Miracles and Love of Lord Ganesha: Your forever companion. He’s always beside you.
Unexpected Blessings: Miracles and Love of Lord Ganesha
For twelve long years, my life felt like a story written all by itself, a story filled with loneliness. It all began with a sad divorce that broke my heart. Accepting my fate, I decided to never revisit the dark days of my life.
Sadly, I lost my parents too, in a terrible car accident, leaving me all alone. They were supposed to be my companions, allowing me in their home, mending my wounds, and teaching me how to love again. Though they left me their home, they weren’t there to help me gather the broken pieces of my heart.
I ended up living alone in a small apartment in the lively city of Mumbai.
My days were quiet and lonesome, just like the hushed streets of Mumbai outside my window. I worked from home as a freelancer, which kept me busy. Strangely, I liked being alone, away from the noisy city. I was never a fan of big crowds or chit-chat with others. I preferred the quiet company of my own thoughts.
But this year was different. As the days on the calendar passed, and Ganesh Chaturthi, a special festival, drew near, something inside me began to change. I’ve always been curious about Lord Ganesha, who’s known for helping people overcome difficulties and start fresh. It felt like a calling from deep within, urging me to invite Lord Ganesha into my life. Maybe it was time to break free from my twelve-year-long loneliness.
With a strong sense of purpose, I made up my mind to invite Ganpati Bappa into my apartment and make this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi truly unique, even if I did it in my own simple way. I knew it was time to embrace change and positivity in my life. So, I began the preparations.
First, I rolled up my sleeves and cleaned my apartment thoroughly. I also found some new pillow covers and took out things that had been packed away for years. As I decorated my space with these newfound treasures and added a fresh touch, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
This was happening. Someone was coming to my home to bring me temporary company. The idea had just sprung into my mind, and now it was coming to life because my heart was determined, without any doubts.
A wave of excitement washed over me as I embarked on a mission to make this Ganesh Chaturthi special. After many years, I eagerly welcomed Lord Ganesha into my Mumbai apartment. The mere thought of breaking free from loneliness filled me with joy, a feeling I hadn’t known in a long time.
My first step was to order a beautifully crafted idol of Lord Ganesha, known as a “murti,” from a local artist. The idol’s intricate design and peaceful expression showed the deep devotion that went into making it. When I held the murti in my hands, I could feel something special, like the divine was right there with me, filling me with warmth.
With the murti secured, I went out to buy decorations. The streets of Mumbai were bustling with people shopping, and I moved through the crowd with a clear goal in mind. I filled my bags with lively garlands, colorful drapes, and fragrant flowers, carefully selecting each item to make sure everything reflected the dedication and love I had for making this festival extraordinary.
Back in my apartment, I hired a decorator to make my living room look beautiful with lots of colors. He hung up pretty drapes on the walls, put up fairy lights that made the room cozy, and arranged all the decorations perfectly. When I saw how magical it looked, I couldn’t help but feel really happy and thankful.
The last thing I needed to do was arrange for a pandit, who is like a priest, to come and do a special ceremony called sthapana puja. This ceremony was to officially welcome Lord Ganesha into my home. When the pandit arrived to see the arrangements and check the place I had planned to place Ganpati Bappa, it made everything feel even more special and holy. He carefully set up a special place for the ceremony and got ready for it.
Finally, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi came, and there was a feeling of excitement in the apartment. The idol of Lord Ganesha was placed in the center of the beautifully decorated area, and it felt like a place of great divinity. The decorator had done such a wonderful job that my living room had become a sacred space.
As the priest began the sthapana puja ceremony, I closed my eyes and felt a deep connection with the divine. The chants and rituals seemed to touch something deep inside me, as if they were speaking to long-forgotten emotions. It was a very special moment, one that had eluded me for many years.
After the puja was complete, I offered the priest some Prasad and folded my hands in front of him, seeking his blessings. He raised his hand and placed it on my head, invoking blessings from Lord Ganesha to alleviate my problems. With a smile and a nod, he departed, leaving me alone with Ganpati Bappa. I spent time with the deity, singing mantras and songs as I offered my heartfelt prayers.
As the golden rays of the afternoon sun stretched into long shadows within my meticulously adorned apartment, a profound sense of guilt began to weigh heavily upon my heart. There, on the beautifully adorned altar, stood the serene idol of Lord Ganesha, bathed in the soft, warm light. Yet, amidst this tranquil beauty, a melancholic undertone tugged at my soul.
You see, I had grown accustomed to solitude, like an old, tattered blanket that had wrapped itself around me after the tempestuous storms of life had left me adrift. It had been twelve long years since my world had crumbled in the wake of a painful divorce and the heart-wrenching loss of my parents in a tragic car accident. In that time, I had grown used to the quiet hum of solitude, finding solace in the cocoon of my thoughts within the bustling heart of Mumbai.
But on this Ganesh Chaturthi, as I looked at the graceful form of Ganpati Bappa, I couldn’t ignore the pang of sorrow that gnawed at my heart. He stood there, a symbol of wisdom and new beginnings, in the company of silence. The responsibility for his solitude was mine to bear, and it weighed upon me like a heavy anchor.
I realized that my loneliness, my fear of connecting with others, had unintentionally caused this situation. In my efforts to protect myself from the pain of forming bonds, I had unknowingly left Lord Ganesha feeling alone. The very deity known for removing obstacles from people’s lives was now dealing with the obstacle of solitude in my home.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at the beautiful idol. I had experienced so much loss in my life, but I couldn’t bear the idea of another being going through the same isolation. It was a deep realization that shook my self-imposed isolation. Even in my quiet world, I understood that I had a duty to ensure that the divine presence I had invited into my life didn’t suffer the same loneliness that had consumed me for far too long.
Feeling helpless and uncertain about how to make things right, I lowered myself onto the floor in front of the altar, tears streaming down my cheeks without restraint. With my eyes closed, I whispered a heartfelt prayer, a plea for guidance and forgiveness. “Ganpati Bappa,” I murmured, my voice quivering with remorse, “I’m truly sorry. I never meant for my own solitude to make you feel lonely. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me.”
As I knelt there, my words continued to pour forth in a quiet, fervent stream. “Lord Ganesha,” I implored, “I have known loneliness, the deep ache of a solitary existence. I lost my family, and I embraced solitude as a shield against the world’s hurtful ways. But I see now that my isolation has unintentionally extended to you. I don’t want anyone, not even a divine presence like you, to endure loneliness. Please, bless me with the wisdom to amend this, to fill not only my life but yours with companionship and love.”
Tears flowed freely as I added, “I have never felt very sad at being lonely, but you are the God of joy, and I have heard the tales of how you used to play in Kailash with Mata Parvati. Yet today, in my home, I can offer you nothing other than my silence. Please, accept my heartfelt apologies and grant me the chance to make amends.”
After my heartfelt prayer, feeling a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to prepare a special lunch for Ganpati Bappa. As I busied myself in the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of the dishes I was preparing filled the apartment. I had carefully chosen his favorite foods, hoping to create a truly extraordinary meal for my divine guest.
With each dish I prepared, I poured my love and dedication into it. The act of cooking for Lord Ganesha felt like a sacred offering, a way to express my remorse and my earnest desire to fill his presence with joy. In those moments, as I immersed myself in the culinary task at hand, time seemed to slip away. It was as if I could almost envision Lord Ganesha looking down at me with a gentle, approving smile.
Yet, when I returned to the living room, a tsunami of guilt and responsibility washed over me once more. Ganpati Bappa remained alone on his altar. The weight of my conscience pressed upon me, and the mere thought of him experiencing solitude on this sacred day was too much to bear.
Determined to make things right, I gathered my courage and decided to call one of my colleagues. I thought maybe she could come over for darshan and keep Ganpati Bappa company for some time. With trembling hands, I dialed her number and anxiously waited for her to answer.
When she finally picked up, I explained the situation, my voice trembling with embarrassment. She listened kindly, and sincerity filled her voice as she regretfully declined due to her prior Pooja commitments.
“Maybe you can visit tomorrow?” I suggested.
“Sorry, Meera. I won’t be back until the weekend. I’ve taken official leave for the festival,” she replied. “But I’m thrilled that you’ve W Ganpati Bappa home. May this festival take away all your sorrows.”
“Thank you,” I replied with gratitude even though my heart was sinking in sadness.
Disappointment weighed on my heart, and I struggled to think of how to keep the conversation going. Small talk wasn’t my strong suit, and I often found myself at a loss for words, unsure of her interests. People often say you can change who you are, but for introverts like me, making small talk felt like an uphill battle.
I felt a wave of sadness that my effort to reach out had not worked. It was like the loneliness that had been my constant companion was now mirrored in Ganpati Bappa’s solitude.
I quickly ended the call, not knowing what else to say. It felt like a painful reminder of my own loneliness, and I didn’t want to burden my colleague with my feelings of inadequacy. I stood there, looking at the beautifully adorned idol, I realized that the responsibility to keep Ganpati Bappa company rested entirely on my shoulders.
As tears filled my eyes once again, I felt overwhelmed. Loneliness had been my quiet friend, something I had gotten used to over time. But now, looking at Ganpati Bappa’s serene face, I couldn’t stand the idea of him being alone on this special day. My own solitude was one thing, but I couldn’t bear his.
Sitting there beside him, my heart heavy with regret, I couldn’t help but think that maybe I shouldn’t have invited him home if I couldn’t bring people to meet him and offer their prayers. It felt like a mistake, a well-meant gesture gone wrong. I whispered my apologies to Lord Ganesha, asking for forgiveness because I couldn’t give him the company and devotion he deserved.
Feeling utterly dejected and lost, a sudden sound interrupted my thoughts—a ring at the doorbell. Surprised, I wiped my tears and rushed to answer it. To my amazement, I found a group of kids from my neighborhood standing there, their faces filled with excitement.
They told me that they had come to share special offerings, called Prasad, from the Ganpati celebration happening in our neighborhood. There were ten of them, each holding a plate filled with delicious sweets and other offerings. Their arrival felt like a burst of happiness breaking through my earlier sadness.
With a warm smile, I invited them inside, and they eagerly stepped into my apartment. They gathered around the beautifully decorated altar, their youthful energy filling the room with joy. They began to sing songs and offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha, their innocent voices making the atmosphere feel even more special.
Tears welled up in my eyes once again, but this time they were tears of thankfulness and joy. It was as if Lord Ganesha had heard my earlier requests and sent these children to bring his divine presence to life. My worries and regrets were replaced by a deep sense of happiness.
As the kids shared their special offerings and stories of their own celebrations, it dawned on me that sometimes, the universe has its own way of answering our prayers. In my moment of sadness, when I thought I couldn’t bring anyone to meet Ganpati Bappa, the universe had sent these young souls to fill the emptiness with their love and devotion.
The excitement in the children’s eyes was so clear as they sat in front of the idol with their hands folded in prayer. One of the kids was quite young, and I couldn’t help but chuckle when he recited the Ganesh mantra in his sweet voice. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. They asked if they could stay for a while and sing songs, and I happily agreed.
They made themselves comfortable in the living room, and I told them to wait for a bit while I prepared some snacks for them in the kitchen. This time, the tasks in the kitchen felt different, filled with a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that Ganpati Bappa was no longer alone.
The sounds of their chatter and laughter flowed from the living room into the kitchen, creating a joyful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the earlier silence. It felt like my apartment had sprung to life with their presence, and my heart felt lighter than it had in a long while.
When I returned to the living room carrying a tray of snacks, I was greeted by a delightful scene. The kids had started playing games, their laughter ringing through the air. My living room was quite spacious, and they had made themselves right at home, turning it into their own little playground.
Watching them play filled me with contentment, and I realized that Ganpati Bappa had not only welcomed them into my life but had also welcomed the joy of their presence into my home. The worries and regrets from earlier in the day felt like distant memories, replaced by the simple happiness of the moment.
I called out to them, and they rushed over, grabbing their plates and eagerly eating everything I had prepared. I sat beside the youngest kid.
“What’s your name, champ?” I asked.
“Vinayak,” he replied.
My eyes widened. “That’s Ganpati Bappa’s name.”
“I know. I’m Bal Ganesh,” he said with a grin.
I smiled, and Vinayak offered me a bite from his plate. It was then that I realized I hadn’t eaten anything. The child kindly shared a modak from his plate, and I eagerly savored it. I pulled him onto my lap while the other kids continued to play. Vinayak seemed content in my arms, and memories of my own child flooded back.
Parth was only two years old, but he had boundless energy. What he didn’t have was a strong heart. He left me, leaving an irreplaceable void. His passing had marked the end of my marriage and my happiness, leaving me with the simple will to breathe and go on.
Shaking my head to clear these painful thoughts, I fully immersed myself in the games with the kids.
As evening approached, I suggested to the kids that they stay for the evening prayer, and they were excited to do so. They decided to skip the prayer held in our building and continue celebrating in my apartment. We all gathered around the beautifully decorated altar, and I led them in singing songs and praying to Lord Ganesha.
The room filled with a feeling of togetherness and devotion. When we lit the prayer lamps, the warm light seemed to represent the new connection that had formed on this special day. Ganesh Chaturthi had transformed from a day of loneliness and sadness into a day of unexpected blessings and friendship.
Once we finished the evening prayer, the kids were still full of energy and eager to stay for dinner. They dug into the food with enthusiasm, savoring every bite. It brought a smile to my face to see them enjoying the meal and even licking their fingers clean, a sign of their happiness.
Observing their excitement, I decided to surprise them with something special. I quickly made fresh fruit juice and served it with scoops of ice cream. Their faces lit up with joy as I offered them the cool treats, and they couldn’t hide their excitement. They happily devoured the ice cream, flashing me cheerful grins that warmed my heart. It was a simple moment of shared joy, and I felt truly blessed to be a part of it.
As night fell, the kids enjoyed a satisfying dinner, and I felt a deep sense of happiness seeing them relish the food. It was touching to see how they had become a part of my simple celebration. However, what happened next completely surprised me.
Within just ten minutes of returning to their own homes, the children were back at my doorstep, each of them holding a blanket. I was momentarily taken aback, not knowing how to react, but I quickly nodded and welcomed them back inside. Their wish to spend the night with Ganpati Bappa was unexpected and heartwarming.
We all settled down in the living room, arranging our makeshift beds on the floor around the beautifully decorated altar. At first, I felt a bit unsure, but as the night went on, their innocence and excitement pulled me out of my shell. They invited me to join in their games, and I found myself laughing and playing alongside them.
The night whizzed by in a whirlwind of games, laughter, and stories. It was a night unlike any I had experienced in years, filled with the joy of having friends and the warmth of togetherness. Loneliness, which used to be my constant companion, now felt far away.
As morning broke, the children left with a promise to return within ten minutes after getting ready. During that time, I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast for all of us. We reconvened around the beautifully adorned altar to perform the aarti. The sense of devotion in the room was powerful, and it felt as though Lord Ganesha was beaming down at us, bestowing his blessings on our newfound friendship.
As Ganesh Chaturthi came to a close, a wave of sadness washed over us. We knew it was time to bid farewell to Ganpati Bappa, the divine guest who had brought so much love and happiness into my home. Tears welled up in our eyes, and a collective sense of sorrow lingered in the air.
Yet, amid our goodbyes, my heart brimmed with a different emotion. It was an overwhelming feeling of boundless happiness, one that knew no limits. What had started as a day marked by solitude and regret had transformed into a heartwarming celebration of love, friendship, and the divine presence itself.
I happily showed the children what I had ready for the visarjan. I had arranged an eco-friendly idol and set up a large tub just for this special day. Their faces lit up with surprise and excitement when they saw it. They couldn’t wait to join in this unique experience.
We took out the decorations and together, we adorned the tub while Ganpati Bappa looked on. It felt like he was witnessing my smiles and laughter that filled the air around him. I looked at his idol, and it was as if he was smiling back at me, silently telling me to trust the higher powers and stay true to myself. He seemed to say that miracles would happen if I kept my trust and hope alive.
We all gathered in a circle around the tub, our hearts filled with devotion. A pandit, who was a respected guide in our religious ceremony, led us through the visarjan pooja, making the ceremony feel even more sacred.
As I held the precious Ganpati Bappa in my arms, tears of deep emotion rolled down my cheeks. All around me, the ten children sang songs and cheered happily for Ganpati Bappa. It was a moment of pure happiness.
With a heart full of joy, I gently placed the Ganpati idol into the tub filled with water. In that special moment, it felt like a divine presence was with us, taking away all my sadness and leaving behind a profound sense of peace.
Ganesh Chaturthi had changed me in a big way. My sadness had gone, and my tears had dried up, like the divine presence had comforted me.
Together, we all chanted, “Ganpati Bappa Moriya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya,” with deep respect and joy in our hearts. It was a moment when we felt close to the divine, and the room was filled with love.
Doing the visarjan at home was a new experience for all of us. It made my apartment feel unique and filled with spirituality, like a sacred place where we built strong friendships that would endure long after Ganesh Chaturthi ended.
I shared with them my plan to grow plants in the red soil once the idol had dissolved. Their faces showed surprise when they heard my idea. This way, through the plants, Ganpati Bappa would always remain with me, guiding me as he had done during our time together.
Once the children had left, my apartment never felt lonely again. It was as if their lively presence had left a mark on the walls. Their memories and the sounds of their laughter stayed in the air, bringing happiness to my home.
My home felt like it held the memories of their joyful games and the warmth of their friendship in every corner. It was like their spirits had become a part of my daily life, a reminder of the beautiful friendships that had blossomed that unforgettable Ganesh Chaturthi.
Even when they weren’t around, the echoes of their laughter brought me comfort. It reminded me that love and friendship could chase away even the deepest loneliness. My home had turned into a place filled with cherished memories, and I felt grateful for the unexpected blessings that had changed my life.
In the days and weeks that followed that special Ganesh Chaturthi, a wonderful tradition began to form. The kids, despite the age gap, kept surprising me with their visits. They would ring my doorbell out of the blue, inviting me to join in their games and laughter. It made me realize that age was just a number.
Their parents saw the special bond that had formed and graciously allowed them to have “night outs” at my place. On these magical nights, they’d arrive with their blankets and pillows, ready for a night filled with games and friendship that lasted until the early hours of the morning.
Among the children, Vinayak would also come who was only six years old. He came with his older brother. Despite the age difference, he showed pure and boundless affection. At night, he’d give me a tight hug before falling asleep, a gesture filled with innocence and love that touched my heart deeply.
I looked back on this surprising and lasting friendship, and knew these moments would stay with me forever. That simple hug from a six-year-old boy became a treasured memory, showing the strength of love and companionship.
During those special hours of laughter and games, age didn’t matter. The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi continued to live on, reminding me that friendship could bridge any gap. These kids not only brought joy into my life but also taught me about the beauty of unconditional love and the simple pleasures of companionship. It was a gift I would carry with me always.
Ganpati Bappa had graced my home with his divine presence, and little did I know that he had come to not only bless me but also to take away my loneliness. Loneliness had never bothered me before in my solitary life, but the unexpected visits from those lively children had awakened a longing in me – a longing for surprises and the joy of unexpected companionship.
It felt like Ganpati Bappa had sensed my longing even before I thought of inviting him into my home. When I stood in front of the idol, wondering whether to welcome him, he had already planned everything. He aimed to end my loneliness and give me the gift of happiness through these children.
With his divine wisdom, he arranged for those ten kids to enter my life, changing it with their laughter and friendship. Ganpati Bappa took away my loneliness and gave me the warmth of companionship and the joy of delightful surprises.
Sometimes, I wondered if Ganpati Bappa, with his all-knowing wisdom, had a plan from the start. Maybe he wanted to see if I’d step out of my comfort zone and invite someone over. It was as if he patiently waited to see if I’d stretch beyond my introverted nature and reach out.
And then, it happened. Driven by the need to ensure Ganpati Bappa wouldn’t be alone, I found the courage to make that call, connecting with someone. It felt like Ganpati Bappa had his own plan in motion, perfectly timed with mine.
The divine presence that had brought comfort and friendship into my life had made this perfect connection happen. It reminded me that we’re never truly alone when we open our hearts to love and companionship.
With gratitude and respect, I whispered, “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” acknowledging the divine plan that had unfolded and the lasting bond created during those unforgettable days of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Looking back on those days, I saw that Ganpati Bappa’s presence was a reminder of faith and the magic of believing in miracles. He didn’t just bless me; he showed me that even in the quietest corners of our hearts, there’s room for happiness, love, and the unexpected joys of life. Ganpati Bappa had replaced my loneliness with the gift of innocent and lasting happiness. He showed me every pain can be healed, you only need to allow yourself to heal.
As time went by, my newfound happiness spread to other parts of my life. With the support of my young friends, I took a bold step. I left my freelance work and started a new job that let me meet many people. It was a big change, but it opened doors to new friendships and experiences that changed my life for better.
In the end, this beautiful chapter of my life during that unforgettable Ganesh Chaturthi celebration taught me that sometimes, the greatest blessings come when we least expect them.
Ganpati Bappa, the harbinger of happiness, had not only graced my home but had also guided me to a life filled with love, friendship, and the beauty of embracing the unexpected.
The end. Miracles and love always follow; you have to believe.
Read the other short stories
A Touch From a Stranger (click to read)
The What If Romance (click to read)
