In this article Amrit reports on the almost 2 million unmarried men and women who went to the Moti Dungri Ganesh temple recently. They had gone to get the Mehendi which helps one find a life partner. This is an ancient tradition of the temple and a strongly held belief that this special Mehendi which has been offered to Lord Ganesh helps one find a life partner. According to Amrit this penchant for superstition is embedded in Hindus. She cites an example of Lord Ganesh ‘idols’ drinking milk. This happened in 1995. According to Amrit people stopped working and rushed to the nearest place where this was happening. These are religious frenzies she says. She cannot overcome her penchant to ridicule Hindus and Hinduism.
The phenomena of miracles is present in most religions. The Christian churches claim miracle cures whereby cripples begin to walk and people with diseases like Cancer get cured. The Catholics even declare Saints those who have been known to have created miracles. The biggest miracle in Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ who rose back to life three days after his crucification. The other big miracles in Christianity is attributed to mother Mary. Known as apparitions they are super natural appearances of Mary witnessed by people. Mother Mary is celebrated in a big way in France, Portugal, Ireland, Mexico and many other countries. So would Amrit acknowledge that these, ‘ religious frenzies and superstitions also exist in Christianity too’?
Hindus seek Lord Ganeshi’s blessings at every stage of life. He is the remover of obstacles. The Indian ISRO scientists seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh before they launch their spacecraft for the Moon landing. Here Science meets not superstition but Spirituality and humility and respect for our heritage. Former president Barak Obama carries a small figurine of Lord Hanuman in his pocket. Claudia Ciesla the Polish-German model and actress is known for carrying a small statue or image of Lord Ganesha with ⁵her wherever she goes. Rishi Sunak former UK PM kept a Ganesh figurine in his office. Are these people superstitious or have they experianced something Science cannot explain? Advanced practitoners of Yoga and Meditation can attain supernatural powers. They are viewed as milestones in spiritual progress rather than magic.
For Amrits knowledge the following Hollywood stars practice Hinduism:
Will Smith and his daughter Willow Smith are deeply influenced by the Hindu holy book the Bhagvad Gita. Willow is a ISKCON devotee. Julia Roberts the famous actress is a practicing Hindu. Her interest in Hinduism grew after she saw a picture of Neem Karoli Baba. Apart from that Mark Zuckerberg founder of Meta/ Facebook and late Steve Jobs both were close to late Neem Karoli Baba. Late Alice Coltrane legendary Jazz Pianist and composer was a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba. Michael Cremo( Druta Karma Dasa), longtime research associate at the Bhaktivedanta Institute. Alfred Ford(Ambaris Dasa) great grandson of founder of Ford Motor Company. He is a Hare Krishna devotee. There are many more. Dharma is unstoppable Amrit.
Nitin Mehta
17 September 2026
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