A saint of this name was legendarily inspired to compose the song “Sukhakarta Dukhaharta” after visiting the Sri Mayureshwar Mandir (“muh-yoo-RAYSH-wur MUN-dir”), which is the first stop in the Ashtavinayaka (“ush-tuh-vin-EYE-uh-kuh”) pilgrimage. For 10 points each:
[10h] Give this name also adopted by the author of In Quest of God, the saint Vittal Rao (“VIT-tull RAO”), and the author of a book on spirituality, Be Here Now.
ANSWER: Ramdas (“RAHM-doss”) [accept Baba Ram Dass; accept Swami Ramdas; accept Samarth Ramdas]
[10e] “Sukhakarta Dukhaharta” is performed during a festival celebrating this god, who is often offered modak as a sweet. This elephant-headed Hindu god is the son of Shiva and Parvati.
ANSWER: Ganesha [or Ganapati; or Vinayaka; or Lambodara; or Pillaiyara]
[10m] “Sukhakarta Dukhaharta” is sung during one of these rituals performed during pujas. These rituals often include singing bhajans while a plate containing a flame is waved in a circle in front of an idol.
ANSWER: arti [or aarti; or arati]
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