The believer

Two short weeks later, a full week drags on. It should have been Thursday today, but its only Wednesday. Amma said she was visiting the Lalbaug ka Raja tomorrow. The famed Ganesha of Mumbai. The "mannat" ganpati. Lakhs of people queue out waiting for a glimpse. At the moment of the glimpse they bow in humility before the Power that Is. They quickly whisper into their own souls their deepest and most ardent desires, in hope that the soul would carry their voice into the heart of the universe, which in turn, hopefully, with perhaps some coaxing from The Remover of all Obstacles, would conspire to make the wish come true. Having poured their heart and sorrows to perhaps the only One who cares, and can do anything about it, they take His leave to attack their lives or often times with just about enough courage to face it, in the staunch belief that His Force is with them at every step.

I have never had to pray for myself. My Grandmother always did that for me. She had a better rapport with Him, you see. I, on the other hand, always hid in her pallu, stood timidly, a step behind praying that what ever she was praying for came true. She still does that for me.

My equation with Ganesha was built by bonding over our favourite sweet - the steamed modaks that are made especially for the two of us every year on Ganesh Chaturthi. Siddhivinyak helping me through badly prepared for engineering exams in return for as little as a coconut ensured my lifelong commitment to a friend who is always there and asks for nothing in return. It also helps that Elephant is my favouritest animal in the world - ever !

Patti, many years ago taught me a Shri Ganesha Stotram. I have said it many a times. More often in times of distress and need than in moments of joy or gratitude. Mostly when I needed the strength to make the right decision, asking for exactly that. The strength to make the right decision.

So when amma said she was going to see the Raja, a lot of things came rushing to the mind. Especially the picture of my Tantra T shirt that says
"Lord Ganesha
50% Animal
50% Human
100% Cute"

I told Amma "Say Hi from me !"