The Terrace of the Elephant King

Poor,placed upon his shoulders.
Poor GaneshaAccording to Hindu folklore, "Ganesha" came into being
Lord God,you must havesuffered so!after his head was severed from its spine. This
Who would have thoughtthat with only one fell cutyouroccurred after Lord Shiva, the ancient Hindu god of
head would falland your bloodwould spill?death and destruction cast an angry glance in the
Both human and beast;direction of this unfortunate man.
For how could you havepossibly known?In an act of retribution the robust pot bellied man has
One fine day,you would offer hopeto anyone whobeen incarnated with an elephants head, floppy ears
might chooseto look your way.and a broken tusk.
The "Terrace of the Elephant King" was inspired by aHistorical reports indicate that the first image of
visit to the Elephant Terrace at the temple at Angkor"Ganesha" was found during the 1st century B.C. It
Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. My impressions of thewas purportedly discovered on Mihintale, a sacred
visit were enhanced by iconic representations ofmountain peak near Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. By the
"Ganesha" that were observable throughout the entire6th century Ganesha's image could be found in several
province.parts of India.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with him,At the present time, "Ganesha" is considered to be a
"Ganesha" is a pre-Angkorian Hindu deity that is wellgod of wisdom. He is also praised for finding solutions
known to countless people across the globe.to human problems and removing obstacles that
"Ganesha" is truly an unforgettable image. He appearsprevent people from realizing their goals.
as a pot bellied man with an elephants head that is