1.2.1 Story of Mayureshwar, Morgaon - 1

Sage Kashyap was one of the Saptarshis (Seven Great Sages). He is said to be the wish born son of Lord Brahma.

Sage Kashyap had many wives and most of them the daughters of King Daksha (Aditi, Diti, Arishta, Kadru, Vinata, Danu, Kalaka, Khasa, Krodhavasa, Muni, Puloma and Somathi).

Kadru was the mother of the Nagas (the snakes), while Vinata was mother of Shyen, Sampati and Jatayu. Though Kadru and Vinata were sisters, there were very envious of each other.

Once Nagas attacked and imprisoned Vinita’s sons Shyen, Sampati and Jatayu. When Vinata to know about her son's captivity, she was very disappointed. She prayed to Lord Ganesha to protect her sons and to bless her with more sons. By grace of God, Vinata's sons were released by the Nagas.

Years passed by and one day Vinita was once again blessed with a son. However, it was in the form of an egg. The story henceforth is unusual and interesting.. .

The egg was broken by Lord Ganesha and a small peacock came out from it. The peacock though newly born, was angry with Ganesha for breaking his serene sleep.  He began fighting with Ganesha.

They continued to fight until, Vinata discovered that egg was broken and peacock was her baby. She immediately intervened and pacified her peacock son. She persuaded him he to seek forgiveness from Ganesha. Though initially reluctant, later he peacock agreed. He was enlightened by Vinata about the divine presence of Ganesha right before their eyes.

The peacock was humbled and said, "O great Ganesha, allow me to serve you. I wish to be your vehicle. I also request that you that my name is always associated with yours.

Ganesha was pleased by the peacock's gesture. He blessed the peacock and took the name - Mayureshwara (meaning the God of peacock).

Vinata pleaded Ganesha to liberate her sons Shyen, Sampati and Jatayu from the Nagas. Ganesh with the help of peacock released Vinita’s sons from imprisonment by the Nagas.