Leading up to the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi we had promised to share some fun stories about Lord Ganesha. In the world of Hindu mythology, there’s a fun story about a race between Lord Ganesha and his brother Lord Kartikeya. This isn’t just any race; it’s a race around the Earth three times! Let’s dive into this exciting tale.

The Challenge

One day, Sage Narada visited Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with a special fruit. This fruit was said to grant immense knowledge and wisdom. Naturally, both Ganesha and Kartikeya wanted it. To decide who would get the fruit, Shiva proposed a challenge: whoever could circle the Earth three times the fastest would win.

Kartikeya’s Speed

Kartikeya, the god of war and speed, immediately jumped on his peacock and took off. He flew over mountains, oceans, and forests, confident that he would win. His speed was unmatched, and he was sure of his victory.

Ganesha’s Wisdom

Ganesha, on the other hand, knew that his vehicle, a mouse, couldn’t compete with Kartikeya’s peacock. But Ganesha, being the god of wisdom, had a clever plan. Instead of racing around the Earth, he walked around his parents, Shiva and Parvati, three times. When asked why, he said, “You, my parents, are my world. By circling you, I have circled the Earth.”

The Result

When Kartikeya returned, he was surprised to see Ganesha already there. Shiva and Parvati, impressed by Ganesha’s wisdom and devotion, declared him the winner. Kartikeya, though initially disappointed, accepted the outcome, acknowledging his brother’s cleverness.

The Lesson

This story teaches us that wisdom and devotion often triumph over sheer speed and strength. It shows that sometimes, thinking outside the box and valuing what’s truly important can lead to success.