Week 6 Storytelling: The Four Friends

The Four Friends

It was a warm autumn afternoon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bhakti, Kapil, Vidya, and Suraj were walking back from school. The seventh grade had just started two weeks ago and the four friends still couldn't believe summer was over. On their walk home, the kids talked about what they missed most about summer. Kapil and Suraj's families went on a cruise together and all the boys could talk about was their time on the ship. Vidya went on and on about the youth camp she was at for one month. Bhakti just listened to her friends talk about their fun adventures because she stayed in Tulsa all summer. 

When they arrived at their neighborhood, Kapil invited everyone to come over to his house. This was their tradition everyday after school. One of the four friends would invite everyone to their respective house and the kids would hang out and do homework until they went home for dinner. Kapil informed his friends that his grandparents were visiting from India and they always had a lot to talk about. Kapil's grandparents taught him a lot about the Hindu religion and he was excited for his friends to listen. 

When the kids walked into Kapil's house, his grandpa was the first to see them. He advised them to take off their shoes before entering any further into the house. This is a respectful gesture that many Indian families do. Bhakti, Vidya, and Suraj realized that their parents did take their shoes off before entering the house, but they never forced the kids to do it. They liked that Kapil's grandpa told them to do this. The kids could tell that they were going to enjoy talking to him. 

Bhakti, Kapil, Vidya, and Suraj went to the dining room where Kapil's grandma left some snacks and juice. The kids sat at the table and waited for Kapil's grandpa to start telling them something cool about Hinduism. His grandpa came and started by asking them if they know anything about the old Indian caste system. All of the kids had puzzled looks on their faces. Kapil's grandpa was a little surprised, but he went on to explain to them how the caste system worked. He told them that the caste system basically put each individual into one of four different groups, based on their birth. A person's last name signified which group they were in. 

Kapil's grandpa explained that the Brahmins were known to be religious, studious people and the Kshatriyas were rulers and warriors. He told them that the Vaishyas were merchants and farmers and the Shudras were the laborers and service providers. He also told them that this system was under a lot of scrutiny because it made some people look better than others. Kapil's grandpa even told them about the untouchable group and how they were the lowest of all. 

The four friends were really intrigued by the concept of the caste system. They were talking about it all evening. Bhakti had this crazy thought that each of them could fit under one of the four groups. Bhakti pointed out that Kapil was the tough one of their group and he always protected his friends. Kapil would have been the perfect Kshatriya. Bhakti also noted that Suraj always did all the work during group projects, almost like a Shudra would do. Vidya was the perfect Vaishya because she was always trading things and doing business with people at school. Kapil let everyone know that Bhakti was the epitome of a Brahmin in that she loved school and always taught her friends concepts that only she understood.  

(Brahmin man. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

At school that day, Bhakti noticed there was one boy in their class that no one ever talked to. She automatically thought about the caste system and how that boy would be looked at as an untouchable. She was unhappy with this thought and decided to go and talk to the boy. At lunch, she told her three friends about the boy. They all decided that the caste system was a good idea, but it shouldn't exclude people. After school, the kids decided to go back to Kapil's house and talk to his grandpa about what they discovered. Bhakti explained how each of the four of them had their perfect role in their clique, but how some people might feel left out, like an untouchable. The kids told Kapil's grandpa about how they wished the untouchable group didn't exist. 

This is when Kapil's grandpa told them that the ideas of the caste system are not really in place anymore today. He told them that he was proud of them for deeply thinking about what he told them. Bhakti, Kapil, Vidya, and Suraj thanked him for introducing them to something they had never heard of before. The kids told Kapil that they would definitely be back at his house again to learn more from his grandpa. 

Author's Note. I very loosely based this story off of the section in the Mahabharata when Hanuman and his half-brother Bhima met up. In this section, Hanuman give his half-brother a brief overview of what he has done in regards to his adventures with Rama. Hanuman ends up telling Bhima about the different ages of humanity and how the idea of the caste system came about in the third age, called the Dwapara Yuga. In this age, all actions were based upon the caste system and each individual's specific role in society. I got inspiration from my story from the idea of the caste system. I wanted to explain the system a little. I also wanted to touch on why it isn't in use anymore. 

Bibliography. PDE Mahabharata. Part C. Section 46. Various authors. 

Week 6 Reading Diary: PDE Mahabharata continued

PDE: Mahabharata by various authors

For the end of this week, I finished reading the great Indian epic, Mahabharata. This epic story was full of drama and had many different characters to keep up with. Although I have previously read and watched the Mahabharata, I found myself learning new things as I read. My parents read bits and pieces of the Mahabharata to me most nights when I was a kid, but I guess some of the stuff left my memory. The ending of the Mahabharata really stuck out to me, especially the death of Krishna. The eerie setting in Dwaraka really set the mood for Krishna's death. The description of the town was very vivid. "Then the night was haunted by a black woman with yellow teeth who grinned horribly at house doors." I got a clear visual of a creepy looking lady who just looked like death. Krishna's actual death reminded me of the Achilles' heel reference. Krishna was shot in the only spot on his body where he could be mortally wounded, which ultimately lead to his death. The idea of achilles' heel standing for weakness in spite of overall strength comes from Greek mythology. Achilles was dipped into a river that was supposed to give him invulnerability. In order to get the magical water on him, Achilles was held by his heel and because of that, his heel was untouched by the water, leaving his heel vulnerable. If I were to write a story about this, I have this idea to combine Krishna's death and Achilles' story into one. 

(Achilles dipped in River Styx. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Week 6 Reading Diary: PDE Mahabharata

PDE: Mahabharata by various authors

This week, we are finishing up the Indian epic, Mahabharata. This epic story has a lot of drama. A lot. At one point, I couldn't stop reading even though I knew I had to sleep. For my reading diary, I decided to focus on the section that discussed Bhima and Hanuman's encounter. I chose to focus on this part of the story because I am doing my Storybook over Hanuman and his stories. I actually planned on writing about this as part of a story. The section talks about how Bhima and Hanuman are said to be half-brothers; they are both the sons of the wind god, Vayu. I liked how they briefly explained the caste system and how Hanuman explained it all to Bhima. I decided to read more into the different ages. Krita Yuga is the age of truth, when the gods governed all the land. Every manifestation is close to the pure ideals and and intrinsic goodness prevailed. The Treta Yuga was when sacrifices were introduced and people grew more materialistic. The Dwapara Yuga is the third age and it is characterized by the introduction of the four castes, brahmin, vaishya, kshatriya, and shudra. The caste system is very interesting because it brought about different roles for each person in a community. The final age, the Kali Yuga, is the age of vice where human civilization degenerates. I am interested in writing a story about modern day friends who are all parts of different caste systems and how they work together. 

(Pyramid of caste system. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Tech Tip: Site Navigation

For this week's technology tip, I decided to look at some of the ways to enhance my storybook site. I decided to look through the different navigation styles available on Google sites. After thinking about my content, I chose to use the horizontal navigation without the sidebar. I felt like this was the best option because, as of now, I believe I will have a few pages with short titles. So far, I like the way the horizontal navigation looks. 

Thoughts About Comments

Over the past five weeks, I have received many comments on my blog. I have mainly received comments on my story posts and introduction post. The comments that I find most helpful are the ones in which the reader lets me know if my story flows well or not. I also find comments helpful when they tell me if the set up of my blog post is appealing to the eye. My favorite comments are the ones that I receive on my introduction post because I love meeting other people who love The Office as much as I do. 

Week 5 Storytelling: Draupadi's Choice

Draupadi's Choice

Author's Note. This week, we began reading the great Indian epic, Mahabharata. I am already quite familiar with this epic so it was nice to refresh my mind on some of the smaller details. Since I was younger, I was always intrigued by how Draupadi was married to five guys. As a kid, you see your mom and dad married to each other and that's it, no other wives/husbands in the mix. So to hear about this story where a woman has five husbands is always interesting. This week I decided to write my story based on Draupadi's Swayamwara. I decided to make my story into a Screenplay because I felt that this scene would be perfect to act out. To change it up, I decided to let Draupadi make a decision about who she gets to marry, rather than her having five husbands. 

KUNTI, wife of King Pandu, mother of Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, and Arjuna

YUDHISHTHIRA, eldest Pandava brother, name means one who is steadfast even during war, son of      Kunti and Dharma

BHIMASENA, second Pandava brother, name means "of terrible might", son of Kunti and Vayu

ARJUNA, third Pandava brother, name means "of stainless deeds", son of Kunti and Indra

NAKULA, fourth Pandava brother, name means "the charming one", son of Madri and Nasatya

SAHADEVA, youngest Pandava brother, name means "equal to a thousand gods", son of Madri and        Nasatya

KING DRUPADA, king of Panchala

DRAUPADI, "fire born" daughter of Drupada, wife of the Pandava brothers

FADE IN

In the kingdom of Panchala, a swayamwara for King Drupada's beloved daughter is to be held. The regents and princes from all over were invited to take part in this challenge to win Draupadi's hand in marriage. 

KING DRUPADA [to himself]: I need to set up the perfect challenge so that only the greatest of men can marry my beautiful Draupadi. I must make a bow and arrow shooting challenge. But this won't be any ordinary bow, it will be such a powerful bow that only a very strong gentleman could bend and string it. But that will not cut it. Let me make this even more difficult. After all, whoever wins this challenge gets my lovely daughter in return. Here, let's add a spinning wheel that the arrow must go through. Oh, but not only that, the man who wins my daughter must have terrific aim. He will have to get the arrow through the wheel and also shoot this here golden fish. Whoever can do all of this will marry Draupadi. Ah, yes! This is the perfect swayamwara. Ha ha! Now my daughter will have the best husband. 

DRAUPADI: Oh father, what a challenge you have made! I am doubtful that any man can stand up to this mighty swayamwara. 

KING DRUPADA: Draupadi, the perfect man will come and win you. I am sure of it. 

[to himself]: Oh how I hope the mighty Arjuna will attend and complete my challenge. In my           eyes, he is the best man for Draupadi. 

The swayamwara begins 

KING DRUPADA: Come all might men who desire to marry my Draupadi! We shall see who is strong enough to bend and string this here bow. 

NARRATOR: Many men stepped up to the bow and attempted to lift it. One by one, they failed. Some were able to lift the powerful bow, but none were able to string it. Suddenly, Arjuna comes up to the bow. 

ARJUNA [dressed as a brahmin]: Here, let me attempt this. 

NARRATOR: Arjuna is able to lift and string the bow with ease. In one swift movement, he shoots the arrow, it goes through the wheel, and hits the golden fish. 

CROWD: Oh my! Who is this brahmin who was able to string the bow? 

DRAUPADI [running up to Arjuna]: You have done it! Finally, a man strong enough to complete my father's challenge. I am so excited! 

[pauses] Wait! I know you, you are that Pandava, Arjuna. My father is always talking about you. I'm sure he is very happy that you have succeeded in completing his challenge. 

(Draupadi's Swayamwara. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Pandavas and Draupadi go back home

KUNTI: I have heard of the wonderful feat you have accomplished, Arjuna! You have brought great honor to the Pandava name, but also, you have gifted yourself and each of your brothers a beautiful wife. 

ARJUNA: What? What do you mean I have gifted my brothers with a wife? I have won Draupadi fair and square. None of the others stepped up and tried to string the bow. I am the rightful winnter. 

KUNTI: But it is written that she will marry you all. It must be done this way, son. 

ARJUNA: No, mother, I do not like this.

YUDHISHTHIRA: Mother, how is this fair to anyone? Arjuna has won Draupadi fair and square. 

BHIMASENA: Well, shoot! I don't mind sharing Draupadi. I mean, look how beautiful she is. Brothers, let's marry her. 

NAKULA: Bhima, what the heck? Are you crazy? Draupadi is a person just like us. She should have a say in her future. Let her pick who she wants to marry. 

ARJUNA: What do you mean, "let her pick?" Nakula, I was the one who completed the challenge. I get to marry her. 

DRAUPADI: Arjuna, as happy as I am that you won, I agree with Bhimasena. I feel like I should have a say in who I marry. I do not want to be married to five men, especially five brothers. That does not seem like a good future to me. Please allow me to choose. 

ARJUNA: I guess you are right. Please, tell us Pandavas who you have in mind to be your husband. 

DRAUPADI: Thank you, Arjuna, for understanding. I would like to marry your younger brother, Nakula. He is the only one who acknowledged my choice in this matter. He seems to be the most genuine of the Pandava men. I will be happy to marry Nakula. 

NAKULA: Oh dear Draupadi, I am humbled by your decision. Let us get married at once.

NARRATOR: Looks like Draupadi made a surprising decision in the end. I guess Nakula was able to live up to his name, "the charming one." 

FADE OUT

Bibliography. PDE Mahabharata. Part B. Section 26-27. Various authors. 

Week 5 Reading Diary: PDE Mahabharata continued

PDE: Mahabharata by various authors

After reading the next handful of sections of the public domain version of the great Indian epic Mahabharata, I became very intrigued by a few of the many stories. The one I enjoyed most was reading about how Draupadi would be married to all five of the Pandavas. The mother of the Pandavas, Kunti, had made an accidental command and ordered that her sons marry one woman. I was instantly interested in this story because throughout the Ramayana and the parts I have read of the Mahabhararta, only men had multiple wives. I had never read about women having multiple husbands. I was especially curious about how it would be to be married to five brothers. That must definitely be weird. At the beginning, it was Arjuna who won Draupadi at the swayamvara, but Arjuna told the oldest brother, Yudhishthira that "thou art our elder brother and we are thy servants." For this reason, Arjuna felt that Yudhishthira deserved to marry Draupadi. The funny part in all of this commotion was that each brother secretly wanted Draupadi. When they couldn't decide, the decision was put on Drupada, father of Draupadi. Drupada asked the eldest Pandava whether he would allow Arjuna to marry Draupadi. Yudhishthira said that he would need advice from the great rishi, Vyasa. Vyasa was the one who announced that it was already written that Draupadi would marry all five of the Pandava brothers. To change this ending up a bit, I would write a story about how Draupadi was given the choice of which brother she would marry. 

(Draupadi and the Pandava brothers. Source: Wikipedia)

Week 5 Reading Diary: Mahabharata PDE

PDE: Mahabharata by various authors 

This week we are starting to read the Mahabharata. I chose to read the stories from the online public domain edition because it is far more convenient for me. I am excited that we are finally starting the Mahabharata. I am familiar with the stories because I have grown up hearing them from my parents. We even read Mahabharata comics and watched cartoon versions of the great epic. The first thing to catch my attention when I started reading was the part about how Ganga wanted her son to be very powerful, but never be married or have children. I was curious as to why she would want that. I really liked the part in King Shantanu and Ganga when Ganga said that if she was to marry him, she still wanted her freedom and independence. That's rare to read about in these epics. Ganga was very adamant on returning to her celestial form. "She suddenly vanished before his eyes." Ganga still came back to King Shantanu for a moment, to give him his son, Devavrata. What I liked about Devavrata was how he received his other name, Bhishma. He wanted to help his father, King Shantanu, marry Satyavati. In doing so, he went to her father and vowed that if Satyavati would marry Shantanu, he would never take the throne. He would remain unmarried and without children. This is just what Ganga wished for her son. I want to retell this story and touch more on Bhishma's side. I want to find more emotion behind the "terrible vow" that he promised. 

(Devavrata takes the vow. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Week 4 Reading Diary: Nine Ideal Indian Women continued

Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shankutala

Early this week, I read Sunity Devee's rendition of Sita's story. For the rest of this week's Ramayana readings, I decided to read more of Devee's work. This time I focused on Promila's story. Promila is Ravana's son's wife. Promila was a very dedicated wife. When Indrajit set out to defeat Rama for killing his brother, Birbahoo, she felt empty. "Without him, life became a void, a pathless chasm, into which she could not see." When Indrajit didn't return at sunset, Promila became so distressed that she decided to set out in search of him. "No gates can hold me back, no enemy intimidate me. I go to join my lord." She was so adamant on being with her husband that she risked her life. It was saddening to read about Promila and Indrajit's last good byes before Indrajit left to face Rama and Lakshmana. Promila tried to be strong and put on a brave face, but in the end, the grief of losing her husband overcame her. When Promila found out about Indrajit's death, she was distraught. Promila was so devoted to her husband that she literally couldn't live without him. If I was to write a story about Promila, I would definitely change her ending. I would write her as a strong and independent woman who was able to live happily with the memories of her beloved Indrajit. 

Bibliography. Nine Ideal Indian Women, Sunity Devee. (1919)

Promila

Tech Tip: Google Timer

For this week's technology tip, I decided to try out Google timer. I had never heard of this feature of Google until looking it up on the extra credits page. Now that I know about it, I will definitely be using it while studying and working on homework. 

I find it helpful to set up 5-10 minute breaks for myself before I even start working. I will decide how long I need to work for and then break up that time into about 30 minutes of work for every 5 minute break. I find that this helps me to not get burned out while studying for extended periods of time. 

This Google timer will be helpful for me in managing how much time I allot to a specific task on the computer. This way, I won't find myself browsing Facebook for 45 minutes when I'm supposed to be studying for a Microbiology test. 

Week 4 Reading Diary: Nine Ideal Indian Women

Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shankutala 

For this week's reading, I decided to explore the works of Sunity Devee. Her book focused on nine ideal Indian women, which included stories about Sita and Ravana's son's wife, Promila. I read the first section, which focused on Sita. I was instantly intrigued by this story because it started off by explaining Sita's birth. It is known that Sita was found in a pitcher in the furrows of Janaka's kingdom. Right after describing Sita's "birth", Devee goes on to describe that a handful of sages gave Ravana's messenger that particular pitcher and told Ravana that "it carries a crushing significance which will end his royal splendor." I really liked how Devee broke up the beginning of the Sita chapter and explained Sita's birth and then simultaneously described Rama's birth and childhood. I enjoyed how she went into great detail about Janaka's test to find Sita's husband. She successfully explained the importance of the bow and how only a man with divine attributes would be able to break the bow. My favorite part of this chapter was how Devee emphasized that Rama and Sita fell in love at first sight and immediately became devoted to one another. Rama was so devoted to his father that, even though he already loved Sita and wanted to marry her, he waited to accept until he received Dasharatha's approval. My favorite part about the Sita chapter is that the author had to incorporate all of Rama's story because Sita is incomplete without Rama. 

Bibliography. Nine Ideal Indian Women, Sunity Devee. (1919)

Rama and Sita

Storybook: Story Styles

Hanuman Storybook: Story Styles

Topic: I have decided that my story book will focus on Hanuman, the monkey god. For my story book, I want to highlight many different stories that pertain to Hanuman. I found a few stories already, that I definitely want to expand on. This one story about how Hanuman got his name is very interesting. I also want to incorporate the different stories of why Hanuman was a monkey. The Mystery of Hanuman website went into detail about different stories about Hanuman's origin. And obviously, I will add Hanuman's stories as told in the Ramayana. 

(Hanuman and the Sun. Source: Wikipedia)

Bibliography: 

1. Mythological Story: Hanuman, author unknown.

2. The Mystery of Hanuman, by Nitin Kuman (2004).

3. PDE: Ramayna, by various authors. 

Story Styles:

Bedtime Story. I think making my Hanuman storybook into a children's bedtime storybook would be easy and fun. I could have little installments each week where I write a bedtime story based on a specific story about Hanuman's life. By writing in a bedtime story style, I can twist aspects of Hanuman's stories into more exciting or animated ordeals, something that a kid would like to hear before bed. 

Immortals Among Us. This would be an interesting way to incorporate Hanuman's story into my storybook. If I were to use this style, I would first talk about how Hanuman is alive and present in Norman, Oklahoma in 2016. Hanuman would go around and meet various people and explain his story and how he's still present today. It would be a fun challenge to write Hanuman into the 21st century. 

Breaking News. Obviously this style would be fun to write and read. Hanuman has a lot of crazy stories about antics he got himself into. I can just picture my storybook looking like an online news website, headlining crazy stories about Hanuman. This would be an easy way to include many different stories about Hanuman. I could make it weekly installments about Hanuman on a news site. Storytelling at Hogwarts. I would love to be able to tell Hanuman's stories through the viewpoint of the Patil sisters from Hogwarts. I love Harry Potter and I love Hanuman's stories so this would be fun for me. I did one of my weekly stories in this style already and I got a lot of positive feedback. I could even act like Indian Epics is a course at Hogwarts and the professor is teaching the students about Hanuman for a week. I could even make up spells that relate to Hanuman and his stories. 

Tech Tip: Embedded YouTube

Embedded YouTube

For my tech tip this week, I decided to add a YouTube video to my Introduction post. To go along with the information I put in my introduction, I decided to add The Office theme song video to my post.

Week 3 Reading Diary: PDE Ramayana continued

PDE: Ramayana by various authors

Wow! I am very torn about having completed the Ramayana. I am very glad that I was able to refresh on my knowledge of the Ramayana and learn some things that I had completely forgotten about. This last section was intense. I was on edge as I was reading the sections when Rama almost rejects Sita because of her time in Lanka with Ravana. I really liked the part when Sita defended herself and said, "my body was not in my power, but my heart, that lies under my own sway, is set on thee alone." It was refreshing to read something about how a woman can stay faithful to her husband even while in the midst of another man for so long. I was honestly surprised by Rama for evening doubting or questioning Sita in the first place, because he knew how much she loved him. I was shocked when Sita turned to Lakshmana and spoke, "branded with an undeserved stigma, I will not live." I didn't expect her to choose death over living a life without Rama. 

Like my first reading diary for this week, if I were to choose to write a story based on these sections (Sita and Rama and Sita Tested), I would twist it to where Sita was less dependent on Rama. I want to write a story of Sita's life after Rama rejected her (even though he doesn't actually reject her, he only does it so the people of Ayodhya won't doubt her). A life where Sita doesn't need Rama. 

(Sita proving her purity with Agni Pariksha. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Week 3 Reading Diary: PDE Ramayana

PDE: Ramayana by various authors

After catching up on my readings of the Ramayana, I decided that the sections in Part C were by far my favorite. So far, my favorite moment was when Hanuman got to Lanka and finally found Sita in Ashoka Grove. I was instantly intrigued by the imagery used to describe Lanka. The author used descriptions such as "girt with a golden wall and filled with buildings huge as cloudy mountains." These words definitely made it easy for me to picture Lanka. I also enjoyed how they described Ravana asleep on his bed "decked with splendid jewels, like a crimson sunset cloud pierced by flashes of lightening." The line that caught my attention the most and sparked an idea for a story was when Hanuman mistook Ravana's queen for Sita. He thought to himself, "Without Rama, Sita would not eat or drink or sleep or decorate her person, nor would she company with any other than he; this is some other one." For my story, I want to keep Sita devoted to Rama, but I want to write her character as more strong and independent. In the next section, Ashoka Grove, it says that Hanuman found Sita in a pale and full of tears. I want to add a twist that shows that Sita was able to take care of herself during her kidnapping. 

(Ravana's golden abode in Lanka. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Tech Tip: Blog Profile

Blogger Profile and Name Display

For this tech tip, I decided to take out the "About Me" section on the right hand side of my blog. I don't want my name showing up on my blog, solely due to personal preference. 

Storybook Topics: Brainstorm

1. Women Characters. This was the first topic that caught my eye because growing up, all I really remember my parents highlighting were the actions of the male characters in the epics. I would love to read more about some of the women characters in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. If I were to do my Storybook over a women character, I would probably focus on Sita or Draupadi.
Research So Far. On the storybook topics page, I followed the links that lead me to more information on Draupadi. The Wikipedia page on Draupadi went into great detail on her early life and childhood. I read that Draupadi has about twelve names that people use to refer to her. I also read about how she married all five of the Pandavas. The Wikipedia page on Sita had a ton of information as well. I found it very interesting that Sita's birthplace is disputed. There are about six different explanations about Sita's birth. My favorite one said that Sita was actually Ravana's daughter. There was an astrology who announced that Ravana's wife's first child would destroy his lineage. The page also provided detailed images of Sita, like this one:

(Sita. Source: Wikipedia)

2. Gods and Goddesses: Hanuman. Growing up, I was always interested in the story of Hanuman. Just this past weekend, I was browsing through the Indian channels at home and I came across an entire show based on Hanuman's story. After watching a few minutes of the show, I immediately thought about learning more about him for my Storybook. Also, I know the Hanuman Chalisa, which is a devotional prayer dedicated to Hanuman. 

Research So Far. After reading the Wikipedia page on Hanuman, I became even more intrigued. The story of Hanuman's birth and the reason for his monkey-like face is very interesting. The Wikipedia page says that Hanuman was born for the sake of helping Rama (avatar of Vishnu) defeat Ravana. It started with Narada cursing Vishnu for his ape-like face and telling him that Vishnu will soon be dependent on a vanara (forest-dweller). Vishnu told Narada not to feel bad for the curse because this curse would lead to Hanuman's birth. 

3. Gods and Goddesses: Ganesha. I have always been interested in Ganesha, mostly because of his elephant head. I would want to write my Storybook over Ganesha so I can refresh my knowledge on his story. Also, not to be ignorant, but I have always loved elephants. 

Research So Far. The Wikipedia page on Ganesha had a lot of good information. I read about how Ganesha got his elephant head. One story says that Parvati wanted protection so she created Ganesha using clay.  Shiva went on to behead Ganesha when he started to get in between Shiva and Parvati. After beheading him, Shiva put an elephant head in place of his original head. Another story says that Shiva created Ganesha with his laughter, and he gave him an elephant head and chubby belly because he was too attractive. 

4. Traveling India: Ganges. I have been to India four times in my life and I have never visited the Ganges. My dad always told me that visiting and bathing in the Ganges was an experience he would never forget. I would really enjoy getting to learn more about the Ganges through my Storybook. 

Research So Far. On the Wikipedia page about the Ganges, there was a lot about the Hindu rituals that surround the river. It says that Hindus bathe in the waters to pay homage to their ancestors and the Gods. They cup the water in their hands, lift it over their heads and let it fall back into the river. Followers also take some holy water back home with them to use in rituals. 

(Ganges. Source: Wikipedia)