Ganesh, Remover of Obstacles

Ganesh
Originally uploaded by ecindia07.

Gentle, wise Ganesh is one of the most popular deities of Hinduism. The elephant-headed god is known as the remover of obstacles and the patron of letters and learning. Statues of Ganesh can be found in most Indian towns, and he is honored and invoked at the start of a journey or venture.

Andrea

It seems fitting that Mark Twain had something to say about India. He wrote, of Varanasi, that it was "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." Veranasi, of course, is one of the most important Hindu cities, where bathing in the Ganges guarantees direct entry to heaven and the release from the reincarnation cycle. We'll be going there--perhaps to bathe?--toward the end of our trip. It's all very exciting!

Martha

Hi everyone,

This is the blog for the Elmira College Term III trip to India. We are leaving on Wednesday, May 2, and will be back on May 25. In class this week, we have had some overview of Indian history, religion, and culture, as well as lots of discussion of practical matters once we get there. Students have also been doing presentations on each of the cities that we'll be visiting. We hope to post regularly, so check back for updates!

Andrea