The story of Ganesha holds an important place in Indian mythology. Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Ekadanta, is believed to be the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. His birth and various incidents associated with his stories are deeply embedded in Indian culture and religious beliefs.
Ganesha is considered to be Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) and Pratham Pujya (first to be worshipped). Any auspicious work begins with the worship of Ganesha. His vehicle is Mushak (mouse) and he holds Pash, Ankush, Modak and Varada Mudra in his four hands.
The Story of Shri Ganesh and Budhiya Maai
- There was an old woman. She was very poor and blind. She had a son and daughter-in-law. That old woman always used to worship Lord Ganesha. One day Lord Ganesha appeared and said to that old woman-
- ‘Old mother! Ask for whatever you want.’
- The old woman said- ‘I don’t know how to ask. How and what should I ask for?’
- Then Ganeshji said – ‘Ask your son and daughter-in-law and then ask for it.’
- Then the old woman said to her son – ‘Ganesh ji says, ‘Ask for something’. Tell me what should I ask for?’
- The son said- ‘Mother! You ask for money.’
- When he asked his daughter-in-law, she said, ‘Ask for a grandson.’
- Then the old woman thought that they are all talking for their own benefit. So the old woman asked her neighbours, they said- ‘Old woman! You will live only for a few days, why should you ask for money and why should you ask for a grandson. You should ask for the light of your eyes, so that you can spend your life comfortably.’
- On this the old lady said – ‘If you are happy, then give me nine crore rupees, give me a healthy body, give me eternal marital bliss, give me eyesight, give me a grandson, give me granddaughter and give happiness to the entire family and finally give me salvation.’
Hearing this, Ganeshji said– ‘Old mother! You have cheated us. Still whatever you have asked for, you will get it as promised.’ And saying this, Ganeshji disappeared. On the other hand, the old mother got everything she asked for. O Ganeshji Maharaj! Just like you gave everything to that old mother, give the same to everyone.
How Ganapati Became the king of the underworld
Once Ganapati was playing with the sons of Muni in the ashram of sage Parashar. Just then some snake girls came there. The snake girls insisted on taking Ganesh to their world. Ganapati too could not refuse their request and went with them.
On reaching Naag Lok, the Naag Kanyas welcomed him in every possible way. Then Naagraj Vasuki saw Ganesh and started talking to him in a mocking manner, started describing his looks. Ganesh got angry. He stepped on Vasuki’s hood and wore his crown himself.
Hearing the news of Vasuki’s plight, his elder brother Sheshnag came. He roared who had treated my brother like this. When Ganesha came forward, Sheshnag recognized him and greeted him and declared him the king of Naglok i.e. the netherworld.
When Ganapati stole food from sage Gautama’s kitchen
Once young Ganesh was playing with his friends, the sons of sages. While playing, he started feeling hungry. Nearby was the ashram of sage Gautam. Sage Gautam was meditating and his wife Ahalya was cooking food in the kitchen. Ganesh went to the ashram and while Ahalya was distracted, he stole all the food from the kitchen and started eating with his friends. Then Ahalya distracted Gautama Rishi and told him that the food had disappeared from the kitchen.
When Sage Gautam went to the forest, he saw Ganesh eating with his friends. Gautam caught him and took him to Mother Parvati. When Mother Parvati heard about the theft, she took Ganesh to a hut and tied him up. After tying them, Parvati came out of the hut and she started feeling as if Ganesh was in her lap, but when she looked, she saw Ganesh tied in the hut. Mother got busy in work, after some time she again started feeling as if Ganesh was playing with Shivganas.
When she went to the hut and looked, she saw Ganesh tied there. Now the mother started seeing Ganesh everywhere. Sometimes playing, sometimes eating and sometimes crying. The mother got worried and looked in the hut again and Ganesh was crying like a normal child. He was trying to get free from the rope. The mother felt more affectionate towards him and out of compassion freed him.
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- Also read this – Shri Ganesh Aarti: Jay Ganesh Deva
- Also read this – Shri Govardhan Ji Ki Aarti
- Also read this – Shri Mata Lakshmi Ji Ki Aarti
We have written Ganesh Ji Ki Katha carefully, however, if you find any error in it then you can inform us by commenting or email us at Swarn1508@gmail.com.
