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Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires
Across Asia, an elephant-headed god flexes his muscles…
Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed god, is among the most-appreciated of all deities. In this innovative book, Paul Spencer Sochaczewski explores why he collects Ganesha images, examines the psychology of collecting, and recounts personal adventures in his 40-year quest for just one more (but it’s gotta be special) Ganesha statue. He provides enough iconography to give the reader a grounding in Ganesha’s obstacle-removing prowess, but this is neither an academic nor a religious tome. Museum-quality photographs of some 80 statues, carvings, and amulets from his 150-piece collection illustrate how Hindu public relations experts retrofitted Ganesha into the Mahabharata, under what circumstances benevolent Ganesha can be an aggressive crusader, why he loves sweets, what inspiration Hindu branding experts took from nature, and why his “vehicle” is a humble mouse.
Why does Sochaczewski appreciate (but not worship) the god? “Ganesha isn’t a stern, don’t-touch-my-hair super-god, and therefore artists can flex their creative muscles when portraying him,” he says. “And simply because he’s cool.”
Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed god, is among the most-appreciated of all deities. In this innovative book, Paul Spencer Sochaczewski explores why he collects Ganesha images, examines the psychology of collecting, and recounts personal adventures in his 40-year quest for just one more (but it’s gotta be special) Ganesha statue. He provides enough iconography to give the reader a grounding in Ganesha’s obstacle-removing prowess, but this is neither an academic nor a religious tome. Museum-quality photographs of some 80 statues, carvings, and amulets from his 150-piece collection illustrate how Hindu public relations experts retrofitted Ganesha into the Mahabharata, under what circumstances benevolent Ganesha can be an aggressive crusader, why he loves sweets, what inspiration Hindu branding experts took from nature, and why his “vehicle” is a humble mouse.
Why does Sochaczewski appreciate (but not worship) the god? “Ganesha isn’t a stern, don’t-touch-my-hair super-god, and therefore artists can flex their creative muscles when portraying him,” he says. “And simply because he’s cool.”
244 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2021
3 people are currently reading
7765 people want to read
About the author
Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
24 books687 followersPaul Sochaczewski's highly acclaimed nonfiction books of personal travel include the five-volume Curious Encounters of the Human Kind series,An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles, The Sultan and the Mermaid Queen, Soul of the Tiger (with Jeff McNeely), and Distant Greens. Gary Braver, bestselling author of Tunnel Vision, said Paul's work is "in the great tradition of Asian reporting. The humanity of Somerset Maugham, the adventure of Joseph Conrad, the perception of Paul Theroux, and a self-effacing voice uniquely his own." Paul's handbook for people who want to write their personal stories, Share Your Journey, is based on the creative writing workshops he runs in more than 20 countries. Redheads and EarthLove are his eco-thrillers set in the rainforest of a mythical sultanate in Borneo.
Paul is an American writer (born in Brooklyn, New York), writing coach, conservationist, and communications advisor to international non-governmental organizations. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland, and has lived and worked in more than 80 countries, including long stints in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Paul served in the United States Peace Corps from 1969 to 1971, working as an education advisor in Sarawak, Malaysia. This exposure to Asia informed his writing, and as a result, most of his work has a Southeast Asian theme. He was also founding creative director of the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in Indonesia and Singapore.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 24, 2021
Searching for Ganesha takes us on a personal journey of an ardent and reflective collector who tries to make sense of his desire to collect to understand the Ganesha and its origins. The book is accompanied with a selection of many amazing pictures and photographs which I found absolutely gave me more of a connection to the author’s search for Ganesha and brought the whole book more to life.
This is a very unique and exceptional book, and I highly recommend it.
This is a very unique and exceptional book, and I highly recommend it.
November 9, 2021
Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is simply a fascinating book. As the author recounts his experiences in collecting Ganesha images, you get a glimpse not only into the world of Ganeshas but also into the collecting mindset. Searching for Ganesha is a fascinating book with tons of images, from cartoons to photographs, all of which depict various aspects of collecting. People collect for various reasons, all of which are interesting and some amusing. The author writes with a witty take on things and doesn't take himself too seriously. Get a fun education not only on Ganesha but other collectibles as well. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2021
Searching for Ganesha by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is one man's quest for the elephant-headed god Hindu paraphernalia. Paul's fondness for the older and more rustic Ganeshas takes him on a journey collecting stories, friends, and of course, more for his collection. The author's fascination with Ganeshas is not a religious drive but more of a connection with his goodness and timelessness.
I found Searching for Ganesha fascinating as Paul Spencer Sochaczewski opens up a different world and culture that look to Ganesha's for guidance. I loved the chapter about when does a collection becomes an obsession? The author's humor and wit keep this book a light read, while the comics, pictures, and illustrations keep the reader turning from page to page. This book is a fascinating and fun read, and I recommend it for the journey.
I found Searching for Ganesha fascinating as Paul Spencer Sochaczewski opens up a different world and culture that look to Ganesha's for guidance. I loved the chapter about when does a collection becomes an obsession? The author's humor and wit keep this book a light read, while the comics, pictures, and illustrations keep the reader turning from page to page. This book is a fascinating and fun read, and I recommend it for the journey.
September 24, 2021
‘Ganesha is a deity that has evolved from human needs, fears and desires.’
Swiss author Paul Spencer Sochacezewski has been called a world-class searcher, reporter, and observer – ‘an insightful guide to an often obscure and rapidly changing world.’ In addition to his writing, he holds writing workshops worldwide helping writers tell their personal stories. His books to date – EarthLove, Eco-Bluff, Dead But Still Kicking, Redheads, Share Your Journey, An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles, Distant Greens, Soul of the Tiger, The Sultan and the Mermaid, Curious Encounters of the Human Kind series (Myanmar, Indonesia, Himalaya, Borneo, Southeast Asia), and now SEARCHING FOR GANESHA.
The subtitle of this book - Collecting Images of the Sweet-loving, Elephant-headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires: A personal travel adventure with zero religious intent – sums up the content rather well, and one evaluation of Paul’s book is particularly potent: ‘A treasure. Part intellectual homage, part personal journey, part sheer whimsy, A noble tip of the hat to one of the world’s favorite gods.’ But summaries and words alone do not do this book justice. Paul is a collector and in this richly illustrated book, with both color plates and narrative, is an erudite, witty and eclectic fusion of history, art, spiritual symbols and COLLECTING!
The flavor of this important book is suggested in the opening chapter - the Quest: ‘People ask me why I collect Ganeshas when I have no religious connections with the god. I usually answer with a dumb look and an ill-fitting answer along the lines of “duh, because he’s cool.” That usually suffices for most people. But for those pesky souls who inquire further, I offer more serious reasons: For some purpose that I can’t understand I have an affinity with the Sanskrit-speaking reality; I am in awe of the high mountains and can understand why millions of people believe that Ganesha and his family inhabit the Himalayan region; Ganesha removes obstacles and lubricates new ventures; He has a soft spot for writers and artists; He’s cute; He loves sweets; He’s a Boy Scout-kind of god, always ready to help; I’ve spent much of my adult life in Southeast Asia, where Ganesha prospers in various forms. He has seeped into my cultural DNA; Ganesha morphs. By this I mean that unlike images of, say, Shiva or Vishnu (or Jesus, for that matter), Hindu religious artists treat Ganesha as more than an eccentric but lovable uncle than as a stern, don’t-touch-my-hair super-god. Artists are allowed to take liberties with his image, and they do; Ganesha is organic. He transforms over space, time, geography, and history.’
This volume shares a plethora of photographs, chapters on why do we collect (hilarious), cartoons, Psychoanalyzing Ganesha, Ganesha’s origins – all accompanied by and many, many Ganesha images in rich color photographs. Important on many levels, this book is a delight! Very highly recommended.
Swiss author Paul Spencer Sochacezewski has been called a world-class searcher, reporter, and observer – ‘an insightful guide to an often obscure and rapidly changing world.’ In addition to his writing, he holds writing workshops worldwide helping writers tell their personal stories. His books to date – EarthLove, Eco-Bluff, Dead But Still Kicking, Redheads, Share Your Journey, An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles, Distant Greens, Soul of the Tiger, The Sultan and the Mermaid, Curious Encounters of the Human Kind series (Myanmar, Indonesia, Himalaya, Borneo, Southeast Asia), and now SEARCHING FOR GANESHA.
The subtitle of this book - Collecting Images of the Sweet-loving, Elephant-headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires: A personal travel adventure with zero religious intent – sums up the content rather well, and one evaluation of Paul’s book is particularly potent: ‘A treasure. Part intellectual homage, part personal journey, part sheer whimsy, A noble tip of the hat to one of the world’s favorite gods.’ But summaries and words alone do not do this book justice. Paul is a collector and in this richly illustrated book, with both color plates and narrative, is an erudite, witty and eclectic fusion of history, art, spiritual symbols and COLLECTING!
The flavor of this important book is suggested in the opening chapter - the Quest: ‘People ask me why I collect Ganeshas when I have no religious connections with the god. I usually answer with a dumb look and an ill-fitting answer along the lines of “duh, because he’s cool.” That usually suffices for most people. But for those pesky souls who inquire further, I offer more serious reasons: For some purpose that I can’t understand I have an affinity with the Sanskrit-speaking reality; I am in awe of the high mountains and can understand why millions of people believe that Ganesha and his family inhabit the Himalayan region; Ganesha removes obstacles and lubricates new ventures; He has a soft spot for writers and artists; He’s cute; He loves sweets; He’s a Boy Scout-kind of god, always ready to help; I’ve spent much of my adult life in Southeast Asia, where Ganesha prospers in various forms. He has seeped into my cultural DNA; Ganesha morphs. By this I mean that unlike images of, say, Shiva or Vishnu (or Jesus, for that matter), Hindu religious artists treat Ganesha as more than an eccentric but lovable uncle than as a stern, don’t-touch-my-hair super-god. Artists are allowed to take liberties with his image, and they do; Ganesha is organic. He transforms over space, time, geography, and history.’
This volume shares a plethora of photographs, chapters on why do we collect (hilarious), cartoons, Psychoanalyzing Ganesha, Ganesha’s origins – all accompanied by and many, many Ganesha images in rich color photographs. Important on many levels, this book is a delight! Very highly recommended.
November 9, 2021
Author Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is an American writer who served in the United States Peace Corps from 1969 to 1971, working as an education advisor in Sarawak, Malaysia. This exposure to Asia informed his writing, and as a result, most of his work has a Southeast Asian theme.
Searching for Ganesha is principally about searching for the things that give life substance, in this case the author’s emblematic appreciation of the Indian God Ganesha and his many manifestations but in a non sectarian way. The author provides the reader with a fun and charming analysis on the reasoning/psychology behind why he keeps searching and collecting Ganesha statues. The book also contains over 200 photographs, which also allow the reader a spectacular visual delight too!
Writing of this caliber is rare – and reading this very fine book reassures me that there is meaning to it all, no matter how difficult it can be to appreciate in some moments. This is a fine blend of tradition, faith, and also of course entertainment. It is book to treasure, and one I highly recommend.
Searching for Ganesha is principally about searching for the things that give life substance, in this case the author’s emblematic appreciation of the Indian God Ganesha and his many manifestations but in a non sectarian way. The author provides the reader with a fun and charming analysis on the reasoning/psychology behind why he keeps searching and collecting Ganesha statues. The book also contains over 200 photographs, which also allow the reader a spectacular visual delight too!
Writing of this caliber is rare – and reading this very fine book reassures me that there is meaning to it all, no matter how difficult it can be to appreciate in some moments. This is a fine blend of tradition, faith, and also of course entertainment. It is book to treasure, and one I highly recommend.
October 28, 2021
Searching for Ganesha by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
This book starts out with a collection of Ganesha's and they are described using many factors:
description, medium, origin, date of creation, dimensions and the story behind it.
Praise for the authors works is included.
Other works by the author are listed along with reviews from many others.
Table of contents, introduction about collections and the story.
Like learning new things and this is one I had not realized came in many shapes, designs and from different materials.
Love that certain things like way the tusk is facing signifies something different to a certain group of worshipers, vs another group in another country.
Like all the detailed parts of the statues but especially the story behind them are fascinating.
With the descriptions I can picture them in my mind.
Resources are listed at the end along with about the author and his works.
High quality photos included throughout the book. Large file if digital format.
Quite large differences between Asian countries and small changes in idol statutes and what they mean.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
This book starts out with a collection of Ganesha's and they are described using many factors:
description, medium, origin, date of creation, dimensions and the story behind it.
Praise for the authors works is included.
Other works by the author are listed along with reviews from many others.
Table of contents, introduction about collections and the story.
Like learning new things and this is one I had not realized came in many shapes, designs and from different materials.
Love that certain things like way the tusk is facing signifies something different to a certain group of worshipers, vs another group in another country.
Like all the detailed parts of the statues but especially the story behind them are fascinating.
With the descriptions I can picture them in my mind.
Resources are listed at the end along with about the author and his works.
High quality photos included throughout the book. Large file if digital format.
Quite large differences between Asian countries and small changes in idol statutes and what they mean.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2021
This is not something I would usually pick up but I was curious. It is quite informative. I like how there are pictures throughout the book as well. It helps give the reader a clearer idea.
I won't deny that I was confused a few times, but in the end, I felt that I learnt something new.
I won't deny that I was confused a few times, but in the end, I felt that I learnt something new.
January 3, 2022
I was recommended by a friend who is mad about Ganesha. She liked the book a lot and told me about it, surprised that there was much in there that she hadn't known. She said she thought I would get a lot out of the book even without a previous interest in the subject matter. Lightly but enlighteningly written (her words).
Both me and my friend loved the photographs, which I felt brought the book to life for me. She was totally besotted by this book. I really liked it as well, and think it is a must-read for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Ganesha, or looking for an interesting and pretty unique read.
Both me and my friend loved the photographs, which I felt brought the book to life for me. She was totally besotted by this book. I really liked it as well, and think it is a must-read for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Ganesha, or looking for an interesting and pretty unique read.
December 18, 2021
Not often do you get a "How to Guide" and a fully curated "exhibition" in one book but search no more as the author delivers a witty, thought provoking and enriching journey into the many worlds of Ganesha!! The combination of insights and stories accompanying the various photographs of these objects from around the world, made in different materials and in different shapes and sizes, is a feast for both scholars and amateurs. The book tells the story of the mystical and revered Ganesha - collected by the author over many years and in many places and portrayed by the hands of the many believers who have brought Ganesha "to life." The book would suggest that there are an infinite variety of guises and poses of the deity and this is but a small portion. My favorite chapter was chapter 2 "Why do we collect" followed by chapter 9, "Friends in High Places-Schmoozing with Other Gods." For personal reference or for the person looking to understand how to build a collection or for the pleasure of being swept away to another world, this is the book to own!!
December 13, 2021
This book was amazing. The story was personal, and offered the reader a peek inside the author's mind, while at the same time weaving a fascinating journey. I loved the images included, and the wide variety of style depicted in the icons shown. Although the title suggests that this might be a religious book, I can assure you it's not. I'd say this is closer to a spiritual memoir, with plenty of inner reflections on the author's own drive to collect Ganesha icons. A captivating read.
January 8, 2022
This book is a journey. It takes time to realise that. It’s not just a collector’s memoir or a catalogue, it’s a journey of a western educated mind to the jungles and by-lanes of the Eastern part of the world. Yes, there are stories and back stories, folktales and legends which keep you hooked, but what is most poignant is the realisation of the author which inevitably comes up with each encounter. As he meets different people and tries to understand their positions, their core beliefs about the mother earth and nature, about the eternal process of creation and destruction – you start to realise that you too are a part of the journey, you become a part of finding the exact place where the bishashringa parvata was actually located. Or you find yourself in the midst of the volcanic destructions and meet a farmer trying to till that hot land in the islands of Indonesia and realise what is Shiva. You learn fascinating things such as the Ganeshettes or the Female Ganesha.
His is an endeavour to put some finite attributes, measurements and geometry to the Anantarupah. In search of Ganesha – we move from villages to metropolises, from simple straightforward poor farmers to too clever and often hyperbolic art dealers - we see statues, relics, paintings and amulets of Ganesha. We hear stories and miracles, encounter beliefs and philosophies and in the process, we discover the Ganesha as he was born.
If we start to see each of the collected items as a flower, the quest, the endeavour, the encounters and realisations, the stories and myths miracles and above all the love for Ganesh as the thread – then we see a garland. Slowly as we move on we feel the Vidyaasukhdaata Ganaraaj Ganapati Gajanana Ganesha as the Lord emitting the light of thousand Suns wearing that garland. What a sight it is! That is the moment but we happily let it pass – because by our daily experience we can tell that this garland will be there on his neck till the flowers start to dry or the thread breaks by the weight of the flowers and the flowers get scattered on his feet, or till simply the Prahar changes that garland however beautiful splendid costly and grand it is- must give away its place to a newer one.
His is an endeavour to put some finite attributes, measurements and geometry to the Anantarupah. In search of Ganesha – we move from villages to metropolises, from simple straightforward poor farmers to too clever and often hyperbolic art dealers - we see statues, relics, paintings and amulets of Ganesha. We hear stories and miracles, encounter beliefs and philosophies and in the process, we discover the Ganesha as he was born.
If we start to see each of the collected items as a flower, the quest, the endeavour, the encounters and realisations, the stories and myths miracles and above all the love for Ganesh as the thread – then we see a garland. Slowly as we move on we feel the Vidyaasukhdaata Ganaraaj Ganapati Gajanana Ganesha as the Lord emitting the light of thousand Suns wearing that garland. What a sight it is! That is the moment but we happily let it pass – because by our daily experience we can tell that this garland will be there on his neck till the flowers start to dry or the thread breaks by the weight of the flowers and the flowers get scattered on his feet, or till simply the Prahar changes that garland however beautiful splendid costly and grand it is- must give away its place to a newer one.
February 9, 2022
Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed god, is among the most-appreciated of all deities. In this innovative book Paul Spencer Sochaczewski explores why he collects Ganesha images, examines the psychology of collecting, and recounts personal adventures in his 40-year quest for just one more Ganesha statue.
Searching for Ganesha is not my usual genre of book, I fact in pretty much stands outside of any definable book genre, but I was fascinated by the pictures and the way it is all put together. The book gives a look into a completely different culture than I am used to, and it was, to say the least, very informative and fascinating. I learned quite a bit about Ganesha and other Hindu deities and enjoyed the journey to understand Ganesha very much. I recommend to any reader wanting to experience something outside of their normal realm of literature.
Searching for Ganesha is not my usual genre of book, I fact in pretty much stands outside of any definable book genre, but I was fascinated by the pictures and the way it is all put together. The book gives a look into a completely different culture than I am used to, and it was, to say the least, very informative and fascinating. I learned quite a bit about Ganesha and other Hindu deities and enjoyed the journey to understand Ganesha very much. I recommend to any reader wanting to experience something outside of their normal realm of literature.
January 10, 2022
'Searching for Ganesha' explores the journey of collecting Hindu god Ganesha statues and painting by the author himself who has no religious background on Hinduism, after his first encounter with Ganesha festival during a work trip to Mumbai 20 years ago. And interestingly, he gave his first collected Ganesha statue (artificially aged metal in mid 20th century) to his girlfriend who later became his wife while she's studying PhD in Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Bhutan. There's a short description of each collected piece. Some would leave readers like me a bit of wonder, e.g. what did he find during that hour long discussion with venerable of Ganesha's role in Thailand's Theravada Buddhist belief? Other than that, it's a great book with lots of photos and the many descriptions to decipher the symbols about Ganesha and other Hindu deities, with touch of conservation covering numerous areas in South East Asia. It's a kind of extension for Tantra: enlightenment to revolution, the past exhibition in British Museum in 2020. Highly recommended for those who love arts and culture in SEA.
February 15, 2022
Searching for Ganesha: Collecting Images of the Sweet-Loving, Elephant-Headed Hindu Deity Everybody Admires
by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is an author, a scholar, a storyteller, but maybe more notably, regarding this book, an avid collector. Not just any collector, but a connoisseur driven by a passion.
“Searching for Ganesha” is his own story, revolving around his assemblage of maybe the most admired god, Ganesha, involving travels covering Asia and beyond.
The author has approximately 150 Ganesha’s in his possession, comprising statues, amulets and more. In the beginning, he clearly sets the record straight. This is not a historical document but a personal account of how his love for his collection has changed his life.
“ Duh because he’s cool, “is the honest response why his choice is Ganesha, including references and quotes by Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Paul Spencer Sochaczewski indeed devotes a certain moment explaining the possible reasoning of why people even begin a collection, the difference between a collector and a hoarder.
Searching for Ganesha is a detailed and in depth illuminating book with impressive photographs of itemised works of art, some quite basic in style, evidently village made but still impressive in their own way, depicting Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha.
“ Ganesha removes obstacles and bestows great gifts. “
He’s been around for some 1 500 years, considerably longer than most deities. It left me with the impression of Ganesha being a very humble god, multi-talented and accessible to all. A written endeavour to understand why Ganesha is so loved by people everywhere. While this is not my usual read, I am so glad I had the opportunity to discover more of the culture surrounding Ganesha and the history behind the love that envelops him.
by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Paul Spencer Sochaczewski is an author, a scholar, a storyteller, but maybe more notably, regarding this book, an avid collector. Not just any collector, but a connoisseur driven by a passion.
“Searching for Ganesha” is his own story, revolving around his assemblage of maybe the most admired god, Ganesha, involving travels covering Asia and beyond.
The author has approximately 150 Ganesha’s in his possession, comprising statues, amulets and more. In the beginning, he clearly sets the record straight. This is not a historical document but a personal account of how his love for his collection has changed his life.
“ Duh because he’s cool, “is the honest response why his choice is Ganesha, including references and quotes by Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Paul Spencer Sochaczewski indeed devotes a certain moment explaining the possible reasoning of why people even begin a collection, the difference between a collector and a hoarder.
Searching for Ganesha is a detailed and in depth illuminating book with impressive photographs of itemised works of art, some quite basic in style, evidently village made but still impressive in their own way, depicting Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha.
“ Ganesha removes obstacles and bestows great gifts. “
He’s been around for some 1 500 years, considerably longer than most deities. It left me with the impression of Ganesha being a very humble god, multi-talented and accessible to all. A written endeavour to understand why Ganesha is so loved by people everywhere. While this is not my usual read, I am so glad I had the opportunity to discover more of the culture surrounding Ganesha and the history behind the love that envelops him.
March 25, 2022
These book is really fantastic. I simply couldn t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews