Disha Vakani, the beloved actress who immortalized the character of Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has embraced a profound spiritual and devotional journey since stepping away from television in 2017. Far from being a simple career break, her absence from the small screen represents a deliberate shift toward motherhood, family life, and deep spiritual practices that align with ancient Hindu traditions and devotional principles.
A Conscious Choice for Spiritual Living
When Disha chose motherhood over her thriving television career, she made a deliberate decision to embrace devotion as the central purpose of her life. According to her brother Mayur Vakani, their father taught them a guiding principle: “Even in life, we are actors, and whatever role we are given, we should perform it sincerely.” Today, Disha applies this philosophy with complete dedication to her role as a mother and as a spiritual practitioner. Rather than juggling multiple identities, she has chosen to fully dedicate herself to the responsibilities she has undertaken, viewing motherhood not as an obstacle to personal growth but as a sacred duty worthy of her entire commitment.
Embracing Ancient Spiritual Practices
Disha’s devotional path is grounded in ancient Hindu practices that connect the spiritual with the physical. During her first pregnancy, she discovered the transformative power of Garbha Sanskar, the traditional Hindu practice of nurturing a child’s spiritual and intellectual development even before birth. Facing intense labor pains, she was advised to scream or yell during delivery to prepare her baby for the outside world. Instead, Disha chose a more serene and spiritually connected approach, continuously reciting the Gayatri Mantra throughout her labor.
She shared her transformative experience: “During my first pregnancy, I was told that during delivery you will face severe pain and I was really scared about it. I was doing a parenting course back then, and someone advised me that during pregnancy, I should scream or yell because that will scare the baby. That is when I started reciting the Gayatri Mantra, and I had delivered my little Stuti with a smiling face. All I did was keep reciting the mantra while I was taken to the labor room. This divine mantra has given me a lot of strength.”
This experience became the foundation of her spiritual understanding—that divine mantras provide strength, peace, and protection through life’s most challenging moments. Since then, the Gayatri Mantra has remained central to her spiritual practice.
Visible Signs of Spiritual Devotion
Beyond private practices, Disha has made several public appearances that demonstrate her active engagement with spiritual traditions. In September 2025, she visited the iconic Lalbaughcha Raja temple in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. Maintaining her characteristic grace while protecting her privacy, she wore a mask while offering her prayers, mindful of her immense fan following.
Additionally, in December 2024, Disha visited Dev Sanskriti University in Haridwar, a renowned spiritual institution dedicated to preserving ancient Indian knowledge and spiritual traditions. During her visit, she was welcomed by university authorities and presented with a Gayatri Mantra Chadar (sacred shawl), highlighting her deep connection to this transformative mantra and her appreciation for institutions that integrate spiritual wisdom with modern education.
Balancing Motherhood with Spiritual Growth
With two children, Disha has created a life structured around family and spiritual development. She avoids long shooting schedules and entertainment industry commitments that would compromise her presence in her children’s lives. This choice reflects her belief that true devotion begins at home, through nurturing relationships, spiritual practice, and setting examples of integrity for her children.
