A matter of faith or mumbo jumbo

This incident, though certainly eyebrow-raising, is not an isolated example. In fact, such stories involving mistaken beliefs about the miraculous or divine are not uncommon in India, where faith

and devotion often collide with modern-day realities. Whether it’s sweet-tasting “miracle” water in Mahim dargah or the appearance of holy ash in unexpected places, these occurrences raise a few questions about how belief, faith, and modern life intersect and divert.

The belief in miracles, whether it’s holy water, healing powers, or divine intervention, is deeply ingrained in many religious traditions. But in today’s world, the line between the divine and mumbo jumbo often gets blurred. Sunita Mehta, a homemaker and devotee, feels that faith brings peace. She says, “For me, every moment of faith, whether in the smallest sign or the grandest miracle, strengthens my connection to the divine."

The power of symbols cannot be understated. Sacred water, often associated with purity and divine grace, has the power to inspire profound devotion. For some, it is a tangible connection to the divine—a reminder that God’s presence can be felt in the most unexpected places. Whether the water is “genuine” or not, the belief in its sanctity holds immense power in shaping one’s spiritual experience.

In 2023, a similar scenario unfolded in Mahim, Mumbai, where devotees flocked to the Mahim Dargah, convinced they had discovered “miracle seawater.” This water, which was said to be sweet and mysteriously blessed, quickly gained a reputation as a divine elixir. Devotees gathered by the shore, drinking and collecting the water, hoping to be cured of ailments. However, news reports later revealed that the sweet taste of the water was not due to any divine intervention, but because of a chemical reaction that occurred in the bay area—likely the result of pollutants or other substances interacting with the water.

This raises an important point about the nature of belief. “Faith,” says Ibrahim Muhammad, a devotee “Is less about objective truths and more about individual experiences. The Mahim water, though not blessed in the conventional sense, offered something far more powerful—hope, faith, and a sense of connection to the divine.”

Across India, there are countless stories of people encountering sacred ash (vibhuti). From railway stations to markets, devotees have reported finding the ash in their homes, cars, and even on the steps of temples. While many consider these occurrences to be signs of divine favour, others chalk it up to simple human error, coincidental spillage, or even the work of savvy entrepreneurs trying to cash in on a religious trend.

A few years ago, the faithful flocked to a temple in Kerala to witness a “weeping” god. It was later found to have been the result of a slow, natural condensation process caused by humidity. Disha Prakash a graduate says, “For many, these occurrences offer a sense of hope and comfort. Sometimes, it’s not about whether something is scientifically true but about what it represents to those who believe.”

In 2005, a phenomenon occurred in Delhi that captivated the religious community: idols of Lord Ganesha appeared to drink milk offered by devotees. The milk seemed to vanish into the statue’s mouth, sparking widespread belief that this was a miraculous event. Thousands of people gathered at temples, eager to witness what they saw as a divine sign. Scientists later explained the incident as a capillary action, where the porous surface of the statue absorbed the milk. Despite this, the event reinforced the deep connection between faith and perception, showing how powerful belief can be, even in the face of scientific explanation.

Another common occurrence during Ganpati celebrations at temples is the mysterious disappearance of ladoos. Devotees often believe that the ladoos have vanished because the Lord himself has partaken in the offering. However, a more down-to-earth explanation may be at play: the ladoos could simply be taken by rats that frequent the temple, drawn to the sweet smell of the offerings. Despite this practical explanation, the belief that the ladoos are consumed by Lord Ganesha continues to hold sway, showing how religious fervour can often overshadow mundane realities.

Another event that captured the devotion of many occurred at Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Mumbai when the statue of the Virgin Mary was reported to have shed tears. Devotees gathered at the church, convinced they were witnessing a miracle. Investigation revealed that the tears were likely caused by a technical malfunction or condensation due to the high humidity in the seaside area. Despite this scientific explanation, many faithful continued to believe the tears were a divine message.

A popular phenomenon among some Christian communities involves flicker books of Jesus, which are designed to show his face when you stare at the images for a while. After looking at the book, if you glance up at the sky, many believe they can see the face of Jesus in the clouds. For them, this is seen as a divine sign. But what’s happening is a visual illusion. When you focus on the image for too long, your eyes become overstimulated. When you look away, your brain tries to process the image and can make you see it in the sky or other places.

The surge of these "miraculous" occurrences in modern settings reflects a broader cultural trend: a desire to find divine meaning in the mundane. In an increasingly urbanised world, many people are seeking spiritual connection and healing in unexpected places. The act of believing in something sacred or divine, even when it's just ordinary water from an air conditioning unit or sea water tainted by chemicals, serves a greater purpose. It provides comfort, hope, and a sense of connectedness to something larger than oneself.

Yet, as these stories also highlight, such phenomena bring to the forefront questions about authenticity, commercial ex-ploitation, and faith in a modern context. “In today’s world, people’s religious experiences are increasingly mediated by the media,” says Evette John, a marketing executive. “Social media platforms, news outlets, and even word-of-mouth spread these stories quickly, and once a miracle is ‘witnessed,’ the faith becomes real for many.”

In a world where modernity often challenges traditional beliefs, these events remind us that faith can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary moments of hope, comfort, and spiritual meaning. While science offers logical explanations behind such phenomena, blind faith often sees divine meaning whereas others see coincidence or natural occurrences. In a world increasingly driven by technology, can science truly explain the full depth of human belief? Perhaps, in the end, the true power of faith lies not in the object of belief, but in the unwavering trust it inspires—trust that often defies the boundaries of reason and science.