Re: Changing color of gods

["Prof. R. Jagadiswara Rao" <rjr@vsnl.com>]

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MV wrote

> Every one in India saw the serials Ramayan and Mahabharta
> on the Television in the recent past. It escapes my humble
> comprehension why the *vociferous* RSS and VHP people did
> not protest the *color* change of Rama, Krishna etc. who
> are traditionally depicted as dark skinned. In the past
> 20 years or so, i am observing the slow metamorphosis
> of the gods!
>
> Can anyone explain why gods are changing color?

The colors of gods depend on the color of stone used to carve the statues
of gods. For example, a god looks white when marble is used and looks black
when black granite is used. Marble is available more easily in north India
and black granite in south India. Although no statue of god is blue-colored,
It is customary to describe most gods as blue-colored rather than
black-colored as blue is more pleasing to look than black.

Most people in most parts of the world have a preference for fair color.
White is considered auspicious and a symbol for good, while black is
inauspicious and a symbol for evil. There are no doubt some
exceptional people who have a craze for black color. Ayyappa devotees wear
black clothes.

Most marriages in India are arranged by elders. There is preference for
fair-complexioned spouses in arranged  marriages. It is a fact that
celebrating marriage for a dark-skinned girl in India is not that easy. In
love marriages, factors other than body color play a greater role in
choosing the partners.

R. Jagadiswara Rao




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