In the vast spiritual landscape of Sanatan Dharma, many seekers find themselves drawn to a particular form of the Divine—a form that feels personal, intimate, and alive within. This is known as one’s Ishta Devata—the beloved form of the Divine that speaks directly to the heart.
My journey toward discovering my Ishta Devata was not a straight line. It unfolded gradually, through inspiration, longing, and quiet inner shifts.
My first meaningful spiritual connection came through the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Shri Krishna’s teachings struck me deeply—his wisdom felt eternal, and I felt spiritually ignited. For a while, I explored that path and considered walking deeper into the world of Krishna devotion.
But when I encountered ISKCON, I felt a kind of dissonance. While I honor their service and dedication, the structured, institutional approach didn’t sit well with my inner rhythm. Something in me yearned for more freedom and inwardness. So, I drifted—but the spark remained.
The Pull Toward Shri Mahadev
In my next phase, I found myself naturally drawn to Shri Mahadev. I didn’t chant his name or sit in formal meditation, but I began reading texts like the Shiva Purana. The vastness, the stillness, and the mystic nature of Shiva intrigued me.
During this time, I also visited many temples dedicated to him. Those moments in the sanctum, with the scent of vibhuti and the sound of the damaru echoing in the background, had a quiet power. There was a silent force in Shiva I admired deeply. But even then, something in me remained unsettled. I knew I hadn’t yet found “home.”
Somewhere along the way, a deeper yearning arose—not just for a deity, but for a Guru. Someone or something to guide me inward, to show me the way without outer noise. That’s when I began chanting the name of Shri Datta, the Guru of Gurus.
Without fully understanding why, I was drawn to the name chant:
“Shri Datta Jai Datta”
I didn’t treat it like a practice or a tool—I simply chanted it with sincerity, every day. And something began to shift. My emotions became steadier, my mind a little quieter, and my connection to the Divine more alive.
From Guru to Ishta
It’s said that the purpose of Shri Datta’s avatar is to help seekers find their Guru—but he can also help you find your Ishta. After all, the Guru Tatva isn’t separate from the Divine. In my experience, Shri Datta gently led me toward the form of the Divine that I most needed.
For me, he gradually blended into Shri Ganesh.
This might sound mystical, but it felt natural. Shri Datta—the one who has acceptance across all traditions: Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnava, Ganapatya, and Nath—guides you silently. And when the time is right, he flows into the very form your heart is meant to worship.
It wasn’t a grand event—there were no visions or revelations. But one day, I realized that I was being pulled toward Shri Ganesh. His presence began to feel warm, familiar, and deeply reassuring. Not just the remover of obstacles, but a friend, a guide, a silent companion who had always been there.
And here’s what’s beautiful: I didn’t change my chant. I still chant “Shri Datta Jai Datta”—but now, I offer it to Shri Ganesh. Somehow, it all flows together. There’s no need to switch or search anymore. With Shri Ganesh, I feel complete.
Pray to Shri Ganesh
If you’re not sure who your Ishta is, my recommendation is to start with Shri Ganesh. Let him hold your hand through the initial steps of your journey. Who knows—he might already be your Ishta, quietly waiting for you to notice.
Shri Ganesh is Prathamesh—the one who is worshipped first. That’s because, at his core, he is a protector, a remover of obstacles, and a giver of inner clarity. He specializes in wisdom and granting success—just the perfect combination when you’re on a path that can feel mysterious or overwhelming.
The Guru Is in Every God
One thing I’ve come to realize is that the Guru is not separate from the Divine. Every deity, every great soul, embodies the Guru Tatva. Whether it’s Krishna teaching Arjuna, Shiva in deep stillness, or Ganesha guiding gently—all are expressions of that inner teacher.
This is beautifully expressed in the following line that I keep hearing from Shri Permanandji Maharaj, a great master from the Vaishnava tradition in his spiritual discussions with seekers:
Akhaṇḍamaṇḍalākāraṁ vyāptaṁ yena carācaram
Tatpadaṁ darśitaṁ yena tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ
Meaning: I bow to the Guru who has shown me the Truth—that which pervades the entire cosmos, both moving and unmoving.
It’s a reminder that the Guru principle is not limited to a person—it is a living intelligence that moves through all things and reveals itself when we are ready.
The Power of Focus
One thing I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of focus. In today’s world, it’s easy to hop from one deity to another, or one technique to the next. But real transformation comes when you choose a path and stay with it. I didn’t switch chants—I stayed with what resonated, even as my understanding of the Divine evolved.
Your Ishta Devata may reveal themselves over time. And that’s okay. Keep calling, keep chanting, keep walking. When the connection is right, it will feel natural and quiet—like coming home after a long journey.