5. Ganesha Folktales

Here are some popular folktales around Lord Ganesha -

1. Ganesha and The Rice Pudding 
2. Ganesha and The Old Woman's Boon

2. Ganesha and The Old Woman's Boon

Once there lived a little girl in a village. She often went to pay on the high swings tied on large tress near the village farms.

Once she saw a group of Sages praying to Lord Ganesha in form of a stone under a massive banyan tree on the other side of the farm. She joined them and began following them in their prayers. The girl became immensely touched by the devotion and glory of Lord Ganesha. She became worshiping Lord Ganesha everyday. She learned chants, hymns of Lord Ganesha.  She collected red flowes and 'Durva everyday and offered to the stone idol of Lord Ganesha everyday.

Days passed by. Years rolled by. The girl continued worshiping Lord Ganesha.  When she was in teens, she was married away in a nearby village. She continued her prayers and her faith was unbending. She was blessed with a son.

Years passed by. Her son was happily married. One day the woman's husband died due to old age. The woman was equally wrecked by age. However, she made prayers and offerings to Lord Ganesha everyday.

One year, the weather went bad. The winters became extremely chilly after unseasonal downpour. The woman was too old to bear the cold. She fell extremely sick. While she ailed, she remembered Lord Ganesha all the time, seeking forgiveness for not offering flowers and 'Durva to him.

Lord Ganesha was pleased by the old woman's devotion. That night as the old woman struggled against the wrath of weather, Lord Ganesha appeared before her. She woke up mesmerized by His divine presence.
Lord Ganesha said, "I am pleased by your selfless devotion. Ask me for a boon".

The old woman had spend all her life remebering Ganesha. She had no materialistic desires. She said, " O Great Ganesha, my life has succeeded by your divine appearance. However, I have no wishes to make".

Lord Ganesha smiled back and said, "Your devotion deserves a reward. Think and make a wish. Ask your son and daughter in law. Make a wish for them. I shall come back to you again".

Next day the old woman called her son and daugher-in-law. She told them about the miraculous appearance of Lord Ganesha and His desire to bless her with a boon. "Son, I have no wishes to make for myself. I have no clue what to ask Ganesha for. Tell me if I can ask for something for you".
The son replied, "Mother, ask Ganesha to bless our family with wealth and prosperity".

The daughter-in-law insisted, "Mother, ask Ganesha to bless you with a  grandson".

After his son went away, the ekman thought to herself, "Can I ask Ganesha for something better?" Her decided to see her neighbour and tell her about the appearance of Ganesha.

When the neighbour head the entire story from the old woman she said, "Your are old and ailing. Seek a boon that supports you in this age". The woman nodded thoughtfully and returned home.

The woman kept thinking about it a day through. It finally occurred to her, "I shall ask Ganesha sometimes which brings happiness to all - my son, my daughter-in-law, myself and even my neighbour".

Few days passed by. Lord Ganesha once again appeared before the old woman and asked her to express her wish.

The old thanked the benevolent God for reappearing and said, "O  Ganesha, grant me a long life, undiseased body, good sight, balance of mind and soul, great grandsons, wealth amounting to nine million, happiness and satisfaction to my family and salvation to me after I die".

Hearing this, the God raised his large trunk in blessing. He said, "O woman, you have robbed most of what I had brought today for you. Stay blessed". Lord Ganesha disappeared and the woman had all her wishes fulfilled in no time. She recovered from her illness soon. She came to be  blessed with a grandson and thus climbed the golden stair. The family was blessed with immense riches. They came to have large amount of gold, silver and money.

1. Ganesha and The Rice Pudding

In a far village there lived an old woman. She was weak and wrinkled. The woman lived with her daughter in law while her son lived in city to earn a living. The family was downtrodden and lived hand to mouth.  

The old woman was wrecked by her age. However she helped the family in chorus such as winnowing rice, harvesting crop, fetching water, feeding the lean cow the family domesticated, moulding and drying cow dung and so on. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. She visited the Ganesha Temple everyday and offered prayers to the God. Her faith was unbending though her family faced hardships for sustaining. 

It is said that Lord Ganesha always takes care of her devotees.

One year on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha was invited by the villagers for festivities and His blessings. The village people carried idols of Ganapati to their homes. They began worshiping Lord Ganesha. They offered various sweets to the loving diety and sang in His glory. 

Up in his abode Ganesha watched the people sing and pray. Ganesha was pleased to see them. He was elated as people sang 'Morya re, Bappa Morya re...'.

Now Ganesha is not just Intelligent, he is tricky too. So He decided to come to the Earth and bestow a boon to one who pleases Him in face! Indeed, Ganesha came to people in guise.

Here is what happened -

A little paunchy boy walked in the narrow lanes of the village. He wore a cotton garments and his head was draped with a lean cloth  tapestry. He carried some whole rice grains in one hand and a thimbleful of raw milk in the other.

He started his journey across the village from the most decorated house of the village which belonged to a wealthy merchant. The family had been offering rice pudding to Lord Ganesha as a part of ritualtistic worship. The boy stood before their door and called 'Mata, Mata, ...' (meaning respected mother).

The eldest female of the house came out hearing the voice. She asked the boy, "What do you want?".

The boy said, "Mata, here is some rice and raw milk please take these and prepare pudding for me using sugar from your house".

The woman said, "How can I prepare pudding from this much milk and countable number of rice? My family is busy in worshiping Ganesha and I have to be with them". Saying this the woman went inside.  

The boy went ahead. He kept going door to door asking people to prepare pudding for him. However no one bothered to take him seriously.

"Alas! This little boy is for keen to have the pudding made from his own rice", thought the old woman. She had been windowing wheat in her front yard while the boy went door to door asking people to prepare pudding. The old woman was allured by the innocence voice of the boy and smiled to herself. She finished with the winnowing and called the boy, "Come here little boy. I will prepare pudding with your milk and rice".

The boy was very happy. The old woman offered a small plate and a pot to the boy to place the rice and milk. But the paunchy boy argued, "Mata, this won't suffice. Get a big vessel".

The old woman thought that the boy was too innocent in understanding the real requirements. She smiled back and fetched a big plate and a large pot. However, the boy once again refused to place rice and milk in the plate and pit. He asked for bigger ones. The old woman who had been working since the early hours of the day was tired. She was got puzzled by the boy's 'tantrums'. However, she fetched the biggest vessel they had in the house.
This time the boy gauzed woman's irritability and inspire of himself placed the rice in the bigger plate. He poured the milk in the larger pot only to let  a large about of it to overflow. SimilarlyThelarge amount of rice fell down the plate.

"O boy! How can your little palms carry so much ?", the woman asked in amazement. The boy smiled and said, "Mother, before I take the pudding meal, I have to take bath. Please prepare the pudding while I go to the river to take bath. I shall return and take the meal".
Before the old woman could respond, the boy rushed out of her muddy home and ran towards the riverside.

The woman took the rice and milk inside. She called her daughter-in-law Aabha and asked her to prepare the pudding from the milk and rice. She told her daughter in law, "Aabha, this pudding preparation is very unique. Donot taste it before the boy comes to eat it". The daughter agreed in principle.

She began preparing the pudding in a large vessel. After sometime, the milk began boiling. The fumes of milk mixed with rice and jaggery began spreading around. Aabha who had been sitting nearby was tempted. She took a small part of preparation in a spoon to taste it.

The day passed by. It was twilight when the boy came bustling and jingling with joy. Seeing him back, he is woman cheered, "Son, where were you. The entire day has passed. The pudding has cooled down. Now come and eat the pudding".

The boy smiled and said, "Mata, I ate the pudding in the noon itself when Aabha tasted it".

The old woman was taken aback. She could hardly say anything. The boy said, "Mata, I ave come from a very far village. I cannot travel back during night. I am in fact too tired and want to sleep".

The old woman said in a low tone, "Son, my house has no bedroom. We sleep and cook in the same four walls. The jute strangled bed is old and tattered. However, it you want I can lay it for your to sleep".

The boy agreed. The old woman fetched the cot and laid it. Soon the boy fell asleep. His big belly laid against the bed as he snored. The woman also went inside and fell asleep.

In the middle of night, the boy woke up and cried, "Mataa, mother I got to pee. Where should I go?"

The old woman replied in the middle of her sleep, "There is no loo in the house. You can pee besides the yard wall".

The boy peed and went back to sleep. After some time the boy woke up again and called the old woman, "Mataa, I got to poo".

The old woman was distracted. She replied, "Son, house has no loo. You can poo in the courtyard. I shall clean it tommoriw morning".

The little boy pooed all over the place.

The night passed by. Next morning when the old woman woke up, she first went out to see the boy's well-being. However, she was taken aback to see the courtyard. The entire place glittered with gold bricks heaped up in uncountable number. There was a blissful environment all around. The air was filled with pleasing smell of fresh flowers. The flowers blossomed in different hues in the arms of leaves in various shades of green. There was no poo around!

The old woman was now sure that the boy was God Himself in disguise. She gratified Ganesha saying, "O Ganesha, I am so fortunate that you came to my house. I am fortunate that you gave me a chance to please me".

The old woman was reciprocated or her benevolence and generosity. She called her daughter-in-law to gratify Ganesha. They collected the gold believing it to be God's blessing. They became rich and prosperous. The old woman was soon blessed with a son.

Story of Angarak Chaturthi

1- Birth of Bhauma

Once Lord Shiva was observed in deep meditation. Cold winds blew around. The mountains were snow covered. But Shiva's internal fury supersedes the frosty weather. He became drenched in sweat. While He continued to stay in his meditation, some drops of is divine sweat fell on the ground. The drops gathered Shiva's fury and vital force. They took form of a child as they touched the Earth. The child bore a deep fiery red color. 

Since the child was born after getting in touch with the Earth, Lord Shiva put the child in Earth's cradle. The Earth desired her son to be vitreous. She went to Sage Bhardwaja and narrated the story of birth of this child. She asked the meritorious Sage Bhardwaj to take the child in his guidance and preach him.

Sage Bhardwaj accepted the child. He named him Bhauma which means the son of Earth. Bhauma came to kwown as the son of son of Sage Bharadwaj and Goddess Prithvi (Earth). He received learning from his father.

2 - Bhauma Performs Penance to Please Ganesha

Sage Bharadwaj was a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Following his father, Sage Angarak became very learned and began worshipping Lord Ganesha. He became deeply enchanted by the charm of this elephant headed God and eventually decided to please Lord Ganesha to get his divine vision and blessings.

Sage Bhradwaja preached Ganesh Mantra to Bhauma. He advised Bhauma to perform austerities on the banks of River Narmada to invoke Lord Ganesha. 

Bhauma performed austerities with a true heart to please Lord Ganesha. After years of penance, Lord Ganesha appeared before him. This happened on the fourth day of waning moon in the Lunar month of Magh. By divine's will, it was a Tuesday.

Bhauma was elated to receive vision of Lord Ganesha. He prostrated before the God and humbly gratified Him for appearing before him.

Bhauma said, "O Great Ganesha, my birth, my life, both have succeeded by your divine vision".

Lord Ganesha was extremely pleased by selfless devotion of Sage. He said, " Bhauma, I bless you to be always blissful. Ask me for a boon - for I cannot return without bestowing you what you desire".

Bhauma said, "O Ganesha, I am a mere mortal. I cannot match your divine standing and eternity. However, my only wish is that my name comes to be associated with Your divine name forever".

Lord Ganesha granted the boon sought by Bhauma. He said, "Bhauma, you will be known as Angarak by virtue of your body color. You shall gain fame as a learned Sage. You shall be the presiding deity of Planet Mars (Mangal Graha) which is worshipped on Tuesdays. Henceforth, the Sankashthi Chaturthi which falls on a Tuesday shall be known as Angarak Chaturthi. People who observe fast on the day of Angarak Chaturthi shall be more blessed".

26. Story of Morya Govasi - 3

.Part 3 - Samaddhi and Saptapursha

Morya Gosavi lived his entire life serving and glorifying Ganesha. People flocked in large number in Chinchwad for reverence. 

In the year 1556, his wife Uma bai died. His preceptor, Nayan Bharati Govasi took Samadhi. At this turn of life, Morya feft he had completed his life journey. He decided to surrender himself completely to Ganesha. 

Morya invoked Lord Ganesha. When the His appeared asking him his wish Morya said, "O Great Ganesha, the purpose of my life had been to attain advaita (oneness) with you. I wish to take Samadhi to attain this oneness with you'.

Hearing Morya's words, God Ganesha was elated. He said, "Morya, I have been always there with you. However, your wish to renounce the material world and attain oneness with me shall be fulfilled soon".

Following this Gosavi lived in the state of trance (Atmananda or the state of rejoicing soul) for many years. Once contended with this state, one day he finally decided to take Samadhi. When Morya expressed his wish to his son Chintamani. Chintamani was deeply troubled to hear his father's decision. However he decided to take it forward and initiated working towards it. He build a cave on the bank of Pavana river. The cave was built of stones.

The day decided by Morya for his samadhi was the sixth day of Margashirsha month (1516 AD/1556). On this day, large number of people gathered before Morya's house before he started on the way towards his decided place of samadhi. Morya left his house with his family and a large mass of his followers. He took a dip in the river Pavana and worshipped Ganesha in the temple. The chants glorying Morya echoed all around. Draped in pure cotton holy clothes, Morya alighted into the cave of samadhi with Ganeshpurana.

The cave was dimly illuminated by two oil lamps placed on a stone bench. At the threshold, Chintamani Maharaj garlanded Morya,  while his daughters-in-law offered aarti to glory him. They took blessings of Morya like everyone around. Accompanied by Chintamani Maharaj,  Morya seated himself on the bench in the cave and soon attained samadhi. Chintamani came out from the cave and blocked it with a large stone.

Following this, Chintamani Maharaj installed an idol of Ganesha with Siddi and Buddhi on the Samadhi. However, the way towards the cave was blocked by a large salunka of Lord Arjuneshwara.

The Samadhi of Morya is a live (sanjeevan samadhi) and even today people experience his presence there. The samaddhi is the highest transcendental state of consciousness attended by voluntarily consigning oneself to God and renouncing life.

Morya's son Chintamani Govasi built a temple to commemorate his father's sepulcher. This temple is located on the banks of River Pavana and is known as Temple of Morya Govasi.
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Sapta Purusha

The descendants of Morya Gosavi were worshipped as the incarnates of Ganesha at the Chinchwad temple. They were called as devas'. Morya's son Chintamani was also believed to be an incarnation of Chintamani Ganesha. He was respectfully called Chintamani Maharaj.
The descendants of Morya Govasi controlled the finances and administration of many Ashthavinayak temples.

Morya's clan came to be known as 'Deo' or Devas.

As stated in part 2 of the story, Morya was blessed by Mayureshwara of Morgaon to have his seven generations (sapta Purusha) with remnants of Ganesha himself. These seven sons of Morya lineage were considered as Ganesha incarnates. Their Samadhi are near the Samadhi of Morya Govasi in Chinchwad. The seven sons in this lineage were -
1. Moraya Gosavi (1375-1561)
2. Chintamani Maharaj -1(1561-1625)
3. Narayan Maharaj- 1 (1625-1719)
4. Chintamani Maharaj -2 (1719-1736)
5. Dharanidhar Maharaj - 1 (1736-1772
6. Narayana Maharaj- 2 (1772-1802)
7. Chintamani Maharaj -3 (1802-1805)

The last son in the above lineage- Chintamani Maharaj was childless and  adopted Sakharam from the Shri Govind family of Siddhatek. He named Sakharam as Dharanidhar Maharaj (1805-1852).

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The Curse of Morya

Narayana Maharaj (2) was the sixth Dev in Morya clan.
Naryana like precursor served the temple of Ganesha. However, hearing the stories of great father Morya Govasi, he became curious. He mind was filled with suspicion. When he heard people experience Morya's presence, he curiosity grew. He even doubted if Morya had been sitting alive in the covered cave for these many years!
One day Naryana decides to visit the cave through the blocked way. He proceeded inside the cave with a fire lamp. Much to his amazement, he found Morya alive and seated in deep meditation. However, Narayana's presence disturbed Morya. Morya who had left strict instructions to people not to disturb him ever, was enraged. He opened his dark eyes and cursed Naryana- "Naryana, you have not only doubted my devotion, but also disobeyed my instructions. I curse you - your lineage shall cease to exist after your son".
Though Naryana cried, seeking forgiveness from Morya, the latter was too angry to hear. He sternly asked Naryana to shield the cave with the stone.

Naryana repented his thoughts of disbelief and actions. However, there was no going back. Time revealed the fate of his lineage - Narayana's son Chintamani was children. There were no descendants of Govasi clan and their lineage collapsed thereafter. The management of temples of Moragon, Chinchwad, Theur and Siddhatek Siddhivinayak came under the control of Chinchwad Devasthan Trust, which operates from Chinchwad.

3. Stories Related To Popular Ganesha Temples

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3.1 Story of Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi - Mumbai - 1

3.2 Story of Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi - Mumbai - 2

2. Stories Related To Asthavinayak Temples

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2.1.1 Story of Mayureshwar, Morgaon -1 

2.1.2 Story of Mayureshwar, Morgaon -2

2.2    Story of Siddhivinayak, Siddhatek

2.3    Story of Shree Ballashwar, Pali

2.4    Story of Shree Varadvinayak – Mahad

2.5.1 Story of Shree Chintamani, Theur- 1

2.5.2 Story of Chintamani, Theur - 2

2.6    Story of Shree Girjatmaj Vinayaka Temple,Lenyadr

2.7    Story of Vigneshwara Vinayaka, Ojhar

2.8    Story of Shree Mahaganapati Ranjagaon

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1. Mythological Stories of Ganesha

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1.1 The Intelligent Ganesha

1.2 Story of Shiva and Elephant Headed Demon - Gajasura

1.3 The Gaze of Shani

1.4 Ganesha Curses Tulsi

1.5 Fall of Kubera's Pride

1.6 Gajamugasuran becomes Ganesha's Vehicle

1.7 Ganesha Curses the Moon

1.8 The Birth of River Kaveri

1.9 Ganesha And Vyasa write Mahabharatha

1.10 Story of Ganesha's Marriage

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1.11 How Ganesha Came To Love Shamipatras

1.12 The Birth of Ganesha's Daughter - Goddess Santoshi

1.13 The Breaking of Tusk

1.14 Story of Vakradhundra Vinayagar

1.15 The Birth of Vinayak

1.16 Ganesha Acquires Elephant Head

1.17 Ganesha and The Cat

1.18 Story of Ravana & Aathma Lingam

1.19 Story of Durva - 1
1.20 Story of Durva - 2

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1.21 Story of Durva - 3

1.22 The Shiva's Slew

1.23 Malini and Birth of Ganesha

1.24 Story of Morya Govasi -1

1.25 Story of Morya Govasi - 2

1.26 Story of Syamantaka Jewel

1.27 Ganesha becomes Son of Goddess Lakshmi

1.28 Story of Bhrushundi Ganpati

1.29 Story of Kroncha - Ganesha's Mouse

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27. Ganesha becomes 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.

28. Story of Bhrushundi Ganpati

The story of Bhrushundi is found in the Ganesh Puran. 

Long back in time, there was a place called Dandakaranya in Vidarbha.  Dandakaranya was surrounded by a very a dense forest. 

In the forest hideout there lived a robber named Dvivar. 

Dvivar was notorious for robbing and killing travellers. His ill actions continued for many years.

One day Dvivar was crossing the forest when saw a lake. He was tired and stopped by the lake to drink water and take bath. This lake was called Ganesh Teerth.

After taking bath, Dvivar got on his horse to leave when he heard some voice. He saw a Sage walking towards the lake with his copper pot. He was continually chanting the name 'Gajanan ..... Gajanan'. He was Sage Mudgala.

Dvivar by his nature and deeds had become very outrageous. Seeing the sage, he flashed out his sword to kill the sage. However, that very moment the sword fell down heavily on the ground. 

Dvivar was enlightened and realised how sinfully he had lived his life. He was stuck by the desire to eradicate all his sins. Humbled, Dvivar fell on the feet of sage. He admitted his sins and asked the sage to show him the right path.

Sage Mudgal asked Dvivar to chant the Mantra -'Shri Ganeshaya Namah' besides the lake. He asked Dvivar to continue chanting the Mantra until he returned.

Dvivar set his horse free. He took a sturdy wooden stick and rooted it near the lakeside. He sat besides the stick and began chanting the said Mantra. Soon he was completely immersed in the glory of God.

Years passed by. A thousand years passed by.

Dvivar continued meditating in all weathers. The stick transformed into the tree. Under the tree there was an anthill. The Mantra 'Shri Ganeshaya Namah'  echoed from the anthill.

The sage cleared the anthill and saw Dvivar seated there in penance. The sage sprinkled holy water from his kamandalu on Dvivar and brought him to senses. He named Dvivar as Sage Brushund and blessed him saying, "One who would come to see you, would be bestowed with a powers".

Sage Brushund came to live near the lake Ganesha Teerath. Presently, the place is popular as the Vidarba temple of Astavinayak.

29. Story of Kroncha - Ganesha's Mouse

The court of Lord Indra had many adorable celestial maids (apsaras), demi Gods and Gandharvas. Both Apsaras and Gandharva were admirable class of demi-Gods. They were proud of themselves. The Gandharvas were celestial musicians. They performed in the court of Indra along with the Apsaras.

The story here relates to a Gandharva named Kroncha.

One day Lord Indra asked the Gandharvas and the Apsaras to perform in his court. The Gods, Demi-Gods and Sages assembled in the court to enjoy the celestial performance. A Sage named Vamadeva also came to attend the show. The court of Indra was crowded and Sage Vamadeva stood near the doorway leading to the court.

When Kroncha came hurriedly through the corridor to enter the stage, he stepped on the toe of Sage Vamadeva by an accident. Kroncha instead of apologizing, insulted Vamadeva saying, "Why are you standing on the threshold? It hinders the way of bypassers. Now step aside!"

Vamadeva was hurt by Kroncha's impolite intonation and disrespectful attitude. He was filled with rage and pronounced a curse on Kroncha, "Kroncha, you are filled with ego and pride. You speak unthoughtfully in vain. Your attitude does not fits your existence as a Gandharva. I curse you that you will be reduced to a mere mouse. Your pride and beauty shall soon come to a fall".

Kroncha was terrified to hear the sage's curse. He immediately fell on the pious feet of Sage and pleaded him to forgive him. Sage Vamadeva took pity on Kroncha and said, "Kroncha, I cannot take back my words. However, I bless you that in your existence in the form of a mouse you shall serve as the mount of Lord Ganesha. He will eventually relieve you of your miseries".

Kroncha gratified Sage Vamadeva but soon the curse pronounced on Kroncha came true and he was soon reduced to a mouse. He was ashamed and abandoned the court of Indra.

Kroncha came down on the Earth and began roaming the forests. He often climbed tree and destroyed nests of the birds, dug holes in ground, broke away branches and so on. One day he followed a muddy lane thought the forest and reached a village. There he began destroying the standing crops in the farm. Soon he invaded the hut houses. He dug hide out holes and quietly destroyed the stored food. He broke earthen pots with water and tattered clothes, baskets and cane threshers. There was havoc all around. People came to misery.

One day the mouse ran to the other side of the village where Sage Parashara lived in his hermitage with his disciples. Soon they were troubled by the mouse. The mouse often destroyed and contaminated the grain and food disciples brought back. They often slept hungry. Life appeared to be ruined by the mischiefs of this mouse.

One day, Lord Ganesha visited the hermitage of Sage Parashara. The disciple welcomed and served Lord Ganesha. However, the presence of mouse troubled them all. Seeing the signs of anxiety around, Lord Ganesha asked them the cause of their worry. The disciples narrated how the mouse had been troubling them. They asked Ganesha to show them a way to get rid of the mouse.

Soon Ganesha targeted the mouse with his noose (pasha) and mounted it. Gripped firmly by Ganesha's noose and weighted under Him, Kroncha was humbled. He realised this mistake and said, "O great Ganesha, I am humbled. Forgive me for the sins I committed. I wish to serve you and be besides you always. Be my guide, be master and releave me from my misery".

Ganesha accepted Kroncha's apology. He said, "Kroncha, you will now be my steer. I shall mount you as my Vahana. You shall always be seated on my side".

Ganesha bestowed powers to Kroncha to bear his weight. Lord Ganesha mounted Kroncha and they happily left for Mount Kailash.

In another legend, Krauncha is stated to have been cursed by Saubhari. He was born as in form of a mouse as the son of Sage Kashyapa and later became Mount of Lord Ganesha.

30. 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 which Krishna 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. Krishna asked 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 of Dwarka 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 Krishna was heading to avenge the killing of Satrajit he fled away on his horse leaving the gem with Akrura. However, he was caught by Krishna and 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 !

25. 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. 

24. 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.

23. 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. 

22. The 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.

21. Story of Durva - 3

Once 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.

20. Story of Durva - 2

Once 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.

19. Story of Durva -1

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.

18. Story of Ravana & Aathma Lingam

Ravana 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).