story of ganesh marriage

॥ Story of Lord Ganesha's marriage.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati have two sons – Ganesha and Kartikeya. When both the sons became eligible for marriage, a discussion began on Mount Kailash as to who should get married first.

Controversy and Competition

Since both the brothers wanted to get married, a sweet dispute started between them. Karthikeya's argument was that he was elder, hence his marriage should happen first. At the same time, Ganesh ji was also presenting his side.

When no solution to the dispute was found, both the brothers approached their parents (Shiva-Parvati) and requested them for justice. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati decided to organize a competition to solve their dilemma.

Condition of the competition

Shiva-Parvati called both the sons in front and said - "Whoever among you twocircumnavigates the entire earthand returns here, his marriage will be solemnized first."

Kartikeya's journey

On hearing the condition, Kartikeya immediately boarded his vehicle Peacock and set out to revolve around the earth at the speed of lightning. They knew that Lord Ganesha's body was heavy and his vehicle, the mouse, moved very slowly, so he would easily win the competition.

Wisdom of Ganesh ji

On the other hand, there was a big challenge in front of Ganesh ji. His huge body and the slow speed of the rat never let him overtake Kartikeya. But Ganesh ji is not only the god of strength but also of intelligence.

He thought with a calm mind. After thinking for some time, he remembered a deep secret of the scriptures and religion.

Orbiting the parents

Ganesh ji immediately asked for a seat and requested his father Lord Shiva and mother Parvati to sit together on it. After the parents were seated, Lord Ganesha circumambulated themseven timeswith full devotion and reverence. After completing the parikrama, he bowed to his parents.

When Kartikeya returned after circling the entire earth, he saw that Lord Ganesha was sitting there comfortably and Shiva and Parvati were in a very happy mood.

Consequences and marriage

Lord Shiva put his seal of approval on Ganesha's decision to circumambulate his parents. When Kartikeya asked the reason for this, Lord Shiva said:

"Son Ganesha! According to the scriptures, the place of parents is supreme. They are greater than the entire universe. One who has served and revolved around his parents has attained the virtue of revolving around the entire earth and sky. Ganesha has proved this by his intelligence, hence Ganesha is the winner of the competition."

Kartikeya also agreed with Ganesh ji's rational words and wisdom.

Marriage with Riddhi and Siddhi

As a result of winning the competition, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati performed the marriage of Lord Ganesha with the two divine and virtuous daughters of Prajapati Vishwaroop –Riddhi(goddess of prosperity) andSiddhi(goddess of spiritual power) – with great pomp and show.

After marriage, Ganesh ji got two sons, Ratna. From Riddhi'Shubh'(well-being) and from Siddhi'Labh'(benefit/attainment) were born sons.

Thus, Lord Ganesha, due to his intelligence and devotion towards his parents, received the honor of being the first worshiper and entered household life with happiness and prosperity.

॥ This is the complete story of Ganesh marriage.