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)