to the Army Chief

28. Om Agnijanmane namaha
To the effulgence of Fire, all Hail

29. Om Visakhaya namaha
To Him who shone on the astral Visakha—All Hail

30. Om Shankaratmajaya namaha
Thou Son of Sankara—All Hail

31. Om Sivasvamine namaha
Thou Preceptor of Siva—All Hail

32. Om Ganaswamine namaha
On Lord of the Ganas—All Hail

33. Om Sarvasvamine namaha
On Lord, God Almighty, All Hail

34. Om Sanatanaya namaha
Oh Lord eternal, Praise be to Thee

35. Om Anantasaktaye namaha
Thou potent Lord, Praise be to Thee

36. Om Aksobhyaya namaha
Unsullied by arrows art Thou—Praise be to Thee

37. Om Parvatīpriyanandanaya namaha
Thou beloved of Parvati, Praise be to Thee

38. Om Gangasutaya namaha
Oh, son of Goddess Ganga—Praise be to Thee

39. Om Sarodbhutaya namaha
Thou who did’st nestle in the Saravana Lake

40. Om Atmabhuve namaha
Thou Unborn Lord

41. Om Pavakatmajaya namaha
Thou who art born of Fire

42. Om Mayadharaya namaha
Energy Art Thou—Praise be to Thee

43. Om Prajrimbhaya namaha
Praise be to thee Auspicious One

44. Om Ujjrimbhaya namaha
Praise be to the Invincible One

45. Om Kamalasanasamstutaya namaha
Praise be to the Lord extolled by Brahma

46. Om Ekavarnaya namaha
The one Word art Thou—All Hail

47. Om Dvivarnaya namaha
In Two Art Thou—All Hail

48. Om Trivarnaya namaha
Thou Art the Three—All Hail

49. Om Sumanoharaya namaha
Thou Stealer of pure hearts—All Hail

50. Om Caturvarnaya namaha
In four Art Thou—All Hail

51. Om Pancavarnaya namaha
In five letters Art Thou—All Hail

52. Om Prajapataye namaha
Father of all Creation—All Hail

53. Om Trumbaya namaha
Praise be to Thee, Oh Peerless One

54. Om Agnigarbhaya namaha
Thou who dost sustain the fire

55. Om Samigarbhaya namaha
Hail Thou who arose out of the Vanni flame

56. Om Visvaretase namaha
Thou glory of the Absolute Paramasivam, All Hail

57. Om Surarighne namaha
Oh, Subduer of the foes of the Devas, All Hail

58. Om Hiranyavarnaya namaha
Thou resplendent One, All Hail

59. Om Subhakrite namaha
Thou Auspicious One—All Hail

60. Om Vasumate namaha
Thou Oh Splendour of the Vasus All Hail

61. Om Vatuvesabhrite namaha
Praise be to Thee, Oh lover of celibacy

62. Om Bhushane namaha
Thou Luminous Sun—All Hail

63. Om Kapastaye namaha
Thou Effulgence divine, All Hail

64. Om Gahanaya namaha
Thou Omniscient One—All Hail

65. Om Chandravarnaya namaha
Thou Radiance of the Moon—Praise be to Thee

66. Om Kaladharaya namaha
Thou who adorns the crescent—Praise be to Thee

67. Om Mayadharaya namaha
Engergy art Thou—Praise be to Thee

68. Om Mahamayine namaha
Great Artist of Deception too art Thou, Praise be to Thee

69. Om Kaivalyaya namaha
Everlasting joy of attainment—Praise be to Thee

70. Om Sahatatmakaya namaha
Art all-pervading—All Hail

71. Om VisvayOnaye namaha
Source of all Existence—All Hail

72. Om Ameyatmane namaha
Oh, Supreme Splendour, All Hail

73. Om Tejonidhaye namaha
Illumination divine—All Hail

74. Om Anamayaya namaha
Savior of all ills—All Hail

75. Om Parameshtine namaha
Thou art Immaculate Lord, Praise be to Thee

76. Om Parabrahmane namaha
Thou Transcendant One, Praise be to Thee

77. Om Vedagarbhaya namaha
The Source of the Vedas art Thou, Praise be to Thee

78. Om Viratsutaya namaha
Immanent Art Thou in the Universe, Praise be to Thee

79. Om Pulindakanyabhartre namaha
Praise be to the Lord of Valli, the Vedda belle

80. Om Mahasarasvatavradaya namaha
Praise be to the source of Gnosis

81.Om asrita Kiladhatre namaha
Praise be to Him who showers grace on those who seek his solace

82. Om Choraghnaya namaha
Praise be to Him who annihilates those who steal

83. Om Roganasanaya namaha
Praise be to the divine Healer

84. Om Anantamurtaye namaha
Praise be Thine whose forms are endless

85. Om anandaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh Thou infinite Bliss

86. Om Shikhandīkritagedanaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Thou Lord of peacock banner!

87. Om Dambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh lover of gay exuberance

88. Om Paramadambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Thou lover of supreme exuberance

89. Om Mahadambhaya namaha
Praise be Thine, Oh Lord of lofty magnificence

90. Om Vrishakapaye namaha
Thou who art the culmination of righteousness—All Hail

91. Om Karanopatadehaya namaha
Thou who deigned embodiment for a cause—All Hail

92. Om Karanatita Vigrahaya namaha
Form transcending causal experience

93. Om Anishvaraya namaha
Oh Eternal peerless plentitude, All Hail

94. Om Amritaya namaha
Thou Ambrosia of Life—All Hail

95.Om Pranaya namaha
Thou life of life, Praise unto Thee

96. Om Pranayamaparayanaya namaha
Thou support of all beings—Praise unto Thee

97. Om Vritakandare namaha
Praise unto Thee who subjugates all hostile forces

98. Om Viraghnaya namaha
Thou vanquisher of heroic opponents, Praise unto Thee

99. Om Raktashyamagalaya namaha
Thou art Love, and of crimson beauty— Praise unto Thee

100. Om Mahate namaha
Oh Consummation of glory, All Praise to Thee

101. Om Subrahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, Oh effulgent Radiance

102. Om Paravaraya namaha
Oh Supreme Goodness, Praise unto Thee

103. Om Brahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, luminous wisdom serene

104. Om Brahmanapriyaya namaha
Thou who art beloved of seers—Praise unto Thee

105. Om Loka Gurave Namaha
Oh universal Teacher, All Praise to Thee

106. Om Guhapriyaya Namaha
We praise Thee, In-dweller in the core of our hearts

107.Om Aksayaphalapradaya namaha
We praise Thee, Oh bestower of indestructible results ineffable

108.Om Sri Subrahmanyaya namaha
We praise Thee, most glorious effulgent Radiance

View our collection of Murugan statues here

6. Sri Subramanya Bhujaga Stotram : This mantra is believed to remove Kuja dosha, delayed marriages, clashes, legal disputes, disturbed married life etc.

“Bhajeham kumaram bhavnikumaram galollasiharamNamtsya edwiharam, repustomaparam nrusimhavatramSada nirvikaram guham nirvicharam

Namameesa putraam japashonagatram kuraraatisatrumRuvemdwagni neetram, mahabahrnipatram sivasabjamitramPrabhaswatkaltrayam puranam pavitram

Aneekarkakoti prabhavasyalamtam manoharimanikyaBhooshojwalam tam, sritanamabheestam nisamtamKrupavarikallola bhastkataksham varjanmanoharisoNambujaksham, prayogapradana pravhaikadaksham baje Kanti kantam parastomarakham

Sukumdaprasoonavalisobhitamgam saratpoorna chandraprabha Kantikantam, sirisha prasunabhiramam bhavatam bhaje deva Senapatim vallabham tam

Sukastoorisimdooraswalllalatamdayapoorna chittammaha Deviputram, raveedoolllasadratna rajatkireetam bhajekreedita Kasagangadikootam“

View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

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