When Creativity Overshadows Devotion: A Thought on Ganpati Idols

Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, I look forward to the arrival of Bappa. Streets light up with colors, pandals bloom with energy, and artisans pour their heart into sculpting idols. This year, I noticed something weird, an explosion of creativity in Ganpati idols. From flying poses to Bahubali avatar, from standing figures to experimental expressions, there seems to be a race in making Ganpati “different.”

But it left me wondering, do we really need to reinvent Him?

Ganpati, in his original form, is already the most endearing. His round belly, folded legs, calm expression, and the modak in his hand, this simplicity carries beauty beyond comparison. He is Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and at the same time the cutest deity who feels like family. When he sits on his singhasan or with his legs folded in peace, that is when he feels most present, most divine, most approachable.

Creativity has its place. Art evolves with time, and it is natural for artisans to explore new expressions. Yet, when it comes to God, the essence is not in novelty but in devotion. We welcome Him for just eleven days, in those few days, do we really want to be distracted by how “unique” His idol looks, or do we want to connect with His presence as He truly is?

Maybe it’s time we celebrate Him in the way He has always been: simple, beautiful, and divine in His original avatar.

Finding Joy Beyond Monday Blues

Monday blues were in full swing today. Deadlines waiting, tasks piling up, crowded trains, honking vehicles, and a restless mind. Today was no different. On my way to the office, I was consumed by stress and irritation worrying about the day ahead, annoyed at my team’s errors, and battling the chaos of a busy street.

As I was hurrying across a tricky road where vehicles rarely slow down, something unexpected happened. Two little street kids pointed towards me. At first, I didn’t understand. I walked a few steps ahead, then turned back and realized — they were asking for help to cross the road.

I immediately walked back, held their hands, and guided them across. What struck me in that moment was not just the children’s trust but also the line of vehicles that actually waited for us until we were safe. For once, the world seemed to pause so that two little kids could safely cross.

The stress of the morning melted into a quiet smile. That small act brought an instant happiness and dissolved all my stress. It reminded me that even on the busiest days, joy hides in simple moments of kindness. Sometimes, helping someone else is the best way to help ourselves.

My recent visit to Pandharpur…

There are some journeys in life that are not measured in kilometres but in years… and in the depths of the heart. My recent visit to the Vitthal temple at Pandharpur was one such journey. After so many years, I finally stood before him — my Vitthal — the divine with his hands on his waist, the eternal posture that silently speaks, “I have been waiting for you.”

Walking through the bustling streets of Pandharpur, I could hear the chants of “Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal” floating in my ears. The place was crowded, yet an unusual calmness surrounded my heart. I had been here before, 30 years ago, but this time was different. This time, I carried with me the weight of time, the changes in life, and the longing that had silently grown over the years. 

When I finally reached the temple and stepped into the Gabhara, the sight of Lord Vitthal standing there with his hands on his waist struck me deeply. It wasn’t just a deity’s posture anymore — it felt like a gesture of patience, love, and quiet strength. I could almost hear him say, “Yes, you took long… but I was here all along, waiting.”

A strange emotion washed over me. Was it guilt that I had made him wait too long? Or was it the realisation that I had only now made an effort to understand him beyond deity? Perhaps both. Because sometimes, it takes years of living, stumbling, and searching to finally recognise the one who has been there for you all along.

The years I had been away, the phases of life that kept me occupied, the excuses I made — none of it seemed to matter. This wait was not one of impatience, but of certainty. As if he knew I would come back, when I was ready.

It made me think — if Vitthal, the Lord of Pandharpur, can wait for his devotees without complaint, without question, then maybe we, too, need to learn the art of waiting for those we love… and for ourselves.

I left the temple with a heart lighter than when I had entered. It wasn’t just a pilgrimage; it was a reunion. A meeting between a devotee and a Lord, who had never once turned away and had always been with us.

As the temple bells echoed behind me, I smiled. Vitthal wasn’t just standing there with hands on his waist — he was holding the years, the love, the faith, and the quiet assurance that whenever and in any phase of life, he will be there. (“तू कधीही ये, मी इथेच आहे… वाट बघत.”)

वाट बघे पंढरीनाथ

किती वर्षांची ही दूर,

किती ऋतू गेले भरपूर,

तरीही उभा तो निश्चल,

हात कमरेवर ठेवून विठ्ठल ॥१॥

मी धडपडत फिरले जगती,

विसरले वाट त्याच्या नगरी,

तरीही तोच प्रेमळ विठोबा,

जो वाट बघे अखंड काळा ॥२॥

आले मी अखेर पंढरी,

घंटानाद गूंजे करी,

हसत म्हणे माझा विठू,

“ये ग, किती थांबवलंस परी!” ॥३॥

The Divine Timing of Swayambhagwan Trivikram’s Grace

This Ram Navami 2025, as I opened the book Swayambhagwan Trivikram Anant Namavali, written by my beloved Sadguru Dr. Aniruddha Joshi (Bapu) and published by Anjaneya Publications in 2023, I felt an overwhelming sense of divine timing. I had purchased the book back in 2023 on the occasion of Ram Navami, yet it remained unread until today that is Ram Navami 2025—exactly two years later. Was this merely a coincidence, or was it Trivikram’s unique way of guiding me to its pages precisely when I needed it the most?

Recently, discussions around karma, past-life sins, and their impact on my present had been occupying my thoughts. And just as I opened the book, the very first Namavali appeared before me was:

“ॐ त्रिविक्रमाय नमः”

Along with it, there was a powerful statement by Bapu:

“Trivikram’s speed can never be stopped by anyone, at any time, anywhere, or by any means. Therefore, my sins and destiny cannot prevent Him from entering my life.”

These words struck me deeply. Often, we find ourselves burdened by our past actions, questioning whether our mistakes and sins have distanced us from divine grace. But this statement was a firm reassurance—no force, no past deed, no sin can prevent Lord Trivikram from entering our lives. His grace is beyond any limitations, just like His three great gaint steps that encompassed the universe.

We have heard this truth from Bapu himself during Thursday discourses, yet in the chaos of daily life, we tend to forget. Doubts creep in, and we start believing that our past mistakes define us. But Trivikram’s grace is unstoppable. He does not wait for us to become ‘worthy’—His love is unconditional. (Visit https://aniruddha-devotionsentience.com/ for more details)

Reading this Namavali was like receiving a personal message from Him, reminding me once again that no matter what has happened in the past, His presence in my life is unwavering.

This Ram Navami, I am grateful for this divine reminder. Lord Trivikram’s grace does not waver, and neither should our faith.

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Ram Navami!

Overheard: A Reminder to Be Kind

The other day, while going about my day, I overheard a snippet of conversation that left me speechless. It was a simple sentence, really: "She's lost her mind, she left her husband." But within those few words, there was a world of judgment. 

The woman being spoken of, whoever she was, became instantly defined by a single action. There was no curiosity about her reasons, no empathy for her situation. Just a harsh dismissal, a label slapped on without a moment's thought.

It's a chilling reminder of how quickly we can resort to judgment, especially when we lack context. We live in a world overflowing with information, yet often devoid of understanding. Social media feeds present curated snapshots of lives, not the messy complexities that lie beneath. A single choice, a life decision, becomes fodder for gossip and speculation.

But what if we stopped to consider the story behind the headline, the reasons behind the choices? Perhaps the woman who left her husband was escaping an abusive situation. Maybe she was finally prioritizing her own happiness after years of self-sacrifice. We don't know, and frankly, it's not our place to judge.

We all carry burdens, navigate challenges, and make choices based on our unique experiences. The next time we're tempted to jump to conclusions, let's take a deep breath and choose kindness instead. Let's practice empathy, even for those whose paths diverge from our own.

The world needs less judgment and more understanding. Let's be the change we wish to see, one kind thought, one open mind at a time.

How Journaling Can Reshape Your Life 👍🖊

In today's fast-paced world, finding balance amidst the chaos can be challenging. But amidst the chaos, a simple tool offers a powerful solution: journaling.

Journaling isn't just about chronicling daily events. It's a space for self-discovery, a canvas for exploring your thoughts and emotions. By committing your experiences to paper, you gain a clearer perspective on what truly matters.

This is where journaling steps in as a powerful tool to help navigate life with intention and gratitude. Journaling has evolved from being a simple diary-keeping activity to a multifaceted practice that aids in personal growth, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Brands like Chaarpai, The Journal Lab, Odd Giraffe, and many others have introduced creative journals and gratitude journals that are designed to make this practice both enjoyable and effective.

Journaling offers a dedicated space to reflect on daily experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This reflective process can help identify patterns, recognize achievements, and address challenges constructively. By documenting thoughts, one can clear mental clutter, making it easier to focus on what truly matters. This practice of mindfulness encourages a more balanced and present approach to life.

Gratitude journals, in particular, are transformative. They prompt individuals to acknowledge and appreciate the small, often overlooked aspects of life. This daily practice of noting down things one is grateful for can shift perspectives, fostering a more optimistic outlook. Research has shown that regular gratitude practice can lead to improved mental health, increased happiness, and reduced stress levels. It helps individuals savor positive experiences, build stronger relationships, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

Creative journals, on the other hand, provide an outlet for artistic expression and imaginative thinking. These journals encourage creativity through prompts, sketches, and free writing. Engaging in creative activities has been linked to reduced stress and enhanced problem-solving skills, making these journals a valuable tool for maintaining mental equilibrium.

Moreover, planners and goal-setting journals are instrumental in helping individuals organize their lives. They enable users to set clear, achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps. By planning and tracking progress, one can maintain motivation and stay aligned with their aspirations, leading to a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

The beauty of journaling and planning goals lies in its versatility. There are no right or wrong ways. Whether you prefer a morning brainstorm or a late-night reflection, find a routine that works for you.

So, grab a pen and a notebook, unleash the power of introspection, and watch your life transform into a symphony of balance and purpose.

Hold the Gun with a Smile

In the fast-paced world we live in, life often feels like a battlefield. Each day brings its own set of challenges, be they personal or professional. The pressure to succeed, the drive to excel, and the constant need to adapt can make it seem like we’re constantly armed and ready for combat. But what if we approached these challenges differently? What if, instead of wearing a grim expression of determination, we held our metaphorical guns with a smile? This approach, combining strength with positivity, can transform our journey and redefine our success.

Our perception of challenges can change drastically based on our attitude. Viewing obstacles as opportunities rather than threats can alter our entire approach. Holding the gun with a smile shifts our perspective from one of fear to one of empowerment. We begin to see challenges as chances to grow, learn, and evolve.

To start embracing this mindset, let's begin by practicing gratitude. Each day, take a moment to appreciate what you have and recognize your achievements, no matter how small. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek out inspiration from those who exemplify grace under pressure. Finally, remember to take care of yourself – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Self-care is the foundation upon which this positive resilience is built.

Lastly, life will always present us with battles to fight. But how we choose to engage in those battles makes all the difference. By holding the gun with a smile, we empower ourselves to face challenges with strength, grace, and positivity. This mindset not only helps us overcome obstacles but also enriches our journey, making us more resilient and inspiring those around us. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of a struggle, remember to wield your strength with a smile – it’s your most powerful weapon.