Week 2/3 Project: Topic Brainstorm
Topic 1: Goddess Annapurna
Because I already have a relatively strong background in Hindu mythology, I thought it would be interesting to look into topics that are relatively more obscure - this would both allow me to learn new things and would make for very interesting topics! One of these is on the goddess of food and nourishment, Annapurna Devi. The inspiration from this came from the Annapurna Stotram - a prayer/hymn written in worship of Goddess Annapurna by Adi Shankaracharya. I really enjoy listening to this particular rendition of the stotram, and when I saw the English translation, thought it would be a very interesting topic to see how Annapurna Devi aligns with the rest of Goddess tradition - especially considering how she is described in this particular stotram.
Topic 2: The Purusha
This is yet another interesting topic that I thought would be very fun to learn about after taking Dr. Moodie's Introduction to Hinduism class last semester. The Purusha Suktam is a very famous, ancient hymn from the Rig Veda (the oldest of the four Vedas), which details the sacrifice of the "Cosmic Person," or purusha in Sanskrit. It is a very interesting topic because it not only ties in the topic of ritual and sacrifice, but it also raises interesting philosophical questions that can be fun to maneuver in story format. The link above is a link to a rendition of the Purusha Suktam with subtitles.
Topic 3: Goddess Bhumi
Like Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Bhumi is often overlooked and is relatively obscure in Hindu mythology. However, since Bhumi has a direct role in the Ramayana (as Sita's mother), it would be very interesting to tie in elements of the Ramayana into lore about the Goddess Earth. Usually, Bhumi is depicted as a "second spouse" of Vishnu - although this is muddled by the fact that some people consider Bhumi a manifestation of the Goddess, just like Lakshmi (the more well-known spouse of Vishnu).
Topic 4: Brahma
Brahma has an interesting place in the Hindu pantheon. Although he is considered part of the orthodox "trinity," alongside Vishnu and Shiva, he is very seldom worshipped. There are interesting mythologies as to why specifically this is - one of them being that Shiva cursed Brahma to such a fate. However, he is still the bestower of many boons that are influential in major mythologies - for this reason, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Brahma while writing stories about him.
Because I already have a relatively strong background in Hindu mythology, I thought it would be interesting to look into topics that are relatively more obscure - this would both allow me to learn new things and would make for very interesting topics! One of these is on the goddess of food and nourishment, Annapurna Devi. The inspiration from this came from the Annapurna Stotram - a prayer/hymn written in worship of Goddess Annapurna by Adi Shankaracharya. I really enjoy listening to this particular rendition of the stotram, and when I saw the English translation, thought it would be a very interesting topic to see how Annapurna Devi aligns with the rest of Goddess tradition - especially considering how she is described in this particular stotram.
Topic 2: The Purusha
This is yet another interesting topic that I thought would be very fun to learn about after taking Dr. Moodie's Introduction to Hinduism class last semester. The Purusha Suktam is a very famous, ancient hymn from the Rig Veda (the oldest of the four Vedas), which details the sacrifice of the "Cosmic Person," or purusha in Sanskrit. It is a very interesting topic because it not only ties in the topic of ritual and sacrifice, but it also raises interesting philosophical questions that can be fun to maneuver in story format. The link above is a link to a rendition of the Purusha Suktam with subtitles.
Topic 3: Goddess Bhumi
Like Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Bhumi is often overlooked and is relatively obscure in Hindu mythology. However, since Bhumi has a direct role in the Ramayana (as Sita's mother), it would be very interesting to tie in elements of the Ramayana into lore about the Goddess Earth. Usually, Bhumi is depicted as a "second spouse" of Vishnu - although this is muddled by the fact that some people consider Bhumi a manifestation of the Goddess, just like Lakshmi (the more well-known spouse of Vishnu).
Topic 4: Brahma
Brahma has an interesting place in the Hindu pantheon. Although he is considered part of the orthodox "trinity," alongside Vishnu and Shiva, he is very seldom worshipped. There are interesting mythologies as to why specifically this is - one of them being that Shiva cursed Brahma to such a fate. However, he is still the bestower of many boons that are influential in major mythologies - for this reason, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Brahma while writing stories about him.
A picture depicting Brahma coming out of Vishnu's navel with Lakshmi at Vishnu's feet
The Purusha topic seems very cool! I almost took Moodie's class last semester. I have yet to have a class with her, but have heard awesome things. What can you tell me about her? Also, I like your idea to get more in depth, since you already have a basic understanding. Way to not take the easy A. A more philosophical approach resonates with me as well Check out my blog. You might like it!
ReplyDeleteMoodie's class was actually really cool! We explored the Hindu tradition from many angles (from ancient Vedic to contemporary), and she did an excellent job of teaching us about the sociopolitical factors that have influenced the religion, too. I would really recommend taking that class. She's also a super cool person, too.
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