One day Goddess Parvati was at home on Mt.Kailash preparing for a bath. As she didn’t want to be disturbed, she told Nandi, her husband Shiva’s Bull, to guard the door and let no one pass. Nandi faithfully took his post, intending to carry out Parvati’s wishes. But, when Shiva came home and naturally wanted to come inside, Nandi had to let him pass, being loyal first to Shiva. Parvati was angry at this slight, but even more than this, at the fact that she had no one as loyal to Herself as Nandi was to Shiva. So, taking the turmeric paste (for bathing) from her body and breathing life into it, she created Ganesha, declaring him to be her own loyal son.
The next time Parvati wished to bathe, she posted Ganesha on guard duty at the door. In due course, Shiva came home, only to find this strange boy telling him he couldn’t enter his own house! Furious, Shiva ordered his army to destroy the boy, but they all failed! Such power did Ganesha possess, being the son of Devi Herself!
This surprised Shiva. Seeing that this was no ordinary boy, the usually peaceful Shiva decided he would have to fight him, and in his divine fury severed Ganesha’s head, killing him instantly. When Parvati learned of this, she was so enraged and insulted that she decided to destroy the entire Creation! Lord Brahma, being the Creator, naturally had his issues with this, and pleaded that she reconsider her drastic plan. She said she would, but only if two conditions were met: one, that Ganesha be brought back to life, and two, that he be forever worshipped before all the other gods.
Life lessons from Lord Ganesha
Ganesha curses the moon
Onenight, Lord Ganesha went for a ride on his mouse. The tiny mouse could not bear his weight and tripped. The moon started laughing at the funny sight. Ganesha got angry and cursed the moon saying that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused. The moon begged Ganesha to remove the curse and Ganesha also realised that he had overreacted but he could not take the curse back.
Lesson: Don’t act on impulse
Always think before you react because anger passes on but actions remain. So next time you feel the blood rushing down your veins a tad faster, take your emotional temperature and allow yourself to cool down. You will be amazed by the change in your perspective regarding the situation and how to deal with it.
The story of Kartikeya and Ganesha
Once goddess Parvati had a divine fruit wanted by both her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Lord Shiva decided that the one who circles the world three times and comes back first would get it as a prize. Kartikeya swiftly got on his peacock and embarked his voyage. Ganesha was well aware that his enormous form and his vehicle, the mouse, spoiled his chances of winning the race. After a little thinking, Ganesha started walking around his parents, Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Lesson: Don’t panic, make the best of your situation
When they asked him why he was not circling the world, he answered - My world is at my parent’s feet. He not only won the fruit but also earned the admiration of other gods. The Ganesha Kartikeya story highlights the importance of thinking clearly specially in adverse situations. Panic clouds your judgement so all you need to do is master the art of controlling your intentions and focusing on how to utilise available resources to make the best out of the worst.
As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as "Vigana Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.
Jai shree ganesh ๐
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