1. The Story of Ganesha’s Single Tusk
Most of us have noticed that Lord Ganesha is often called Ekdant, the one with a single tusk. But why does he have just one? One story says that when Sage Vyasa was dictating the Mahabharata, Ganesha broke his own tusk and used it as a pen when his quill broke. Another tale suggests that he lost it during a fight with Parashurama. Either way, the story shows his sacrifice and dedication, reminding us that sometimes we need to let go of comfort to achieve something greater.
2. Why the Moon Was Cursed on Ganesh Chaturthi
A lesser-known story tells us why it is considered unlucky to look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Once, after having a hearty meal of sweets, Ganesha was riding on his mouse. The moon saw him and laughed at his big belly. Angered, Ganesha cursed the moon, saying anyone who looked at it on Ganesh Chaturthi would face false accusations. This tale teaches us about respect, humility, and avoiding mockery of others.
3. Ganesha and the Mango of Knowledge
There’s a sweet story about Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya. Their parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, once brought a magical mango and said it would be given to the son who circled the world three times. Kartikeya immediately set out on his peacock. But Ganesha, being wise, simply circled his parents three times, saying, “You both are my world.” This story is not just about cleverness, but also about valuing family above all.
4. The Scribe of the Mahabharata
Did you know that the great epic Mahabharata was written down by Lord Ganesha himself? Sage Vyasa needed someone fast enough to write while he dictated, and Ganesha agreed on the condition that Vyasa would not pause. In return, Vyasa asked that Ganesha fully understand each verse before writing it down. This balance of intelligence and patience shows why Ganesha is considered the lord of wisdom.
5. Ganesha’s Birth from Turmeric Paste
While most people know the story of Ganesha being created by Goddess Parvati, not many know the details. She made him out of turmeric paste, gave him life, and asked him to guard her while she bathed. When Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha stopped him, and the famous beheading story followed. This tale tells us about devotion, duty, and the importance of respecting boundaries.
The beauty of Lord Ganesha’s stories is that they are not just mythological tales, but also life lessons disguised as stories. They remind us to respect knowledge, value family, stay humble, and perform our duties with sincerity. This Ganesh Chaturthi, when you welcome Bappa home, remember these untold stories and the wisdom hidden within them.
