The Song of the Elephant God

The Song of the Elephant God

Of all the gods who bless the believers
In religions varied and cults diverse
There is one that stands out in special grace
He of the big paunch and an elephant's face
Riding a mouse, the unlikeliest of vehicles
This good-humoured Lord removes obstacles
Shows us his powers in blessed mirth
A little grin by the tusks, above his girth
One of them broken to write a grand epic
Nestling by a trunk, swinging but thick
Mystically poised in many divine poses
Worshipped with grass, jasmines and roses
Inspirer of art, in faraway nations
The Grand Initiator of happy occasions
Leads us all, this offspring of Shiva
His myths abound as meandering rivers
Rooted in the past but cutely modern
He warms our hearts, makes them gladden
Salutes and praises to this Divine Treasure
Bless us all this day, dear Lord Ganesha!

(c) N.Madhavan, 2005