Ganesha worship is very popular in Japan and spread through Buddhism. Sōshin Kangiten is the most enigmatic and elusive Japanese version of Gaṇeśa. Ganesha represents Dual God of Boundless Bliss. The Japanese Dual Kangiten is an elephant-headed deity couple in embrace. It represents the unity of contrasting genders and opposites. Avalokiteśvara (a Bodhisatva) is believed to have seduced and calmed down Vinayaka resulting in the harmonious union.

Source: Lode Rosseels, Gaṇeśa’s Underbelly, Universiteit Gent

Picture Credit: Ganesha; The Auspicious, The Beginning by Shakunthala Jagannathan and Nandhita Krishna

Thousands of black bearded, black clad men are seen everywhere in Kerala in the Yatra months. Their foreheads are smeared with Vibhuti, Kumkum and sandal paste. They are chanting “Swamiye, Saranam Ayyappa,” meaning Lord Ayyappa, I surrender to you. They are headed to Sabarimala in Kerala, situated on a hilltop. The pilgrim trail is difficult, passing through forest areas.

Before starting the Yatra, the pilgrims are expected to follow an austere vratham (cleansing period) of 41 days. The vratham requires wearing only black clothes, being barefooted, bathing twice a day, abstaining from meat, tobacco and alcohol. The vratham requires austerity in language and demeanor. Pilgrims are also required to maintain celibacy.

The temple doors of Sabarimala are open to everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. The deity being a celibate, only girls below 10 years who have not attained maturity and women who have reached menopause, can perform the Yatra. This restriction is now being litigated in the Supreme Court.

The 2022 Malayalam movie Mallikapuram captures the joy of an 8-year-old girl on the Sabarimala Yatra.

Source: Pilgrimage to Sabari, K.R. Vaidyanathan

Picture Credit: ABP Live