We have seen Ganesha in so many creative avatars--as a tabla player, a doctor, a social activist! Ganesha's idols have more variety and forms than any other god. Why does Ganpati inspire so much creativity?
Is it because his form is simple and easily recognised? Just draw 2 large size ears, a curvy trunk, and it's Ganesha for everyone.
I feel there is more than just form; Ganapati inspires creativity at a higher level.
To start with, his birth story itself is unusual. And one must suspend left brain thinking to accept it. Head of an elephant on the body of a human child! Two wild ideas coming together. Connecting the dots, isn't it?
Then, think of another contrasting element-- the large bodied lord has a mouse as his 'vahan' or the carrier. This is thinking at the extremes. Pushing the envelope to the edge of the table.
I also love the story-- Ganpati competing with his brother Kartikey!
Ganesha had to go around the world, on his tiny mouse. And must come before his brother who was carried by a flying peacock. The pot-bellied Ganesha won in spite of the huge disadvantage. His saviour: Creative thinking.
Ganesha didn't rush into the race. He redefined the problem, and re-interpreted the given situation: "To me, my parents are my world!"
While his brother went around the wide world, Ganesha circled his parents and won the challenge.
While the story is metaphorical, its lesson is significant--
Whenever you feel the odds are overwhelmingly against you, before delving into the solution put your creative approach to the problem itself. Once the problem is reframed, you will find solutions, befitting your own resources and capabilities.
And those solutions will be game-changing as well!
In fact, that's what entrepreneurs do all the time. They can't fight with the corporates and their might in solving routine problems. So, they reinterpret the circumstances in such a way that their own skills and competencies shine.
That's why I say, Ganesha is creative not just in his form, but also in concept. He inspires so much creativity because he enables us to leave the routine, logical ways of thinking. Once you believe an elephant can sit on a mouse, nothing is beyond imagination!
