Agarwal, Ruchi and Jones, William J.
(2018)
Ganesa And His Cult In Contemporary
Thailand.
International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 14 (2).
pp. 121-142.
ISSN ISSN: 1823-6243
Abstract
Ganesa has long been familiar to the people of Thailand but increasingly evident
are the Ganesa cults flourishing in Bangkok. In the process, the deity appears to be
acquiring new roles and functions. Ganesa now serves in a number of capacities
for some; he is a “fxer,” a deity of last resort that can help devotees to overcome
obstacles in their lives. Not surprisingly, the growing popularity of the deity is
reflected in a rapidly expanding trade in Ganesa images and icons, displayed in
shopping mall exhibitions in a variety of forms, colours, shapes and sizes. Readily
available at most of Bangkok’s major retail outlets, Ganesa icons are traded online
via social media. This paper attempts to explore this phenomenon, both by examining
shifting belief practices associated with Ganesa locally and by looking at how these
shifts are reflected in the evolving trade in Ganesa iconography. Considering both
together, the authors will demonstrate that Ganesa cult is presently the focal point
for a number of people, each with its own unique approach to the deity, powers and
representation.
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