Ganesha and Karthikeya competition story

॥ Shri Ganesha-Kartikeya dialogue: Story of circling the universe. 🐘🦜

This story is not only a competition, but it also proves that physical speed is always secondary in front of devotion and intelligence.

1. Introduction to the story: Desire for marriage

Once upon a time, on Mount Kailash, both the sons of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati,Shri GaneshaandSwami Kartikeya, had become eligible for marriage. A romantic dispute broke out between the two brothers over who should get married first. Karthikeya ji's argument was that he was elder, hence his marriage should happen first, while Ganesh ji was also presenting his side.

When this dispute escalated, they reached out to their parents. Lord Shiva and Jagadamba Parvati conducted an extremely difficult test to solve his problem.

2. Condition of the competition

Mahadev called his two sons in front and said -

"O sons! Both of you are dear to us. Therefore, we have decided that whoever will be the first to circumnavigate thisentire earth (universe)and return here, his marriage will be solemnized first."

On hearing the condition, Kartikeya ji, who was famous for his speed, immediately boarded his vehiclePeacockand set out to circumnavigate the universe at the speed of the wind. They knew that Ganesh ji's body was heavy and his vehicleMushakmoved very slowly, hence his victory was certain.

3. Shri Ganesh's extraordinary intelligence

Here Ganesh ji got lost in thought. He thought that if he were to go around the Earth on a mouse, it would take him years. Kartikeya will complete the parikrama several times by then. But Ganesh ji is the lord of intelligence. He pondered over the essence of the scriptures.

Then he remembered a truth from the scriptures. He soon requested Mother Parvati and Father Shiva to sit on a divine seat.

4. Circumambulation of the parents

Filled with devotion, Ganesh ji circumambulated his parents seven times and prostrated at their feet. There was immense faith in his eyes.

Lord Shiva asked with surprise - "Son Ganesha! Why didn't you go around the earth?"

Ganesh ji folded his hands and replied in a very humble voice -

"O revered father! It is the opinion of the scriptures that'Pitroscha Poojanam Kritva Pradakshinam Cha Yah Kurute. Tasya Prithvi Pradakshinajanyaphalam Bhavati'That is, the son who worships his parents and revolves around them, gets the result of revolving around the earth seven times. Both of you are the basis of the visible universe. All the places of pilgrimage, the world and the gods are contained in you. Therefore, by circumambulating you I have achieved the result of circumambulating the entire universe."

5. Result and Boon

Shiva and Parvati were extremely happy after hearing this scripture-based and logical answer from Lord Ganesha. Seeing the sharpness of his intelligence and immense love for his parents, Mahadev announced that Ganesh is the winner of this competition.

Lord Shiva said - "Son Ganesha! Your wisdom is unique. Those who leave their parents and wander in pilgrimages, they do not get any fruit, but you have watered the very root."

As a result, the marriage of Lord Ganesha with the two daughters of Prajapati Vishwaroop'Siddhi'and'Buddhi'was solemnized with great splendor. When Kartikeya ji returned after circling the entire earth, he saw that Ganesh ji had got married and he had also been blessed with two sons named'Shubh'and'Labh'.

Important teachings of the story (Moral of the Story)