Ganesh

One of the most popular Hindu deities is Ganesh. According to the Hindu Pantheon, he is the son of Shiva (3rd member of the Hindu trinity) and the female deity Parvati. Tradition says that when he was a child Ganesh (Ganesha) stood between his father and mother, during an argument and his father Shiva beheaded him. His mother Parvati wanting him to live, gave him the head of an elephant.



As I mentioned in the previous post, Hinduism spread into Thailand and it remains a vibrant part of Thai culture.










This was the 1st Black Ganesha I had seen. I don't know the significance, but when I saw it I thought of other religions icons that appear in the color black - such as the Black Madonna of Częstochowska. Devotees to Ganesaha seek his help when there are difficulties or impossible obstacles.

The yellow and white flowers are real. They can be purchased all over the city from vendors selling flowers, incense etc. for religious offerings at thousands of shrines and spirit houses located throughout the city.

Click on the picture to see a larger image. Price of items are listed in Thai and English. Pricing is in Thai Baht. Current exchange rate is roughly: 1 THB = $.035

Check out the Subway advertisement on the cart.