During Ganesh Chaturthi, there is one aarti whose first words can instantly change the atmosphere: “Sukhkarta Dukhharta.” It is heard in homes, temples and Ganpati pandals across Maharashtra. But have you ever wondered who created it and what inspired it? The answer becomes surprisingly fascinating when you learn about Samarth Ramdas, the saint whose devotion was deeply associated with Lord Rama. Tradition says that when Ramdas reached Morgaon and stood before Mayureshwar, one of the Ashtavinayak forms of Ganesha, that encounter inspired a composition that would eventually become one of the most recognisable Ganpati aartis.
