The Invention of the Ganesha Addhabhang Prachamwarn (Eight Ganesha Postures) Performance

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the history and beliefs of Thai people in respect to Ganapati - one of the major gods of Brahmanism – Hindu, and brought to the faith belief in designation of Ganapati posture as a symbol of day of birth, which was the concept to create the Ganapati Addhabhang Prachamwarn (Eight Ganapati Postures)
Performance. The method of this study were collecting data from paper, books, and textbooks, interviewed the experts who belief and respect to Ganapati, and collected the data from other resource in origin, myth, name and history of belief in Ganapati respect, and belief in Ganapati posture as a symbol of day of birth. Includie the theoretical of creation of dramatic arts and Ganapati in Thai dramatic arts. The result of this study found that the Ganapati was the later Indian gods in the Purana era (B.C.861-1190). The historical and the legend of Ganapati were divided into two categories ; the historical background and legendary background. The history of Ganapati in Thailand is influenced by Brahmanism which has spread into Thailand since the 10th century by Indian Brahman which known and respected as the god of frustration and deva who inspires success In the early stages. According to the belief that Lord Shiva has appointed the Ganapati as the proprietor of the group and bless any kind of work. The business will not success unless worship the Ganapati. Those who worship are successful, so they would worship the Ganapati before doing all business. Until Ayutthaya period, Ganapati is considered one of the major gods in the Elephant Taming Ceremony. The conceptual of Thai people about Ganapati began to appear since the
Ayutthaya period and flourished during the reign of King Rama VI of Rattanakosin which were both elephant master and deity who removes obstacles and especially the esteemed as the god of the arts. It is found as the statues and badges in many places
and organizations which involving in art. The faith in this Ganapati still exists until now and still be the god which people believe and have faiths. The believe in Ganapati has developed a variety of forms. Ganapati posture as a symbol of day of birth is one of the faiths of Thai people but there is not specific evidence who established. It is assumed
that this belief developed from the concept of daily worship as a determinant of destination of life and the specific faith of the worshiper. When compared with the information provided in Sri Tatti Nithi According to the Book of Puranas, the ancient
scriptures of Brahmanism written by King of Karanathok name Mummahi Krishnaraja otorn. It is found that the 8 postures of Ganapati, statues, and paintings. The 8 Ganapati posture as a symbol of day of birth were selected from the 32posture of the Ganapati. Each statues and painting has the different body in different avatar. Including the
number of heads, number of hands and color of body. It is found that most of the color of the body not according to the Book of Puranas but the color were given by the color of the day which are easy to remember. Results from the study which were analyzed,
synthesized, and created the performance, design to perform as Ganapati in each postures which were the Ganapati’s posture as a symbol of day of birth come for blessing, assume the name, god’s characteristic, and color of bodies according to the
Book of Puranas. The composition of the show has been composed the song, created costumes, created the Ganapati Khon mask, accessories and created the dance performance. The performance was presented as the show of dramatic art called
the Ganapati Addhabhang Prachamwarn (8 Ganapati Postures) Performance.