The Intelligent Ganesha

There is famous story about Ganesha and his brother Kartika. The core of the story has Ganesha competing with his brother Kartika. The story has been told, retold, and presented in multiple versions. However, the conclusion of the story like its core remain intact - Ganesha is witty and intelligent and wins the competition in all versions.

So lets read one of the versions of this story.

Once the Gods from heaven came to Shiva and Parvati with a giant modak of wisdom. They respectfully presented the dumpling to the divine couple. However, Shiva ad Parvati declined to accept the offering for themselves. The modak was beautifully ornate with silver. It appeared to be studded with rich raisins and nuts. It looked very appealing and both Ganesha and his Kartika were tempted to have it.

Seeing her sons' faces filled with a longing for the rich dumpling, Parvati blissfully accepted the modak. However the Gods, while presenting the modak to the great Goddess affirmed, "O divine lady, we are gratified  that your accepted our offering. However, this modak should not be divided. It should be eaten by a person wholly".

Hearing the condition, Parvati was in a fix. She kept the modak aside and asked Shiva to intervene. Shiva was amused to see Ganesha and Kartika longing for the bounty dumpling. He decided to present the modak to one who proves his 'mettle'.

Shiva dictated, "Kartika, Ganesha both of you heard that this modak cannot be shared. Either one if you can enjoy it. To me you both are equally dear and I cannot offer it to anyone of you. Therefore lets take a test - encircle this universe thrice. Whosoever returns to me first, shall be gracefully given this modak".

Both Ganesha and Kartika agreed. Shiva signalled the start of race and Kartika paced across the Earth on his Mount the peacock. Ganesha sat on his little mouse. When the mouse took the first step forward, Ganesha jumped up. He asked the mouse to return to house.

Ganesha bowed before his parents who sat on a rocky platform and encircled them thrice. Shiva and Parvati watched in amazement. When Ganesha completed three rounds, Parvati peeped and asked, " Ganesha, donot you remember that you are competing with your brother? He left long back and you have not yet started. I wonder how can you be so ignorant".

Ganesha giggled pleasingly and explained, "Father, mother, you saw me circle around you thrice. For me my universe is my parents. Hence, I encircled the periphery around you ! I have won the race. Mother please let me enjoy the modak now!"

Shiva, Parvati, Gods and Ganas who stood around were pleased by Ganesha's reason and presence of mind. Shiva proudly offered the rand modak to Ganesha. The Gods and Ganas - all glorified Ganesha and Shiva declared Ganesha to be embodiment of Bhuddhi (meaning intelligence). He was praised by all of them.

After hours of traversing, Kartika returned to Kailsha after completing three rounds around the universe. He looked elated by the great achievement. He returned to the place from where the race had began only to find that Shiva was seated there alone in meditation. The Gods and Ganas could not be seen. Even mother Parvati was not around.

Kartika searched for his mother. Parvati was quietly asleep, while Ganesha snored. He sat besides his mother, who woke up by his presence. Parvati told Kartika how Ganesha won the race. Hearing his defeat, Kartika was deep in tears. He fled the Mountains of Kailash and hide himself far away in far southern mountain.