One day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were sitting on Mount Kailash with their two sons: Kartikeya, the mighty warrior, and Ganesha, the wise and elephant-headed god.
The parents held a divine fruit in their hands—a fruit of supreme knowledge. Both brothers wanted it. To be fair, Shiva proposed a challenge:
“Whoever circles the entire world and returns here first shall win the fruit.”
Two Different Paths
Kartikeya, energetic and swift, immediately leaped onto his mount, the Peacock. With a powerful flap of wings, he soared into the sky. He intended to visit every holy river, every mountain, and every ocean, racing across the continents to prove his speed and strength.
Ganesha, meanwhile, looked at his mount—a tiny Mouse. He knew he could not outrun a peacock, nor could he travel the physical globe faster than his brother.
Ganesha didn’t panic. He sat in silence for a moment, closed his eyes, and meditated. Then, he stood up, walked toward his parents, and began to walk around them with deep reverence. He circled Shiva and Parvati three times.
The Winner
Just as Ganesha finished his third circle, Kartikeya arrived, panting and exhausted, certain he had won. He was shocked to see Ganesha already standing there, calm and smiling.
“Father, Mother,” Kartikeya said, “I have traveled across the entire Earth. Surely the fruit is mine. Ganesha has not even left this mountain!”
Lord Shiva smiled and turned to Ganesha. “My son, explain why you deserve the prize.”
Ganesha bowed and replied:
“The Vedas teach us that our parents are the source of our existence and the center of our universe. By circling you, I have circled my entire world. Why should I travel across the Earth when the whole world is right here at your feet ?”
Shiva and Parvati were moved by his wisdom and devotion. They handed the fruit to Ganesha.
The Moral of the Story
This story teaches the concept of Bhakti (devotion) and Shraddha (faith). It highlights two key lessons:
• Wisdom over Might: Intelligence and perspective are often more powerful than physical speed or brute force.
• The Sacredness of Parents: In Hinduism, parents are often equated to God (Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava). Respecting those who gave us life is considered the highest form of pilgrimage