Hindu Gods and Their Vehicles

1. Ganesha - Mouse
2. Vishnu - Garuda (Giant Eagle)
3. Goddess Lakshmi - Owl
4. Lord Shiva - Nandi, the Bull
5. God Kandeva - Parrot
6. Kartikey - Peacock
7. Saraswati - Swam

2. Story of Mystic Hill - The Govardan Parvat

There is yet another interesting story about Govardhana Hill. This version relates to the epic poem if Ramayana. Here is the version-

Rama and Laksman came to know that Sita ad been abducted by Ravana, the king of Lanka. The brothers decided to cross the sea with the army of monkeys (called Vanaras).

They decided to construct a bridge to reach the other side of the land. The construction if the bridge was lead by Nala and Need, who were sons of Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture.

A huge army of monkeys began building the bridge. They fetched large rocks and boulders to construct the bridge leading to the island of Sri-lanka. Among them, a mighty Vanara named Maruti (Hanuman) had mystic powers to fly across the sky balancing himself on his tail. He flew far towards the mighty Himanlayan mountains and began carrying entire mountains from there.

On one such trip, Govardhan Mountain asked Maruti to carry him so that he could serve Lord Rama in his pious mission. Maruti agreed and lifted the Govardhan Mountain from Himalayas. While he flew across Braja with the mountain, Nala and Neela who were directing the construction of the bridge, send a word across in all four directions that the bridge was complete and no more rocks or boulders were further needed.

Hearing the message, Hanuman was was happy and landed the Govardhan Mountain in Braja Mandala where he when he received the message from the vanara messengers.

However, Mounatin Govardhana was now in agony to find himself away from Himalayas, the abode of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, his journey towards Lord Rama had came to an expected end. He began lamenting asking God to refuge him.

Hearing Govardhan's cry and his attachments towards him, Lord Rama was moved. He appeared before Govardhan and said, "Govardhan, I am pleased by your devotional bend. You left your home in Himalayas, intending to serve me. However, since your wish cannot be fulfilled now, I bless you that in the next epoch (Dawapar Yuga) of time wheel (kalchakra) I shall incarnate as Krishna and serve the land of Braja. In my birth as Krishna, I shall be close to you during my childhood and shall save the people of Braja from flood fury by upholding up for seven days".

Hearing Rama's oracle (boon) Govardhan was elated. He gratified Rama for his mercy and said, "Lord, I shall wait for the time when you came as Krishna and take me in your pious hands".

Years passed by. The great war of Ramayana happened in the land of Sri-lanka. Rama won and returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laksman, and was later reborn as Krishna. He served the land of Braja.

Read here related story - Krishna and Mountain Govardhan.

Riksh Raj and Birth of Vanar Brothers - Baali Sugreeva

Bali and Sugreev were Vanaras brothers. Bali was elder to Sugreev. They were born to Riksh Raaj.

However celestially, Baali was Lord Indra's son, while Sugreev was son of Sun God.

Here is an interesting story relating to birth of Baali and Sugreev -

Once Lord Brahma was in his court on Mount Sumeru, seated observed in deep meditation.

Years passed by. One day two drops of tears fell from the eyes of Lord Brahma while he was seated in meditation and he came out of the meditative state. While Lord Brahma took one of the tears and wiped it on his body, the other tear happened to fell on the ground. The tear was endowed with mystic celestial powers and took form of super ape human - called the Vanaras.

The Vanara was blessed by Lord Brahma to reside in the forests of Mount Sumeru and was named as Riksh Raaj (meaning one who rules the trees).

The Vanara came to inhabit Mount Sumeru. He lived on forest fruits and worshipped his progenitor Lord Brahma ardently each day.

Years passed by.

One day Riksh Raaj came wandering in the forests of Mount Sumeru. He was thirsty and went to a pond to quench his thirst. However, when he reached to drink the water from the pond, he saw a strange shadow reflecting in the pond water. Riksh Raaj was agitated seeing the shadow and thought to himself, "There is someone hiding under this water. May be its my enemy who has been following me. I shall find and kill him". Thinking this, he jumped into the water. He attempted to locate the mystic creature, however found nothing. He came out hurriedly only to find himself changed into a lustrous beautiful woman.

It happened by chance that Lord Indra and the Sun God were passing through the forest on Mount Sumeru. When they saw the beautiful woman, they desired to please her.

Seeing the woman, Indra's vital fluid fell on the woman's head and a Vanara was born from it. He was named Baali (trailing his genesis from 'baal' the Hindi word for hair). In a parallel instance, the Sun God's vital fluid fell on the woman's neck and a Vanara was born from it. He was named Sugreev (Su means good, and Greev means neck in Hindi).

When Indra and Sun God saw their Vanara sons, they blessed them. Indra gave a brilliant gold necklace to Baali, while Sun God appointed Hanumaan in the service of Sugreev. Following this mystical sequence of events, the woman reagained her form as Riksh Raaj. Thus,  Riksh Raaj happened to be both mother and father of Baali and Sugreev.

29. The Birth of Vinayak

Lord Shiva was an ascetic by his true nature. He practiced meditation and maintained strict self-discipline. He devoted himself to severe penance in the deep forests.

Goddess Parvati was aware of Shiva's stern temperament and disposition, yet she choose Him to be her husband. After their celestial wedding, Shiva and Parvati came to live together on the Mount Kailash. Shiva continued to dedicate himself to deep meditation in the forest, while Goddess Parvati stayed back in their home on Mount Kailash with the family of Ganas and Nandi.

Though the Ganas and Nandi were very respectful and referred Parvati to her as mother, Goddess Parvati felt the space for a child in her life. Sitting alone she often dreamt of baby in her lap, who would grow up and play around, filling the silent space in Kalisha with its laughter and jiggles.

One day when Goddess Parvati was sitting alone when she saw wet mud around due to the melting of snow. She dug sizable amount of mud and purified it by mixing saffron, clay, tumeric from her divine body. She moulded the mud and shaped it into a pretty idol of a boy. Then she meditated upon the name of Shiva and fused her powers with those of Shiva. She divulged this energy and infused life in the idol. The boy was Parvati's son and she named him Vinayak.

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28. Story of Vakradhundra Vinayagar

Once a demon named asmasuran was killed by Lord Shiva and Mohini, the enchanting feminine guise of Lord Vishnu. His son - Duraasadan was greatly upset by the untimely death of his father. He was frustrated by the way Vishnu who had tricked his father and pulled him to death.

To avenge his father's death, Duraasadan performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. Once Shiva was pleased, Duraasadan asked him for a boon, "Grant me that I supersede all Gods in their power. All Gods should come under my control".

The merciful Shiva granted Duraasadan the boon he asked for. Soon as he received the boon, Duraasadan proceeded towards the Heaven. He attacked the Gods and threw them out of Heaven. Thereafter he attacked Vaikundam and Brahma Logam. The Gods along with Vishnu and Brahma came to Earth and took refuge in the city of Kashi. However, Duraasadan learned about them and attacked them in Kashi. The Gods rushed to Kedaram. They were filled with fear and anxiety. Thus they all called upon Goddess Uma in unison to rescue them from the situation. 

Goddess Uma appeared before the Gods and said, "The story of Duraasadan shall end soon". With this an incarnation of Ganesha appeared from her furry filled face - Five faced, ten handed and carried maha magudam with moon. This form of Ganesha was a fierce form and acquired Simha (lion) from Uma as his vechile. Hence his name is Vakradhundar.

Vakradhundar attacked Duraasadan and a fierce war took place between them. However, due to the effect of boon from Shiva, Duraasadan continued to fightly tirelessly. Finally Ganesha assumed the gigantic form (Viswa roopam) and placed his foot on Duraasandan's head. Due to placement of His divine feet, Duraasadan was liberated from evil thinking and wrongdoing.

Duraasadan gained the power to think and act virtuously. He asked Ganesha to forgive him and bless him. Ganesha was pleased as Duraasadan turned humble. He surrendered himself to service of Vakradhundar. Lord Vakradhundar liberated all Gods. The Gods, including Lord Brahma and Vishnu returned to their respective abodes.

Vakradhundar gave Duraasadan the task of eliminating all evil from the city of Kashi.  Even today it is believed that Duraasadan remains under the pious feet of Vakradhundar doing his duty in the pious city of Kashi. 

27. The Wrath of Parshurama and Breaking of Tusk

Lord Ganesha is also known as Ekadanta as he has an elephant head with a single tusk. Ganesha lost one of his tusk when the great Sage Parashurama attacked him in rage.

Here goes the story...

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parashurama and descended the Earth to uproot evil. He did severe penance and obtained Parashurama, the divine axe from Lord Shiva. He raged war against the spreading evil on the Earth and anniliated many the erring mortals.

After ages spend in meditation, Sage Parasurama felt deeply indebted to Lord Shiva. So he decided to visit Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and his family.

Sage Parasurama was however unaware of existence of Shiva's son Ganesha who was born when the sage was in meditation. 

When Parasurama arrived at Kailash, Ganesha was playing with his Ganas and his troop of mice. Seeing Parasurama they stopped playing. 

Ganesha asked Parasurama, "Who are you? Where do you desire to go?"

Parasurama affirmed, "I have come to see Lord Shiva. I desire to pay obeisance to him". However, Ganesha refused to let Parasurama proceed further saying, "Mahadev is in deep meditation. I cannot allow you to go and disturb him".

Ganesha's blunt argument provoked sage Parasurama. He felt insulted and shouted, "Boy, step aside. A devotee has all rights to see the God. How can you stop me?"

However Ganesha was equally enforcing. He again refused to let sage Parasurama proceed. This time Sage Parasurama was entirely overcome by rage. His tremendous anger bursted and he hurled his axe with all his strength towards Ganesha.

The wrath terrified Ganesha and he tilted to save himself. The axe however came oblong and hit Ganesha's tusk breaking it. There was terrifying cry which echoed across the abode of Shiva.

Hearing the nervous cry, Lord Shiva's was disturbed in his meditation. Goddess Parvati ran to see Ganesha only to find him wounded. She was shattered when she saw Ganesha's broken tusk lying on the floor. She broke into tears. Ganesha ran to his mother seeking her warmth and protection. Nandi and the Ganas too gathered around, watching in horror and dismay.

Shiva stood wordless, while Parvati chastised Parashurama. She criticized Parashurama for his reckless and uncontrolled behaviour.

Parashurama realised his mistake and sincerely apologised to Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati. Ganesha forgave Parashurama and blessed him.

26. How Ganesha Came to Acquire Elephant Head -

Goddess Parvati created an idol from sandalwood and tumeric smeared from her body. The idol got life and thus Vinayaka named later) was born. When Vinayaka was born, Lord Shiva was away in the forests observed in deep penance. 

Vinayak was waistorable boy. He was respectful and loved his mother dearly. The Ganas and Nandi adored him and played with him. They ate together the food Parvati prepared for them. 

Vinayak was a witty and intelligent boy. He often sat besides his mother asking her about his siblings and his father. Parvati narrated stories of Shiva to him. Thus, Vinayak came to admire and imagine about his father. He expressed his desire to see and visit him. However Parvati said, "Son, your father is a ascetic. He practices severe penance and does not likes to be disturbed. He shall soon come to back from the forest to meet us".

And the day came. Shiva returned to Mount Kalisha after a long period.

It was very early in the morning. All Ganas and Nandi were asleep. However, Parvati was very ritualistic. She bathed early everyday and offered bhel leaves, milk and honey to Shivaling everyday after bath. That day, instead of bathing in the lake Mansarovar, she went to take bath in a waterfall in the hiding of a cave.

Vinayaka followed Parvati, saying "Mother, donot leave me alone. I am coming with you".
Parvati smiled and took Vinayaka along with her. She asked Vinayaka to wait at the the entrance of cave and keep a watch.

"Vinayaka, I am going to take bath. Donot allow anyone to enter the cave hiding", instructed Parvati.

Vinayaka agreed dutifully. He began keeping a watch and waited for his mother to return.

While Vinayaka waited for his mother to return, an fierce looking man came there. He had ash all over his body. He wore several garlands of wooden beads (rudraskha), had a serpent coiled around his neck. He had tiger skin wrapped around his waist. His hair were half woven up high and other half fell as a matt surrounding his sturdy broad shoulders. He carried a vast Trident which had a pellet drum (dambru) tied to it. His hair carried an inclined crescent. To Vinayaka, this humanoid figure appeared very unusual. In fact, seeing Lord Shiva, Vinayaka stepped back in sudden fear. Neither Vinayaka nor Shiva knew their mutual relation - they were father son, unknown to each other!

Shiva raged, "Boy, step aside. This cave hiding is were I bath each time I return from mediation".

Vinayaka defended in a stern affirmative tone, "You cannot enter this cave hiding now. My mother is inside".

Lord Shiva reiterated his need to enter the hiding, however Vinayaka refused bluntly. Shiva was infuriated. He gave one last call, a warning Vinayaka -"Step aside, or I shall kill you"! However, Vinayaka was unnerved. 

Shiva's rage surged. His eyes were intoxicated by anger and he fired his trident in full force towards Vinayaka. Unable to defend himself, Vinayaka fell victim to the wrath of trident. He fell beheaded on the ground. The surroundings reverbrated with the cry of Vinayaka.

Hearing Vinayaka's loud cry, Parvati hurried out. The troop of Ganas and Nandi rushed to the scene. The Lord Vishnu, Brahma and other Gods from heaven appeared there. Seeing beheaded Vinayak, Parvati was devastated.

Filled with rage over the lose of her beloved son, Parvati acquired a furious form. She threatened to destroy the entire existence to avenge killing of her son. This alarmed Brahma the creator of Universe. He requested Parvati to pacify her anger. However Parvati conditioned, "I want my son back or I shall destroy this universe".

Brahma was helpess. He turned to Shiva and pleaded him to find a way out. Shiva asked his Ganas to fetch the head of first creature they see facing north.

The troop of Ganas left with the Gods of Heaven in search of head for Vinayaka's body. They came across a mammoth elephant who sat with its head turned northwards. They took the mighty head to Shiva and Parvati.

Lord Shiva elevated Vinayaka's body and positioned the mighty elephant head on it. Once again, Vinayak took breadth. He got life back. He was now half human and half elephant. 

Seeing the unusual appearance of her son, Parvati was once again enraged. She contended, "O Shiva, who in this existence would care to see such half human form? People will mock at my son's appearance". Saying this she began weeping. The Gods had the same doubt, and Shiva knew their minds! But Shiva overcame all their doubts and Parvati's woes.

Lord Shiva claimed, "Vinayaka, would occupy the foremost and most reverated position among all Gods. He would be the first God to be worshipped. He would appraised as the remover of obstacles and all auspicious beginning shall henceforth commence with his pious name. An endeavour began without remembering him shall fail!".

Hearing Shiva's bliss, Goddess Parvati was gratified. Vinayaka assumed a divine aura and appeared glorified as Shiva blessed him.
Shiva further illustrated, "Parvati, you smeared Vinayaka from your body dust. He would be henceforth be worshipped with you in Gauri pooja".

Shiva turned to Vinayaka and said, "Vinayak, each part of your body shall carry a unique meaning and specifically worshipped - large ears would signify wisdom and ability to listen, large stomach would signify big appetite, large head is indicative of your brilliance, eminence, intellectual and discriminative powers".

Shiva then turned to his Ganas and said, "You fetched the elephant for Vinayaka. You appraise Him. Hence forth, Vinayaka shall be your presiding Lord and will be called as Ganapati or Ganesha".

With this, the assembly of Gods, Ganas, Brahma, Vishnu along with Shiva and Parvati glorified the new form of Vinayaka. So the so called, Ganapati was blissfully adored.

A grand celebration was held on Mount Kailash the abode of Shiva. Parvati's dream of a child came true. Kalisha came to filled with joyful jingles of Ganesha.

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25. Birth of Lord Ganesha's Daughter - Goddess Sanstoshi -

Goddess Manasa (popularly known as Mansa Devi) was Lord Ganesha's sister.

Lord Ganesha was married to Riddhi and Siddhi who were created by Lord Brahma. He has two son - Shubha and Labha from them respectively.

It is said once on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, Goddess Manasa visited Lord Ganesha for tying knot of Rakhi as per the festival traditions. 

When Ganesha's sons, Shubha and Labha saw the love and bonding of brother and sister between their father and his sister, they desired to have a sister.

Lord Ganesha granted the wish of his sons, and created a feminine form from the flames of holy fire. She was named Goddess Santoshi. Goddess Santoshi gained her form from Riddhi and Siddhi who were Lord Ganesha's consorts.

Goddess Santoshi is regarded as the Goddess of happiness and satisfaction. Here is a short story regarding the birth of Goddess Santoshi.
(Note - The word Santoshi literally means satisfaction)

23. Story of Durva- The Fire Demon

The word 'Durva' is a complex word derived from  two words- dur and va, meaning the reverentd avam (which mean one which is far away and bring close respectively). It implies that druva brings the distant purity of Lord Ganesha closer to us.

Once there lived a powerful demon named Analasur. He was the son of Yama, the God of death and Tilottama, a celestial nymph (apsara). 

Analasura did severe penance to please Lord Shiva and came to be blessed by him. He acquired the power to emit fire from his eyes (hence his name, anala means fire).

After gaining such unsurpassable powers, Analasura became merciless and terrifying. He began destroying homes of earthlings and killed many of them. He killed sages for performing rituals and destroyed their offerings to Gods. There was panic among earthings and the Gods fled from their home in heaven. They roamed around hiding themselves from the wrath of Analasura.

Analasura deployed his powers to trouble Gods, sages and earthlings. He huddled the meditation, rituals and prayers of sages and swallowed or killed many of them. He emitted fire and destroyed homes, fields of humans. There was havoc in all three worlds.

Analasura even drew the God away from the heaven. He hailed Indra the ruler of heaven and attempted to kill him. But Indra managed to evade. Analasura acquired the kingdom of heaven.

The Gods were highly distressed. Under the guidance of their Guru Bhraspati, they invoked Lord Ganesha. When Lord Ganesha appeared, the Gods and sages pleaded Ganesha to save them from the wrath of Analasura.

Lord Ganesha took their request and promised to defend them.

Lord Ganesha knew Analasura was very powerful. But He was very witty and worked out a plot to kill Analasura.

Lord Ganesha took form of a pretty small sturdy child. He began the war with Analasura. The war was called the Sarvkasha war. Ganesha played around smartly against the deadly antics and attacks of Analasura. The demon's eyes fired balls of fire all around. The surroundings were destroyed by the malefic impact of these fireballs. 

A long war ensued and finally Analasura attempted to swallow the little Ganesha. Not withstanding this, Ganesha took a gigantic rigorous form (virat roop) and gulped Analasura

However, the demon's body caused a terrible flux of heat inside Ganesha's body. Ganesha was in unbearable agony. The Gods gathered to help Ganesha ease his pain. His mother Parvati smeared sandalwood paste all over his body. But the heat did not subside. Shiva lopped his cobra around Ganesha's waist. But the burning sensation was terrific.

Lord Varuna, the God of rain showered plenty of water on Ganesha's body. The Moon God came and seated on Ganesha's head to enable its radiance cool Ganesha's body (hence Ganesha came to be known as Bhalachandra). Lord Vishnu offered him his lotus to pacify the fiery wrath and Ganesha also came to be known as Padmapani. However, all the efforts were futile.

Soon the word about Ganesha' plight spread around. When the reverent Sage Kashyap came to know about Ganesha's plight, he decided to offer Durva grass to Ganesha.

Sage Kashyap knotted a bunch of druva grass blades and put it in Ganesha's head. He offered 21 such bundles to Ganesha. Much to the amazement to everyone around, the druva came to Ganesha's help. It causes the heat to recede and Ganesha was relieved. 

Lord Ganesha appreciated the gesture of Sage Kashyup and pronounced druv grass as one of his favorites. He further assured that one who offered Dhruva grass to him would be bestowed with prosperity.

24. The Clever Ganesha and the Ravana's Kuttu

avana was the king of Lanka (present Srilanka). He was born to Sage Vishravas and the demon pdrenched Kaikesi, hence was a Brahmin by clan.

Ravana was a very powerful demon and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Initially, Ravana did great penance to please Lord Brahma and gained powers and kingdom. However, later he meditated on the name of Lord Shiva and became his staunch devotee.

Ravana was in deep devotional love with Lord Shiva. He was so overcome by this feeling that he decided to bring Lord Shiva to his kingdom and serve him before his eyes. 

(In another version, Ravana's mother prayed to Lord Shiva by making a Shivalinga of mud. However, the shivalinga was washed away by the sea everyday. Therefore, she asked Ravana to bring her a Shivalinga which she could worship everyday). 

Ravana performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. However, years passed by and Shiva was not invoked. In an attempt to invoke Shiva, Ravana resorted to extremities - he began offering is heads to Shiva. When all his nine heads were offered in the sacrifical fire, and he was set to offer his last and tenth head, Lord Shiva appeared. He said, "Ravana, Iam pleased by your penance and devotion. Ask me for a boon". 

Ravana asked Lord Shiva to come along with him. This meant that God was asked to surrender himself to a demon. However, Lord Shiva was compelled by his word and offered Atmalinga to Ravana.

Thus, Ravana approached Lord Shiva and asked him for a boon for his great penance and devotion - "O Greatest of Gods, the mighty Shiva. I wish that you come and reside with me in my kingdom".

Lord Shiva was bound by his promise. So He gave an Aathma Lingam to Ravana. The Atmalingam was a manifestation of Shiva's soul. However Shiva conditioned, "This is not an ordinary Shivalinga. Ravana, take this Atmalinga with care. Wherever it is first kept, it will get installed there".

Ravana accepted the Atmalinga with the condition that he would return to Lanka on foot and shall place the Atmalinga in his kingdom at an appropriate place. 

When the Gods came to know about the boon, they became worried. The possession of Atmalinga would increase the powers of Ravana. Indra, the ruler of heaven feared that Ravana would invade his kingdom and expel all God from heaven. Even Lord Brahma was worried seeing Ravana carry away the Atmalinga. 

The troubled Gods decided to approach Lord Ganesha. They prayed to Lord Ganesha to help them. Ganesha is an icon of wit and intelligence assured the Gods. He said, "How can I let a demon take away my father's soul? I shall bring the great Shiva back to his home in Mount Kailash".

Thus Ganesha thought of creating a stir which would forbid Ravana to leave the land of Bharatha (India) with the Atmalinga. 

Ganesha followed Ravana. Ravana was a Brahmin by descend and performed evening prayers everyday (Sadhyanaman). When the sun was about to set, Ravana was crossing a pastureland. The land had a rich grass bed and was meadowed by a river. 

A small cowherd was returning home with his herd. When Ravana saw the cowboy, he called him and said, "Boy, I have travelled miles since morning. Thexsun is about to set and I need to offer evening prayer and perform some ablutions. This is a very pious lingama and I cannot place it on the ground. Can you hold it, while I offer prayers?"

The boy innocently nodded in agreement. He said, "I will hold this Lingam. But you should return timely. My herd is standing unattended. Also, the Lingam appears to be heavy. If I am unable to bear its weight, I shall call your name thrice. If you do not return in three calls, I shall place the ligam down".

Ravana was pleased to hear that cowboy had agreed to hold the Ligam. He told the boy his name, "I am Ravana". 

Ravana handed over the Ligam to the boy and ran towards the river. He took a dip and began reciting the prayer. Just then there was commotion in the herd. The boy found that the Ligam was too heavy and therefore he began crying out in panic, "Ravana, please come and take the Lingam".  

Ravana who waa observed in prayers, failed to   hear the call. The boy iterated, "Ravana, my herd is unattended. I am unable to balance".

Just then, Ravana completed his prayers. He felt he was illudated by a voice. It was not apparet to him that the boy had been calling his name. 

The boy now gave the final call, "Ravana, I am finding it difficult to balance. Please come and take this Lingam".

This time, the boy's voice echoed in the surroundings. Ravana rushed out of the river. He was drenched, but immediately ran towards the boy to take hold of the Ligam. But the boy placed the Ligam in the ground.

Ravana ran shouting towards the boy to prevent him from placing the Lingam. But it was too late. 

Seeing the Lingam on the ground, Ravana gathered all his strenght to uproot it. However, the Lingam did not move. The force however caused the Ligam to dent, acquiring resemblance to cow ear. Hence this Lingam came to be known as 'Gokarna'. Ravana's called this Lingam 'Mahabakeshwara' meaning the mighty God whose strenght cannot be surpassed!

Seeing this strenght fail, Ravana was filled with fury. He realised that his years of severe penance to achieve Lord Shiva had gone undesired. 

The cowboy stood watching the efforts of Ravana. He smiled mutely and then jiggled chasing his herd. Ravana overhead the boy and ran towards him. He sored and hit the boy hard on his head with his close fist (this is called kuttu). The kuttu hit ordinary boy turned into the divine form Ganesha, Lord Shiva's dear son!

Ravana now realised that the sequence of events were planned to instill Atmalinga on the land of Bharata. He believed deceived by Gods and returned to Lanka. 

The place where Atmalinga was pergorce placed by Ganesha is sacred. The Lingam is now housed in the Temple of Mahabaleshwara. The Temple has a Ganesha statue with a hollow on the headside signifying the kuttu.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha can be pleased by doing kuttu (gently tapping both temples with folded fists).

22. Story of Durva - 2

nce there lived a beautiful nymph named Tilottama in the Kingdom of Heaven ruled by Lord Indra.

Tilottoma was ceaselessly beautiful. One day Ganesha visited the court of Indra when Tilottama was performing dances. Ganesha was taken away by the beauty of Tilottoma. 

When Lord Indra saw Ganesha, he asked he nymphs to stop. The nymphs sat besides Lord Indra. 

When Ganesha spoke to Indra and other Gods of Heaven, his virtues and values were revealed to Tilottoma. She began to admire Ganesha and fell in love with him.

When Ganesha left the court, Tilottoma followed him.

Ganesha saw Tilottoma following her and smiled back. Then he waited and spoke to her.

Tilottoma said, "O Ganesha, you are most vitreous God. I wish to devote myself to your. I express my deep and true desire to marry you".

Ganesha was pleased to hear Tilottoma. However he affirmed, "Tilottoma, I wish to let my parents know about your desire". Saying this, Ganesha left with Tilottoma for Mount Kailash.

Ganesha reached Kailash, where he approached his mother Parvati and told her about Tilottoma. He praised the beautiful nymph and expressed his wish to marry her, while Tilottoma waited outside.

Hearing that her son's desire to marry a celestial dancer, Parvati was provoked. She left in fury and cursed Tilottoma who was waiting at the threshold of their home.

"Tilottoma! My son Ganesha has a high descend and occupies a very high, respectable position among all Gods. You are a celestial dance. You have wrongly attempted to allure my son. I curse you - you shall recede the Heaven and thrive on Earth as mere grass. Your shall loose your honour and pride and no one would bother to see you".

Tilottoma was devasted and rose above her desires. She fell on Parvati's pious feet and pleaded her for forgiveness. She said, "O Great Goddess! It is true that I have a lower descend and perform as a celestial dancer, but my love for son was true and devotional. I wanted to serve him rather than just please him. I plead you to forgive me".

Parvati realized that Tilottama's feelings towards Ganesha were true and devotional. However she could not take back her curse. So she said, "Tilottama, I cannot take back my curse. But since your feelings for Ganesha are true, I bless you that in your existence as 'Durva, you shall be used as an offering to Ganesha. Ganesha shall be adored and pleased by the offering of durva".

Thus 'Durva became dearer to Ganesha and came to be used in worshipping Ganesha.

Tilottama gratified Parvati. She took form of 'Durva grass on Earth and came to used for offering to Ganesha.

21. Ganesha Came to Love Shamipatras

hamipatra is offered to Ganesha in the 21 Patra pooja. It is believed that Ganesha has a special liking for these leaves. It is also called Vanhipatra. Here is the story why Shamipatra is dear to Lord Ganesha -

Long back in time there lived a king named Priyavrat.

King Priyavrat was very religious and generous. He had two wives named Kirti and Prabha.

Prabha had a son named Padmanan.

Padmanan was an intelligent boy. His thread ceremony was solemnized amid great celebrations when he only five years old. 

Padmanan was treated very dearly by everyone in the palace. The prince enjoyed all lavish things. Soon he became proud by the virtue of attention he had been receiving.

One day when the prince was having meal, Kirti came to him with some delicacies. Prabha refused to have them and badly insulted Kirti. He called her a childless woman who roamed to feed other's children.

Kriti returned weeping to her chamber. Her heart agonized. She silently grieved being childless and decided to kill herself.

That night Kirti quietly left the palace. She walked across the forest reaching a heavy waterfall. When she was about to jump an unknown voice called her, "O great woman, stop in name of God".

He was Sage Deval. The sage approached Kriti and asked her why she desired to end her life. Kriti broke into tears. She was unable to speak, but somehow gathered strenght to speak. She spoke between sobs, "O holy sage, I am the queen of King Priyavrat. I am childless. Due this no one loves nor respects me. There is no value of my life and so I decided to end it".

The sage politely replied, "O royal woman, please the God and He shall please you. I suggest that you mediate upon the name of God Ganesha. He shall take care of you".

Kriti pleaded the Sage to take her under his kind endurance. The sage took mercy on her and allowed her to live in hus hermitage. 

Kriti began living in the forest hermitage of the sage. She  did severe penance to please Lord Ganesha with her true heart. She offered Shamipatra to Ganesha instead of the Dhruv grass.

Ganesha was greatly pleased by Kriti's penance. She was blessed by Ganesha to achieve her heart desire and gain prosperity.

After years, Kriti returned to the palace. Soon she gave birth to a boy who was named Shiraprasadan.

Shiraprasadan began growing up. He was a keen eyed, graceful boy. However his elder brother could not stand his blissfulness. He ploy against him. 

Shiraprasadan was positioned and killed by Padmanan. However, it is said that Ganesha always takes care of his devotees.

While Kriti wept helplessly over her dead son, a sage named Gutsamand came there. The sage was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. He said, "Kriti, you did great penance to please Lord Ganesha. Your good deeds will help to bring life back to your son. Ask the merciful Lord Ganesha to bless you with your son's life in return for your good deeds'.

Thus Kriti called upon the name of Lord Ganesha. 

Lord Ganesha blessed Kriti for her good deeds and granted life to her son Shiraprasadan.

On the other hand, Lord Ganesha cursed  Padmanan for his evil deeds. He got afflicted with great incurable aliment and was sidelined by the King gradually. The King began loving and giving attention to Shiraprasadan. 

Years passed by. Padmanan became very ill and passed away. The King declared Shiraprasadan as the heir to his throne.

20. Littke Ganesha and The Cat

ne early afternoon, Ganesha was feeling lazy. He was sleepy and sat cross legged. His big belly rested over his legs and his eyes whisked in sleep.

Suddenly his mouse Kroncha came running. It squeaked loudly, waking up Ganesha.

Ganesha lifted his brows and asked Kroncha, "Where are you running Kroncha? Whom are you hiding from?"

Kroncha trembled with fear. He stood on his hind feet and joined hands before Ganesha expressing forgiveness for disturbing Ganesha while he had been resting. Kroncha said, "My Lord, there is a cat in vicinity. I am afraid it may hurt me".

Kroncha narrated how the cat had quietly whiskered into their territory. He was afraid that the cat might hurt him. Ganesha laughed and told  Kroncha, "Call all your friends and brothers".

So Kroncha called his brothers and friends. A large team of mice gathered around Ganesha. Ganesha told them about his plan.

The team of mice left with Ganesha who mounted his mouse, Kroncha. Seeing the large number of mice and the elephant trunked human, the cat attempted to run away. 

However Ganesha and his follower mice were very naughty. They had their tricks. The mice circled around the cat and chased it in unison from one side to another. Meanwhile, Ganesha lifted the cat with its tail. He twisted its tail, whirlpooled it, gave with swings and pendulated it hard. The cat yowled and cried in pain. 

But Ganesha and his team of mice jumped- rejoicing the playful act. They cheered Lord Ganesha as he played around the cat. Ganesha teased, laughed and enjoyed the play with the cat. This time he took the cat once by its tail and banged it on the floor. He ran around the cat chasing it from one side to another. The cat struggled to escape from his grasp. 

After the long play, Ganesha began feeling hungry. So he shoo away the cat and asked his team of mice to wait until he returned with ladoos for all of them. The cat disappeared and Ganesha returned to see his mother to ask her for the food. 

However, when Ganesha reached home and saw his mother, he was shocked. His mother, Goddess Parvati was covered with dust and bruised all over. She appeared to be in great pain. 

Ganesha was in panic when he saw his mother's condition. He ran to her,  touched her lovingly and asked her, "Mother, what happened to you? You appear to be hurt and in pain".

Hearing Ganesha's endearing words, Parvati's heart swelled with motherly love. She gave him a hug. Inspite of being hurt, she gave a deeply pleasing, adorable smile and said, "Ganesh, donot you remember you were just playing with me with your troop of mischievous mice? I am the existence. As a mother I reside in the entire existence. See how your play pranks have hurt me at places".

Ganesha was enlightened. He understood that the cat he had been playing with so much notoriety was none other that His own mother - Goddess Parvati. He regretted for causing such  pain to the cat for sake of fun. He understood that His mother, Goddess Parvati who was the mother of entire existence, existed in all the forms of existence. Thus when He played pranks around the cat, causing pain and suffering to it,  his mother was equally pained and suffered.

Ganesha sought forgiveness from his mother. He resolved never to harm any innocent being for sake of his fun and joy.

This story is often related to Ganesha's celebracy. 

19. Story of Morya Govasi - 1

The story of Moraya Gosavi (Moroba) dates back to fourteen century. He is the most renowned saint of Ganapatya sect.

Part 1 - Birth of Morya 

The story of  Moraya Gosavi begans from the village of Shali located in Bidar district of Karnataka, where a Brahmin named Vaman Bhat Shaligram lived with his wife Parvati Bai. The story dates back to 1330.

Vaman Bhat was a Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin. He hailed from Haritasa clan (gotra) and was well versed in Vedas. He was an ardent believer of Grihasth Arshrama, as a way of life. However, Vamanbhat was childless.

Vaman and his wife worshipped Lord Ganesha. Yearning for a child, one day they decided to pay homage to Mayureshwara form of Lord Ganesha who was instilled in form of a stone in the village called Morgaon. Morgaon is located near Pune (70 kilometers approx) in the state of Maharashtra.

Thus, one day Vaman left his house in Shali with his wife and reached Morgoan. Here they worshipped Lord Ganesha as Mayureshwara. At this time, Lord Ganesha was believed to have disguised as a standing stone (karhe pathar). The stone was placed under a tree where it was worshipped as Mayureshwar.

Intuitively, Vaman and his wife felt that Lord Ganesha would hear their prayers for child. Thus, the couple began severe austerities to please Lord Ganesha by worshipping the stone under the said tree. Indeed, it happened - Lord Ganesha was pleased and blessed them with a boy. The boy was named after his bestower - Morya.

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Part 2 - The Onset of Spiritual Journey 

2.1 Worship of Mayureshwara, Morgaon  

Once as a child Morya fell critically ill. His body raged with extremes of temperatures and no Vedic or herbal remedy seemed to help him. His parents were very worried. They remembered Lord Ganesha asking him to take care of Morya. 

The turn of events was surprising and faith instilling...

A vedic priest (Govasi by clan) named Naryana Bharti Govasi came to the village of Morgaon. He was a great devotee of Lord Ganesha who was known for processing spiritual powers (Sidhdha Yogiraj). When Morya's father came to know about the saint, he visited  him and pleaded him to bless his son Morya. Naryan Bharti visited the ailing Morya and cured him. He blessed Morya and later became his preceptor. 

Morya began his education at the age of eight after his upanayana samskara was performed. 

Morya was influenced by both by his parents and his preceptor who were devotees of Lord Ganesha. He  ardently began worshipping Lord Ganesha in form of Kharaphathar which was believed to be Mayureshwar himself. 

2. Pleasing Chintamani and Gain of Astha Siddhis (From Morgaon to Theur)

Morya fell in devitional love with Lord Ganesha. He came to have an unbending desire to see Lord Chintamani when he came under the guidance of Nayan Bharati Gosavi. 

Lord Chintamani was another form of Lord Ganesha instilled in the temple of Theur. Later his guru advised Moraya to meditate deeply upon Lord Chintamani. Thus following his guru, Morya went to Theur and performed penance to please/invoke Lord Chintamani. Now this place of Morya's penance is called Tapasya Sthana (it is near the main Temple of Chintamani).

The village Theur is surrounded by Mula-Mutha river on three sides. The river is also known as ‘Kadamb Tirtha’ or ‘Chintamani Tirtha’. Morya began rigorous penance to invoke  Chintamani on the banks of this river Mula Mutha. Here he underwent a severe anusthana (fasting). After 42 days Morya had divine revelations. Lord Chintamani appeared before Moraya in form of two tigers and bestowed him with Astha Siddis or the eight natural superpowers.

After attainment of Siddhis, Morya was confronted with the title of Gosavi (meaning one who acquires complete control of senses or one who serves the God) by his preceptor Naryana Bharti. Thus Morya came to be known as Morya Govasi. 

The Temple of Chintamani was built by the descendants to commemorate attainment of Astha Siddhi by Morya Gosavi. The temple hall was built 100 years later by Madhavrao Peshva. A boulder near the temple of Chintamani is believed to the tiger form of Ganesha who blessed Morya Govasi with Siddhis. This stone is still worshipped.

18. Story of Durva -1

nce there lived a Sage named Sage Kaundinya.

Sage Kaundinya was very learned. He was a great devotee of Lord Ganesha. He offered durva grass to Ganesha everyday with changing of mantras appraising and glorifying Ganesha.

One day after Sage Kaundinya concluded his prayers and sat for the midday meal, when his wife Ashraya asked him, "Why do you keep the druva on head of Ganesha everyday? How can such frutile grass blades please the God?"

Sage Kaundinya began explaining the importance of druva in appraising Lord Ganesha. He even narrated the mythological story of Ganesha and Analasura. However Ashraya thought that the story was a mere mythological myth and refused to believe Kaundinya.

Once again Ashraya expressed her doubt about the importance of durva. Now Sage Kaundinya gave her a bunch of twenty one 'Durva grass and asked her to fetch equivalent gold from Indra, the King of Heaven.

Ashraya approached Lord Indra and asked him for gold equivalent to 'Durva she had brought with her. Indra asked Ashraya to see Kubera the celestial treasurer.

Kubera agreed to offer gold equivalent to 'Durva Ashraya had brought with her. He began weighing gold equivalent to 'Durva brought by Ashraya. However, as Kubera added equivalent gold, the durva kept outweighing the gold. This continued and the entire gold from Kubera's treasure house was exhausted. Kubera then asked the higher Gods to come and help him.

Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Gods of Heaven stood together against the 'Durva. However, durva outweighed all of them put together. They all were taken back by the power of durva and went to Sage Kaundinya who had send his wife Ashraya to fetch gold equivalent to the bunch of 21 Durva grass.

The Gods and Ashraya were enlightened. They went to Sage Kaudinya and confessed doubting thd important of 'Durva grass. The sage reiterated the power of 'Durva in appraising Ganesha which found universal acceptance henceforth.

16. Story of Morya Govasi - 2

Part 2 - Morya's Journey of Faith

Morya was known to travel to various places to worship Lord Ganesha. It has been accounted that he travelled to Theur, Ranjangaon and Chinchwad - In Theur, he built the Temple of Chintamani. In Ranjangaon, he worshipped Ganesha as Siddhivinayak. In Chinchwad, he took live Samadhi and later Temple of Morya Govasi was established there.

3. Return from Theur to Morgaon

Morya lead a nomadic and spiritual life in want of pleasing Lord Ganesha. He is known to visit the Ganesha Temples in Theur, Ranjangaon and Chinchwad.
After Morya Govasi attained the eight siddhis, he returned to his village Morgaon. Here he began using his spiritual powers (siddhis) to help and heal the destitute. Soon Morya came to be appreciated and venerated for his superlative powers. Masses often gathered around him seeking is divine blessings to overcome their griefs.

4. From Morgaon to Chinchwad

4.1 However, the worldly matters interfered with his meditation and prayers. So finally one day after the demise of his parents, Morya Govasi quietly left Morgaon in the middle of night. He settled near the village of Chinchwad about eighty kilometers from Morgaon and began his austerities in the forest of Kivjaee/ Tathwade/ Tathavade near Chinchwad. 
4.2 Once while bathing in the River Pavana, Morya found an idol of Lord Ganesha. The idol was similar to the one  he worshipped at Morgaon. Morya build a small shrine for the idol. 
4.3 One day a wood collector from the villager of Chinchwad saw Morya Govasi. He was allured by his divine aura and prostrated before him. The woodcutter was blessed by Morya and his ailing child at home was healed. The woodcutter came to believe in the divinely powers of Morya Govasi and began paying homage to him. Soon the word about Morya's powers spread around. The villagers of Chinchwad came to seek his blessings. Over a period of time, their commitment and devotion towards Morya grew. The villagers began fruits and food for him. When rains began to fall, they erected a hut for his living near the River Pavana. This hut is now a manor.
4.4 However, Morya could not forgot Morgaon. So he began visiting Morgaon on the first day of ever lunar month (pratipada). He reached Morgaon on the fourth day and worship Lord Morayeshwar. On the fifth day, they returned to Chinchwad.
However the path of devotion is never easy. It is said that God often hurdles his devotees to test their faith. So one day, Ganesha tested the devotional faith of Morya Govasi. This is what happened....
The interiors of Maharashtra as know to receive very very heavy rains. This anecdotes relates to one such night when heavy rains tormented the existence around. It was the third night of lunar calendar and Morya was on his way to visit Morgaon to worship Mayureshwar. There was heavy flooding in the area of Karhe pathar in Morgaon where Morya's parents worshipped Ganesha. However, Morya's faith was unbending. He was firmly inclined to visit Mayureshwar. The bridge that connected the Chinchward riverside to Morgaon was rickety and bend. The water rose above the bridge. It could break away anytime and be swept by the fathoming force of water.

Morya took name of Ganesha and decided to take the bridge, when suddenly a fisherman's boy came running towards him. He cried, "Wait, I shall walk with my rope on the bridge with you".

The boy helped Morya to cross the river safely. It is believed that the boy was none other than Lord Ganesha himself in disguise.

Heavy rains continued to lash for the next day (fourth day of lunar calendar).

When Morya visited the temple of Mayureshwar, its gates were closed. The temple priest who lived on the other side of the river had not arrived. However, Morya stood at the door of temple yearning to see Lord Moreshwar.

At this moment, something strange happened - as Morya stood praying to see God, the temple gates threw open. Lord Moreshwar welcomed Morya and it is said that He came out of the temple to please the devotional desire of his unparalleled devotee - Morya.

4.5 One day when Morya sat near the bank of Pavana River, he had a revelation of Lord Chintamani, Theur who asked him to marry. Following this, Morya married Uma (Uma bai) the daughter of Govindrao Kulkarni. Uma's family resided in the village of Tathavade near Chinchwad.

In 1470, Morya Gosavi married Uma. He was blessed with a son in 1481 who was named as Chinamani, who was believed to be a human incarnate of Lord Ganesha.

4.6 Years passed by and Morya began to age too. Gradually he found it difficult to visit Moragon. Once Morya reached Morgaon very late and the temple doors were closed. Morya slept near the temple door. That night, Lord Ganesha came in his dream and assured him that He would stay with him in Chinchwad. Lord Ganesha also assured that He would incarnate in next seven generations of Morya. 

17. Shiva's Slew

Adityah, the Sun God was son of Sage Kashyap, one of the great Saptarishis (the seven great sages).

Once Shiva was in deep meditation when Adityah began shinning very brightly. This enraged Shiva. He slewed Adityah in anger. Adityah fell to death and the entire creation came into utter darkness. 

Sage Kashyap by his divine powers sensed the wrath on his son. He came out of his hut and saw darkness all around. The sage closed his eyes and with his divine powers saw Lord Shiva slewing Adityah. Sage Kashyap was devastated to see his son dead. He went to Mount Kailash and saw his beheaded son. The sage lamented the unexpected death of his son. Shiva came and saw the sage crying.

In agony and anger, Sage Kashyap cursed Shiva, "You have slewed my son in your rage. In same rush of rage, you shall slew your own son".

Lord Shiva's rage was pacified hearing the sage's curse. He said, "O respected sage, I understand your agony over the lose of your son- Adityah. I shall bring Adityah back to life".

Saying this Shiva, went to discover an head for Adityah's beheaded body. He returned with an elephant head and brought Adityah back to life. 

However, Sage Kashyap was tormented to see his son's half human appearance. His rage knew no bounds and he further cursed Shiva, "Shiva, you shall do the same to your son. Your son would have an elephant head".

Saying this Sage Kashyap returned with Adityah and Shiva returned to his abode in Kailash. 

Years passed by and the curse of Sage Kashyap came true. Shiva beheaded his son - Ganesha in rage and later gave him life back with an elephant head.

14. Goddess Malini and Birth of Ganesha

Here is one of lesser known stories related to the birth of Lord Ganesha.

Malini is a elephant headed Goddess who once dwelled in a forest near the banks of River Ganga.

Once Goddess Parvati came to stay with her parents on in the Himalayan mountains. She went to the banks of River Ganga and took bath there. This water was drunk by the Goddess Malini.

Goddess Malini under the miraculous effect of water from the body of Goddess Parvati, gave birth to a boy with five Elephant heads and four arms. Goddess Malini began loving the boy as her son. 

Days passed by. One day, Goddess Parvati came to the banks of River Ganga again. She sat on the river bank, playing with the water when he heard the cry of a child. Goddess Parvati was alerted. She went around to see and saw a child lying in the groove of a large tree. She took the boy in her arms and caressed it in its forehead. Seeing the infantry innocence Goddess Parvati was overcome by the feeling of motherhood. She took the child close to her heart.  

Suddenly, Malini appeared there. She carried food for the child in her trunk. She was startled to see the boy in Parvati's arm. When Parvati saw Malini she asked her, "O pious woman, is this boy yours? It was felt unattendent and was crying in the groove".

Malini nodded before Parvati asking her for the boy. She took the boy in her trunk lovingly. Leaving the child Parvati felt a gap. She returned to the palace in dismay. She was filled with some strange emptiness. 

Back in the palace, Parvati told her sisters about the little boy. One of the attendants who heard Parvati, came and told her the how the boy was born. Parvati was surprised to know that the water from her body could gestate an elephant. 

Next day, Parvati went to the riverside again. Malini was resting under a tree with her little boy. Time passed by as Parvati waited for them to wake up. 

When Malini woke up, Goddess Parvati went to her and asked, "Did you drink the water I bathed in?"

Malini nodded in agreement. She revealed, "This boy was born after I drank the water you bathed in". 

When Goddess Parvati came to know about the birth of boy was under the effect of water in which she bathed, she claimed that the boy was her son. She said, "Malini, thus is my son as he was born from the water I bathed in. Give him to me". However, Malini equally loved the child and refused. A terrible argument broke between Parvati and Malini.

At last they, they decided to approach Lord Shiva to resolve the issue. They both went to Mount Kailash with the boy. Lord Shiva heard the plea of Malini and Parvati. He decided that that boy belonged to Parvati as he was seeded by water washed off from Parvati's body. He fused the five heads of the boys into one and named the child as Vignesh meaning the remover of obstacles.

Malini wept after Shiva decided that the child belonged to Parvati. Lord Shiva blessed Malini  to be known as Vigneshwara, meaning the mother of Vignesh. She returned to her home near the bank of river Ganga where she came to be worshipped for giving birth to Lord Vignesh. 

15. Story of Syamantaka Jewel

It is belief that seeing moon he night of the Ganesh Chaturthi brings false accusations. Legends have the story of Syamantaka jewel which can be heard/read as a remedy by those who inadvertently see the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi.

Syamantaka Jewel also called Syamantaka mani or Shyamantakahad. It is known to possess magical powers. It was held that the land which possessed this gem shall never encounter destruction from natural calamities such as droughts, floods, earthquakes or famines, and shall prosper with plenitude.

This story about Syamantaka jewel appears both in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata. The gem originally belonged to the Sun God who wore it around his neck. It is said that Syamantaka produced eight bhāras (approximately 170 pounds) of gold daily for its keeper. It is believed that the dazzling appearance of Sun God was due to Syamantaka.

The gem exchanged many hands -from God -to humans,- to Demi Gods,- to animals, to humans - to its present existence which is unknown !! 

Part 1 - Sun God's Boon to Satrajit

Once there lived a Yadava King named Satrajit. He was an ardent devotee of Surya, the Sun God.

Satrajit offered prayers to the Sun God daily. One day when he was observed in praying seated along the vast shoreline, the Sun God manifested himself before him. The Sun God bore a very luminous appearance. Satrajit was unable to see him due to the blinding forceful light. He requested the Sun God to appearance less dazzling. The Sun God took off the gem he wore around his neck. This gem was the Syamantaka jewel.

The Sun God appeared tarnished without the Syamantaka jewel. He had fiery soared red eyes like fireballs but the brilliance of his body casted off when he set aside the Syamantaka jewel. The Sun God blessed Satrajit and pleased by his devotion, asked him to express his wish. Satrajit was allured by the powerful Syamantaka jewel. He asked Sun God to give him the Syamantaka. The Sun God granted him his wush and thus Satrajit came to acquire the Syamantaka jewel.

Part 2 - Satrajit and The Fame of Syamantaka Jewel

Syamantaka was very a powerful and adorable gem. When Satrajit wore it around his neck, he appeared like the fiery lustrous Sun God himself. The gem bestowed its holder eight loads of gold everyday. Thus, by processing this gem, Satrajit became very rich. Soon the fame of this gem spread around.

One afternoon when Satrajit sat in the royal garden alone, Krishna came to see him. Seeing this, Satrajit immediately wore the gem around his neck. Krishna knew Satrajit was very proud of the gem and of the wealth and fame he had acquired because of it.Krishna asked Satrajit to present the gem to Ugrasena, the supreme leader of the Yadavas. He said, “Paath (meaning brother), Syamantaka is a wonderful gift of Sun God to mankibd. It should be used for the merit of masses. I suggest that you should present this gem to Ugrasena”.

However, Satrajit was very possessive about Syamantaka. He denied parting with it.

Part 3 - Krishna and the Disappearance of  Syamantaka

King Satrajit had a brother named Prasen. Prasen was a small ruler who ruled one of a provinces in the Yadava empire. King Satrajit surrendered himself to brotherly bondage and kindly presented the gem to Prasen. Prasen wore the jewel every time he went out.

Once Prasen went out for hunting in the forest. He was attacked by a lion and mercilessly killed. The lion even carried away the jewel. 

However, when Jambavan - the King of bears (or gorillas) came to know about the jewel, he attacked the lion. A fierce fight took place between the two and the lion met its end. Thus, now the Syamantaka jewel now came in the hands of Jambavan. Jambavan is one of the seven immortals (Chiranjeevi). He was loyal to Lord Rama. 

On the other hand, when people came to know about Prasen’s sudden death and the missing jewel, Krishna came on the radar of their suspicion. Satrajit accused Krishna of killing his brother for the sake of acquiring the jewel.Krishna resolved to bring the truth before people.

Part 4 - Krishna finds Syamantaka 

Krishna set out in search of the gem. He went to forest where Prasen went for hunting. He closely followed the trail leading to his corpse. He found trails of lion there and followed it further. He reached a place where the dead lion was lying. The place had footprints of a bear, following whichKrishna reached the Jambavan's cave.

Krishna found Jambavan's kid was playing with the jewel. When Krishna stepped ahead to take away the jewel from the child’s hand, Jambavan came up in its defense. Krishnaasked Jambavan to surrender the jewel as he desired to return it to its rightful owner. Jambavan however denied. Thus, a fierce brawl ensured between them which lasted for some twenty eight days! Eventually, Jambavan got tired. He was the strongest being existing on the Earth at that time. He wondered who would weaken him. 

Jambavan's was religious by nature and as said earlier had served lord Rama. Jambavan was now enlightened and realized that he had been fighting against Lord Krishna, the incarnate of his Lord, Rama himself!. Jambavan asked for forgiveness from Krishna. He prostrated before Krishna and returned the gem to him.   

Jambavan married his daughter - Jambavati to Krishna. Krishna returned to his city ofDwarka with Jambavati and the jewel. 

Krishna returned the jewel to Satrajit. Satrajit initially accepted the jewel, but he was filled with shame and guilt. He deeply repented for falsely accusing Krishna. He offered Syamantaka to Krishna, however the later refused to accept it. To atone for the offence of falsely accusing Krishna, Satrjit offered to marry his daughter Satyabhama to Krishna. Krishna happily married Satyabhama, who was known to be endowed with all divine qualities.  

Part 5 - Killing of Satrajit 

Days passed by and one day Krishna came to hear that his cousins Pandav brothers and their mother Kunti were burnt alive in their new place home. Hearing this Krishna rushed the capital of Hastinapur with his elder brother Balarama.

During the absence of Krishna from Dwarka; Kritavarma, Akrura and Satadhanwa entered the palace of Satrajit one night and killed him in his sleep. They ran away with the jewel.

When Satrajit’s daughter Satyabhama came to know about her father’s merciless killing, she rushed to Hastinapura to inform Krishna about her father’s slay. Hearing this Krishna and Balarama headed back to Dwaraka.

When Satadhanwa came to knew that Krishnawas heading to avenge the killing of Satrajit he fled away on his horse leaving the gem with Akrura. However, he was caught by Krishnaand his brother Balaram. Satadhanwa was killed by Krishna near river Mithila. 

On the other hand, Akrura fled to Kashi with the Syamantaka jewel. When Krishna came to know about this he send message to Akrura asking him to surrender himself and the gem. Fearing the powers of Krishna, Akrura agreed to return to Dwarka. 

Akrura admitted his guilt before Krishna. Krishna forgave Akrura and asked him to keep the jewel with himself on the condition that he would always remain in the city of Dwaraka. 

Does the story of Syamantaka jewel ends here ? May be not. Beyond this, the story and physical existence) of the Syamantaka jewel remains a mystery (unrevealed history) or may be lost !

12. Ganesha becomes Dear Son of Goddess Lakshmi

According to a legend Lord Ganesha is the adopted son of Goddess Lakshmi. Here goes the legend associated with it-

One day Lord Vishnu was seated with Goddess Lakshmi in his abode Vaikunth. Goddess Lakshmi asked Him, "O my dear God, how would you define prosperity for a woman?"

Lord Vishnu replied, "O my gracious! A woman is prosperous completely and truly when she has a child".

Hearing this Goddess Lakshmi became sad. She gave a sigh of sadness but returned no reply to Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu fell asleep, She quietly went to see Goddess Parvati at Mount Kailash.

Goddess Lakshmi expressed her plight of being childless to Goddess Parvati. She wept expressing her unbending desires for child. Seeing this, Goddess Parvati was touched. She pacified Goddess Lakshmi and said, "Lakshmi, calm down. You are like my sister. So Ganesha becomes your son too - isn't it?".

Hearing this Goddess Lakshmi was elated. She nodded in agreement and said, "So I accept Ganesha as my son". Thus Ganesha became the adopted son of Goddess Lakshmi.

Pleased by the motherhood, Goddess Lakshmi conferred all her siddhis to little Ganesha. She declared Ganesha the symbol of happiness and prosperity. She was overfilled with joy to have Ganesha has her son and pronounced, "Ganesh, you shall always be worshipped with me. If someone offers prayer to me alone, I shall never accept. The way to reach me is through you".

Thus Ganesh is seen seated in the middle with Lakshmi on one side and Saraswati in the other side in many pictorial and sculptural presentations.

In another interpretation based on a folklore, it is said that Goddess Lakshmi by her true nature is never stationary. However, when she is worshipped with Lord Ganesha she acquires stability. In other words, the Lord of wisdom (Ganesha) grants stability to wealth (gained from the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi). Thus, Ganesha seated between Lakshmi and Saraswati are commonly worshiped.