In Praise of Lord Ganesha

The following woodcut illustrations represent the traditional invocation to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, which is customary at the start of any significant literary or religious undertaking.

[Illustration: At the top of the page, a woodcut depicts a Purna KalashaA "full vessel" or overflowing vase, symbolizing abundance, wisdom, and the source of life. filled with sacred foliage and flowers.]

[Central Illustration: A detailed woodcut of the deity Ganesha. He is seated majestically beneath a ceremonial canopy. To his sides stand two female attendants, identified as his consorts Riddhi Prosperity and Siddhi Spiritual Power. One attendant holds a chauriA ceremonial fly-whisk made of yak tail hair, used as a symbol of royalty and divinity. to honor the deity.]

[Illustration: At the bottom of the page, a second woodcut of a Purna Kalasha mirrors the one at the top, completing the sacred frame.]

May there be no obstacles to this work.

The entire composition is enclosed within an intricate floral vine border, representing the flourishing of knowledge and the beauty of the divine.