VMilian
Lord Ganesha in Harlem.
Religion has always been important to the African-American community. This is especially true in Harlem, which is considered by many to be the center of Black America.
For the most part, the symbols of faith associated with the Black church and spirituality in the United States have been Judeo-Christian in nature. For example, if you walk through Harlem you will surely see a church or three. There are also mosques and synagogues scattered throughout.
So it came as a surprise to me when, as I was walking along 118th Street, I came across this statue in the photo. It's Ganesha, a *Hindu* deity. According to Hinduism, Ganesha is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshiped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
I imagine there's quite a story behind this particular statue, and how it came to live in Harlem...
Lord Ganesha in Harlem.
Religion has always been important to the African-American community. This is especially true in Harlem, which is considered by many to be the center of Black America.
For the most part, the symbols of faith associated with the Black church and spirituality in the United States have been Judeo-Christian in nature. For example, if you walk through Harlem you will surely see a church or three. There are also mosques and synagogues scattered throughout.
So it came as a surprise to me when, as I was walking along 118th Street, I came across this statue in the photo. It's Ganesha, a *Hindu* deity. According to Hinduism, Ganesha is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshiped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
I imagine there's quite a story behind this particular statue, and how it came to live in Harlem...