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!