Naturally as humans we are curious to know who or what created the earth, the vast universe, but most of all the sometimes inexplicable make-up of the human body. Many of us follow religions because we were taught at a young age to believe in what our parents believed in or because we did research and chose for ourselves what we think to be true. For some it is a no brainer to have this belief in something greater but there are others that need questions answered that may not be answered from a holy book. Like others, I enjoy exploring religions along with cultures which led me to the Hindu Ganesh Temple in Flushing, Queens.

A very good friend of mine was kind enough to come with me and explain what I should expect entering the Ganesh Temple. As much as she told me nothing could prepare me for what I experienced that evening. First, she told me that I would be better off wearing a ‘sari’ to the temple. For those that are not familiar with what this is it is the traditional dress of a female worn to temples, weddings, parties, and formal functions. It is not mandatory to wear a sari but I was told it was a form of showing respect and reverence. Wearing my sari, I was also embellished in gold earrings, gold necklaces, and endless bangles. On the outside of the temple, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the statues of Gods on both sides decorated and uniformly arranged with beautiful and colorful flowers. I was directed to the basement and told to take my shoes off before entering the actual temple. Upon entering, the first thing that caught my attention was a young girl sitting and singing at the top her lungs the sweetest song my ears could bare. She was accompanied by an older man smiling at her with joy and pride. In the middle of this room there was what looked like to me a smaller room where they had the most important God, Ganesh. There were plenty of offerings as well as milk, candles, and flowers around it. Also, I noticed there were statues against the walls in the perimeter of the room of each God. These were decorated heavily and had offerings of fruits and vegetables surrounding them. There were people praying to each of these Gods and as they prayed silently they held their hands up and clasped against their chest. I noticed that not everyone was praying to every idol and some of them were being skipped. I learned that not all people believe in all of the Gods but just some of them therefore they pray to those they do. There are various Hindu Gods and Goddesses to name a few, Ganesh, Shiva, Hanuman, Durga, and Lakshmi. While there I realized that my favorite Goddess was Lakshmi, Goddess of light, beauty, good fortune, and wealth. After walking around, I waited for my friend to finish her prayers and we sat on the floor in front of the Ganesh statue where others were beginning to sit also. Finally, an older man dressed in white began to recite mantras which I couldn’t understand but was still able to absorb the peace and beauty through the faces of others. Shortly after we left but before leaving one of the nicest people also known as the temple leaders shook my hand and thanked me for coming that day.

This experience for me was one of the few that I actually vividly remember because of how different the environment was for me. I was deeply moved by the way people were worshipping and singing so freely. I recommend that students take time to explore their surroundings and to not be afraid of change. Change is what influences us every day and continues to build our character. With that said, I leave you with this quote…

 “They play it safe. Are quick to assassinate what they do not understand. They move in packs, ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel most comfortable in groups, less guilt to swallow. They are us. This is what we have become. Afraid to respect the individual. A single person within a circumstance can move one to change, to love our self, to evolve.” -erykah badu