In myriad moods

AMONG THE many compelling images of Ganesha on display in craft boutiques and emporias in the city in celebration of Ganesh Chathurti, easily the most exquisitely and imaginatively crafted are the ones showcased at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, (CCIE) Temple Towers, 672, Anna Salai, Nandanam. Moulded into bronze, brass, countrywood, sandalwood, terracotta and marble with an unerring eye for perfection, Ganesha is depicted in varying sizes and in myriad moods: dancing, playing on musical instruments, walking, meditating or reclining. CCIE's `Ganesh Darshan' exhibition-cum-sale showcases the icon with innovative touches in both concept and artistry, making many of the Ganeshas on view quite unique.

Among the unique Ganesha bronze icons is an exquisite Ganesha in a Nataraja `nritya' pose and another under an arch made up of moshikas or mice. There are other Swamimalai bronzes as well, depicting Him in various stances, including a beautifully crafted reclining Ganesha. Large-sized mangowood Ganeshas seated under leaf canopies, three-headed icons etc, painted in mud shades are other attractions at `Ganesh Darshan.'

Oxidised brass, made-to-look-antique icons from Aligarh add immense charm to the collection. Small and perfectly moulded, Ganesha is seen standing, meditating, reclining beside a lingam and so on.

Brightly painted and embellished marble Ganeshas from Rajasthan share space with pristine white marble statues. There are tiny soap stone and serpentine stone murtis as well, along with exquisitely painted metal Ganeshas, terracota icons and so on. `Ganesh Darshan' concludes on August 21.

Poompuhar collection

Poompuhar's `Ganesh Darshan' exhibition-cum-sale has some of the best bronze icons of Vinayaka on display. From stunning three to four feet tall Ganeshas to small miniature pieces, each bronze icon reflects a mastercraftsman's touch in concept, execution and finish. Crafted at Poompuhar's Swamimalai unit, the Ganesha collection depicts the deity in poses and stances as diverse as dancing, mediating, writing the Mahabharata or reclining.

Poompuhar also showcases Ganesha in brass, rosewood inlay, sandalwood, countrywood, marble, soapstone, granite, terracota etc, The big marble-inlay Ganeshas in rosewood are beautifully crafted as are the small- sized sandalwood murtis from Mysore and Haryana. The mangowood icons score with their fluidity of sculpting and use of lovely colours while the granite and soapstone Ganeshas are attractively embellished. Bringing a touch of rustic colour and charm are scores of papier mache Ganapatis, a great favourite for the final ritual immersion.

Poompuhar's `Grand Ganesh Darshan' concludes on August 21 at 109, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002.

PUSHPA CHARI

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