Curse & Boon Stories : Little lord Ganesha's indian mythological stories English

Hi friends, we are going to tell you a new indian mythology story today obviously indian mythological stories that are based on Lord  Ganesha. The birth of lord Ganesha's story is very interesting He killed demon Sindhoo. means God v/s demon mythology stories: how lord Ganesha killed demon Sindhoo? how lord Ganesha helps other gods. ? The story of lord Ganesha.Lord Little Ganesha's Mythological Stories. Little lord Ganesha's indian mythological stories in English.  Curse & Boon Stories: Indian mythological curse and boon stories. Little lord Ganesha's indian mythological stories in English.

Story:

Long ago, in the city of Gandaki within the kingdom of Mithila, there lived a virtuous and valiant king named Chakrapani, who was renowned for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. His wife, Ugra, was a devoted and virtuous woman. Despite their efforts, they were unable to have children, which led to the king becoming disheartened. In response, he called together all his ministers and citizens and declared, "Since we are not blessed with children, we will spend the remainder of our lives in the forest, engaging in penance."

Hearing the king's decision, everyone was greatly saddened. At that moment, the sage Shaunak suddenly arrived. The king welcomed him with due respect. Understanding the king's sorrow, Shaunak consoled him and said, "O King, there is no need for despair. If you worship the Sun as I instruct, you will undoubtedly have a son. My blessings are always with you. Begin this vow on the upcoming Ratha Saptami and observe it for a month. Before starting the vow, perform purification rituals, Nandi Shraddha, and worship Lord Ganesha, seeking the blessings of the Brahmins. Set up a golden vessel with a representation of the sun on it, and offer red sandalwood and red flowers in a sixteen-part worship to the deities. Then, circumambulate the Sun twelve times and bow twelve times, praying sincerely for a son. If you observe this vow daily for a month, all your desires will be fulfilled."

Following Shaunak's instructions, the king and queen began the vow with determination. During the period of the vow, the queen had a dream in which the Sun, in the form of Chakrapani, came to her, and as a result, she conceived. The next day, the queen told the king about her dream and said, "During the vow, I inadvertently violated the rule of celibacy. Should we continue the vow?" Hearing this, the king was overjoyed at the prospect of having a son. The vow continued!

As the pregnancy progressed, the radiance from the growing fetus became unbearable for the queen, and she released it into the sea. The sea nurtured the fetus, and from it, a bright and red-skinned child was born. Knowing that the child was the king's son, the sea, in the form of a Brahmin, brought the child to Chakrapani and told the story of the child's birth, saying, "King, this is your son. Take care of him."

The king accepted the child, performed the necessary rites, and named him "Sindhu" because he was born from the sea. Due to his red complexion, the king and queen also called him "Raktanga." The people began to refer to him by various names: "Ugrekshan" because he was born in Ugra, and "Vipraprasadan" because he was returned by the sea in the form of a Brahmin.

As Sindhu grew, he learned the Surya mantra from Shukracharya and, with his parent's permission, went into the forest to meditate on the mantra, standing on one toe for two thousand years. Impressed by his severe penance, the Sun god appeared before him and offered him a boon. Sindhu asked for immortality, but the Sun god replied, "Death is inevitable for all who are born. I cannot grant you immortality. However, I will give you the nectar of immortality. As long as you retain it within yourself, you will not die by the hands of gods, men, animals, or serpents, neither during the day nor at night, neither at dawn nor at dusk." After granting this boon, the Sun god disappeared.

Empowered by this boon, Sindhu returned home. The king, now aged, performed the coronation and entrusted the kingdom to Sindhu, then retired to the forest life. The boon made Sindhu ambitious, and he began to desire dominion over the three worlds. He amassed an army and embarked on a campaign of conquest, defeating many lands. His extraordinary prowess attracted many powerful warriors and demons to his side. Eventually, he conquered the entire earth and became known as "Sindhu Daitya."

In a short time, Sindhu attacked Amravati, plundered and destroyed the entire city. When Indra, the king of the gods, heard of this, he mounted his elephant Airavata and went to battle Sindhu. Sindhu broke all four of Airavata's tusks and threw them to the ground. He then grabbed Indra by the legs and swung him around. Just as he was about to smash him down, Indra slipped out of his grasp in a tiny form and fled to seek refuge with Vishnu, telling him everything that had happened.

Upon hearing from Indra about the dire situation of the gods, Vishnu mounted on Garuda and came to Amravati to drive Sindhu away. As soon as the demons learned of Vishnu's arrival, they gathered their strength and launched a massive attack on the gods' army, causing the frightened gods to flee in all directions. Seeing the plight of the gods, Vishnu, enraged, released his Sudarshan Chakra on the demons, reducing thousands of them to ashes. Witnessing the critical state of the demons, powerful demon warriors like Chandamunda attacked Vishnu, but he defeated them with his mace.

As signs of defeat became apparent, Sindhu charged at the gods' army with a mighty roar, defeating many gods and driving them from the battlefield. He then challenged Vishnu, stopping the motion of the Sudarshan Chakra with his own. Seeing this, Vishnu hurled his mace at him, but Sindhu caught it in his teeth and shattered it into countless pieces. Impressed by Sindhu's prowess, Vishnu said, "I am very pleased with your valor; ask for any boon you desire." Sindhu replied, "If you are truly pleased, then cease this battle and come live in my city of Gandaki." Vishnu agreed, and the battle ended.

After this, Sindhu conquered Satyaloka and Kailasa, appointing his officers there. Then, he brought Vishnu and all the gods to Gandaki, forbidding them from leaving the city. He ordered the demons to keep watch over them and declared that from now on, everyone should worship him instead of the gods and the Brahmins.

Trapped in Sindhu's grasp, the gods began to discuss among themselves how to escape. Brihaspati suggested, "The name 'Ishwara' is most appropriate in the context of Ganesha. We should worship him so that he might be pleased and help us escape." Everyone agreed. They secretly established a clay idol of the ten-armed Vinayaka seated on a lion in a hidden pavilion and worshiped it with the sixteen-fold rituals. From this idol, an extraordinary radiance emerged, and a divine figure of Vinayaka appeared, reassuring the gods, "I am aware of the atrocities committed by the arrogant Sindhu. To destroy him and reestablish dharma, I will incarnate as 'Mayureshwar,' born to Mother Parvati. Do not despair. In Treta Yuga, I will be known by this name, in Dvapara as 'Gajanana,' and in Kali Yuga as 'Dhumraketu.' In Satya Yuga, you know me as 'Vinayaka.'" Comforted by Ganesha's words, the gods waited for the right time.

After Kailasa came under Sindhu's control, Shiva, along with all his followers and sages, resided on Mount Mandara. One day, Parvati asked him, "Among all the gods, you are considered supreme and are called 'Mahadeva.' Whom do you worship?" In response, Shiva said, "Dear, the one who controls the three qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas is called 'Gunesh.' As the lord of the Ganas, he is also called 'Ganesha.' He is both the Supreme Brahman and the Supreme Soul. I meditate on him constantly. True knowledge of him can only be attained through dedicated and concentrated meditation. If you wish to understand his nature, I will teach you his single-syllable mantra. By meditating on it with a focused mind for twelve years, you will understand his form." Shiva then taught Parvati the mantra. Parvati set off to Mount Meru to perform penance.

After performing intense penance for twelve years, Parvati pleased Lord Ganesha, who appeared before her and asked her to ask for a boon. She requested, "Lord, I wish for you to be my son and always stay close to me." Ganesha granted her wish, saying, "So be it," and disappeared. Returning to Mount Mandara, Parvati shared the news of her penance and its outcome with Shiva, who joyfully said, "Beloved, there is no doubt that the Supreme Being, incarnating as our son, will redeem the entire world."

Following this, Parvati became deeply engrossed in meditating on Ganesha, eagerly anticipating his birth as her child so she could nurse him and care for him. One day, on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, Parvati made a clay idol of Gajanana and worshipped it with devotion. To her astonishment, the idol came to life and said, "Mother, I am the Supreme Being, the Lord of qualities—Ganesha, and I have incarnated to destroy the demon Sindhu." As he finished speaking, Gajanana assumed the form of a child. Overwhelmed with joy at the sight, Parvati embraced the divine child, showered him with kisses, and nursed him, feeling the ultimate joy of motherhood.

The news of Parvati giving birth to a son brought great joy to everyone on Mount Mandara, including Shiva. They decided to hold a grand celebration, and Shiva had the sages perform the birth rituals for the child. Astrologers created his horoscope and predicted, "This child, born under the auspicious alignment of the fourth day of Bhadrapada, Monday, Swati Nakshatra, Leo ascendant, and with five planets in favorable positions, will become a great hero." On the eleventh day, they named him "Ganesha." At that time, Shiva blessed the name, saying that those who invoke Ganesha's name at the beginning of any task will have it completed without obstacles.

When Ganesha incarnated as Parvati's son, a divine voice echoed in Gandaki Nagar, informing Sindhu, "O Sindhu, the one destined to slay you has been born as Parvati's son, Ganesha." This proclamation struck terror in Sindhu's heart. Fearing his enemy, even in the form of a child, Sindhu sent powerful demon warriors to Mount Meru to kill him.

Himalaya, overjoyed by the news of his grandson's birth, came to visit Parvati on Mount Meru, bringing many gifts and adorning the child with fine clothes and ornaments. He named the child "Heramba." One day, while Heramba was playing in the courtyard, a vulture swooped down and carried him into the sky. Witnessing this, Parvati screamed in anguish and fainted. Meanwhile, Heramba, grabbing the vulture's beak so tightly that it suffocated and died, fell to the ground. When people rushed to the scene, they found Heramba playing unharmed beside the dead bird.

When Ganesha was one month old and asleep in his cradle, two demons named Kshem and Kushal entered the cradle in the form of mice and began biting the baby. In response, Ganesha kicked and struck them, killing them. As they died, they reverted to their original forms.

Another time, when Parvati was holding Ganesha in her lap while sleeping, a demon named Krodha entered their abode disguised as a cat and tried to carry Ganesha away by biting his neck. Ganesha kicked the cat, killing the demon instantly.

When Ganesha was four months old, Parvati decided to host a Haldi-Kumkum ceremony and invited many women, who brought their children along. Among the children was a demon named Balasur, who disguised himself as a child. Pretending to play, he started kicking Heramba (Ganesha) on the head. In retaliation, baby Ganesha choked Balasur to death with his small hands. As Balasur died, he revealed his true, terrifying form, causing the women to panic and flee, clutching their children.

When Ganesha was five months old, the sage Marichi visited him. Parvati welcomed Marichi with respect and said, "O great sage, we are truly blessed by your visit today." Marichi replied, "Parvati, the Supreme Being, whom the greatest yogis meditate on day and night, is living here in the form of your son. You must protect him with utmost care." Parvati expressed her concern, saying, "O sage, many demons have tried to kill him, but thankfully, they have failed. Please suggest a way to protect him from these demons."

In response, Marichi performed the chant of the Ganesha Kavach (protective armor) and gave Parvati an amulet inscribed with the kavach. He instructed her to tie it around baby Ganesha's neck, which gave her peace of mind.

Once, to conduct Ganesha's Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), Parvati invited the sages Gautama and others to their ashram. During this time, a demon named Vyomasura came to kill the child. He hid in a tree near the ashram and shook it violently, intending to make it fall on the ashram and crush those inside. As the tree began to fall with a loud crash, the sages panicked and fled to save their lives, forgetting about Ganesha inside. However, at that moment, Ganesha miraculously lifted the falling tree and flung it far away, causing Vyomasura, who was inside the tree, to be crushed to death.

Grieving over the death of her brother Vyomasura, the demoness Shatamahisha disguised herself as Shachi, the wife of Indra, and visited Parvati. Expressing her feigned sorrow, she said, "My husband is hiding in fear of the demon Sindhu. I've heard that the Supreme Being has incarnated as your son to rescue the gods. I came to see this child, who is said to alleviate the sorrow of separated women like us."

Hearing her, Parvati asked her attendants to bring Ganesha to Shatamahisha, who then placed him on her lap. Sensing her deception, Ganesha grabbed her ears with both hands and increased his weight to that of a mountain. Unable to bear the weight, she was crushed to death on the spot.

When Ganesha was seven months old, a demon named Kamthasura disguised himself as a mound of earth in the yard outside their ashram. As Parvati's attendants played with Ganesha, the demon's plot became clear to the young god. Crawling happily, Ganesha climbed onto the mound and increased his weight, crushing Kamthasura under him. Seeing the mound turn into the demon's lifeless body with Ganesha playing on his chest, the attendants were terrified, and even Parvati was startled. Ganesha, however, smiled serenely and glanced at them with a knowing look.

At eight months, during a hot day, Parvati rested on a bed under the shade of a tree. The demon Manchakasure took this opportunity to carry Parvati and Ganesha into the sky. Ganesha grabbed the demon's hair with one hand, secured Parvati with the other, and kicked the demon, causing him to crash to the ground and die. Ganesha then gently descended with his mother.

On another occasion, a demon named Dundubhi, in the form of a child, offered Ganesha a poisonous fruit. After eating it, Ganesha asked for another, but when the demon refused, Ganesha grabbed his tuft of hair, spun him around, and smashed him to the ground, killing him.

When Ganesha was ten months old and had begun to walk, a demon took the form of a snake and swallowed him. However, Ganesha soon tore through the snake's belly and emerged unharmed. The snake demon died in agony.

As Ganesha continued to grow, he performed many heroic feats while playing on Mount Meru, bringing joy to everyone around him. Once, a demon took the form of a locust and attacked Ganesha, but Ganesha tore off its wings and smashed it to the ground, killing it.

When Ganesha turned one, Parvati tied golden anklets to his feet and encouraged him to dance, saying, "Dance, my son, dance!" Ganesha danced, and seeing him, Shiva also felt like dancing. As Shiva joined in, Nandi, other attendants of Shiva, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Siddhas, and sages formed a circle around them and clapped to the rhythm. The joyous celebration was beyond words.

After dancing for a long time, Parvati, noticing that her son might be tired, took Ganesha into her lap and kissed him. She then felt he was unusually heavy. "Why are you so heavy, my child?" she asked. Ganesha quickly jumped from her lap and shook his legs vigorously, causing the demons trapped in his anklets to fly into the sky. They somersaulted and crashed to the ground, dying instantly.

Another time, while Ganesha was playing with the other children in the ashram, a demon disguised as a ram charged at him with great speed, intending to kill him. Sensing the attack, Ganesha leaped onto the ram's back, grabbed its horns firmly, and spun it around before hurling it onto a large rock, where the demon was crushed to death.

The demon Kutasura devised a different plan. He poisoned the water in the pond where the children drank after playing. The children drank the water and collapsed, seemingly lifeless, clutching their throats. The demon awaited Ganesha, but someone rushed to the ashram with the tragic news, causing panic. Everyone, including Ganesha, rushed to the pond. Ganesha quickly realized the demon's treachery and cast a wrathful gaze at Kutasura, who burned to ashes instantly. Then, with his compassionate gaze, Ganesha revived the children, who awoke as if from a deep sleep. He also purified the pond water, removing its poison.

One day, while Ganesha and his friends went to the river for a bath, a demon in the form of a giant fish dragged him into the water. The terrified children ran back to the ashram, crying, and told Parvati what had happened. Overcome with fear, Parvati fainted. Regaining consciousness, she rushed to the river, only to find Ganesha resting on the shore, having slain the fish demon. Although relieved, Parvati felt that Ganesha's increasing mischievousness needed to be addressed. She picked up a stick and chased after him to discipline him. Realizing her intention, Ganesha ran away.

At that moment, the demon Kardama caught Ganesha in his grip and swallowed him, disappearing with great speed. Seeing her son vanish before her eyes, Parvati was again filled with worry. Meanwhile, inside Kardama, Ganesha transformed into an immense form, crushing the demon underfoot and sending him to his doom.

When Ganesha was five years old, he was playing mock battles with his friends when the demon Khadgasura attacked him. Sensing the evil intent, Ganesha leaped high and delivered a powerful punch to Khadgasura's head, causing him to let out a heart-wrenching scream before dying in great agony.

To avenge his friend's death, Chhayasura, another demon, came disguised as a shadow. He tried to pull Ganesha's shadow, causing Ganesha to fall to the ground. Realizing the demon's trickery, Ganesha picked up a sharp stone and struck Chhayasura's shadow, killing him instantly.

Another demon, Chanchal, disguised himself as a young sage and joined Ganesha and his friends in a game of ball. According to the rules, the one who threw the ball had to carry the one who caught it on their back as a penalty. During the game, Ganesha threw the ball, and Chanchal caught it. Following the rules, Ganesha carried him on his back. But the cruel demon tried to crush Ganesha. Ganesha, aware of the demon's presence, pretended not to notice and continued playing.

Later in the game, Chanchal threw the ball exceptionally high, which Ganesha easily caught. Now, it was Chanchal's turn to carry Ganesha on his back. This was the moment Ganesha had been waiting for. As Chanchal lifted him, Ganesha made himself incredibly heavy, causing the demon's chest to burst. Chanchal fell to the ground, dead, spewing blood.

 Ganesh's Childhood Adventures, The Story of Mayureshwar

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Brahma was narrating the delightful stories of Ganesh's childhood to Vyasa. He continued, "Once, gathering all the Rishi's children together, Ganesh said, 'If you are hungry, come with me. I will give you some sweets to eat.' The children immediately agreed. Taking them all along, he quietly entered Rishi Gautam's ashram. Seeing that Ahalya was not paying attention, he stole a pot of rice pudding from the kitchen. Together with his friends, they devoured the pudding. When Gautam and Ahalya realized what had happened, they complained to Parvati. An angry Parvati scolded Ganesh in front of them, gave him a few smacks, and then tied him to a pillar with a rope inside the house. A little while later, when she went outside to check, she saw Ganesh engrossed in play. When she grabbed him again, he said, 'Why are you holding me? I am not your Ganesh!' Hearing this, she went back inside and saw Ganesh still tied to the pillar. Witnessing this miracle, her anger vanished. She untied Ganesh and lovingly hugged him to her heart.

This happened when Ganesh was six years old. Once, Vishwakarma came to the ashram to see him. He met with Shankar and Parvati and lovingly called the playing Ganesh to him. Praising him, Vishwakarma offered him the noose, axe, goad, and lotus. Accepting these, Ganesh casually asked, 'Where did you get these weapons from?' In response, Vishwakarma said, 'I married my beautiful daughter Sangya to Surya. At that time, he was rugged and much more radiant than he is today. Sangya could not bear his brilliance, so she returned to her parental home. Following her, Surya also arrived. Seeing him, Sangya took the form of a mare and hid in the forest. I explained the situation to Surya and requested him to reduce his radiance. Agreeing to my request, he mounted the chariot and...

Afterward, various rituals were performed, and Ganesh was formally taught the Gayatri Mantra. At that time, Kashyapa and Aditi were also present. Along with Brahma and all the other gods, they gave offerings to Ganesh. When Kashyapa and Aditi worshipped the young Brahmin, Ganesh appeared to them in his Vinayaka (Mahotkata) form. Overcome with motherly affection, Aditi lovingly embraced him and said, 'Dear Vinayaka, do not forget us!' Ganesh replied, 'Mother, I reside within everyone’s heart. In that sense, am I not always close to you? I had promised to meet you again. Today, I have fulfilled that promise.' Listening to these stories from Brahma, Vyasa asked, 'Lord, how did Ganesh come to be known as "Mayureshwar?"'

Brahma continued, "Long ago, Kadru, the mother of serpents, was gravely insulted by Vinata, her co-wife. To avenge this insult, Kadru instructed her sons, Shesha, Vasuki, Ananta, and others, to capture Vinata. Angered by the disrespect shown to their mother, Shesha ordered Vasuki to seize Vinata. Vasuki surrounded Vinata's ashram and captured her, presenting her before Shesha. In her distress, Vinata called upon Garuda, who arrived with Sampati and Jatayu. Upon hearing Vinata's plight, Garuda fought the serpents. However, seeing the battle turn against them, Garuda, in a subtle form, fled with Vinata. Upon returning home, Vinata recounted the incident to her husband, Kashyapa. He reassured her, saying, 'Do not worry, Vinata. The next time you conceive, it will be a large egg. When Gajanana breaks that egg, the bird that emerges will have a voice powerful enough to defeat the serpents.' This prediction comforted Vinata. Eventually, she laid an egg, wrapped it in soft cloth, and buried it in a safe place in the earth.

When Ganesh's sacred thread ceremony took place, his friends expressed a desire to study and learn the Vedas. To fulfill their wish, Ganesh blessed them with knowledge, and they began to recite the Vedas in unison, much to everyone's amazement. At that moment, a demon in the form of a ferocious animal attacked the children. Ganesh bound the demon with his noose and strangled it to death.

Meanwhile, Vinata was guarding the buried egg nearby. Seizing a moment when she was distracted, Gajanana, with a mischievous intent, dug up the egg and broke it. From the egg emerged a gigantic bird, which immediately attacked Ganesh. Ganesh attempted to subdue the bird with his weapons—the noose, axe, goad, and others—but the bird evaded the attacks and soared into the sky, swooping down on Ganesh. However, Ganesh, skilled in swift movements, avoided being captured and instead leaped onto the bird's back. Witnessing this, Vinata recognized Ganesh's divine nature. She humbly appealed to him, saying, 'My husband Kashyapa had foretold that this bird would be your vehicle and would liberate my captive sons by destroying the serpents. Please, O Lord, grant that with your aid, my son fulfills this prophecy, and let the people know you by his name.' Ganesh agreed, naming the bird 'Mayur' and declaring that from then on, he should be called 'Mayureshwar.' Mounted on the peacock, Ganesh returned to his ashram."

As Brahma described Ganesh's feats to Vyasa, he said, "When Ganesh was nine years old, he went to a pond near the ashram. There, a demon in the form of a horse started troubling him. Ganesh, mounting the horse, realized the demon's malicious intent when it suddenly leaped into the pond, trying to drown him. Quick to act, Ganesh pressed the demon underwater, causing it to suffocate and die, its monstrous body floating on the water's surface. During this time, some serpent maidens who had come to play in the water were mesmerized by Ganesh's sight and took him to the netherworld (Patal). With plans in mind, Ganesh agreed to go with them.

Meanwhile, as Ganesh disappeared into Patal with the serpent maidens, his friends, who had been waiting for him, were returning home disappointed. On their way, they were swallowed by the demon Bhagāsur. Ganesh, aware of this, entered the demon's body in a subtle form, tore it apart from within, and rescued his friends from the life-threatening situation. To reassure their parents, he took on the forms of his friends and visited each home, putting his friends into a deep sleep through yogic powers.

In Patal, the serpent maidens presented Ganesh to the serpent king, Vasuki, who sat on his throne. Ganesh took the divine gem from Vasuki's head and, accompanied by Vasuki, prepared to leave. His actions caused panic in the serpent realm. When the news reached Shesha, he advanced towards Ganesh, known as Mayureshwar, with a formidable army of serpents. In the ensuing battle, Ganesh displayed immense bravery, decimating the serpent forces, with his peacock mount, Mayur, also slaying many serpents. In the end, Shesha conceded defeat to Mayureshwar and praised him. He also freed Vinata's sons, Jatayu, Sampati, and Shyena, from captivity. Emerging from Patal with Mayur, Ganesh reunited Vinata with her sons, bringing her immense joy.

Afterward, Ganesh awakened his friends from their yogic sleep and returned to the ashram. The ashram residents were astonished to see the children, who they thought were still in their huts, returning with Ganesh. The sages, overwhelmed with reverence, bowed to Ganesh, exclaiming, 'Ganesh, how can we describe your greatness?'

The Stories of Ganesh Devotees Kardama, Nal, Chandragaad, and Indumati (The Glories of Ganesh Vrat). Indian mythological stories. Ganesha's mythology old stories. indian mythology lord Ganesha's stories

The storyteller began recounting tales from the Himalayas: "Once upon a time, there was a mighty and virtuous king named Kardama. One day, when the ascetic sage Bhrigu visited him, the king offered him reverential worship and excellent hospitality. After the sage was honored, the king asked him, 'O foremost of sages, by what merit from my previous lives have I been granted the rule of all the earth in this life?'

Sage Bhrigu, who was narrating this story to Somakanta, paused for a moment and then said, 'I am the Bhrigu of this tale, and the story I told Kardama was later shared by Shiva with Kartikeya, the Himalayas with Parvati, and Brahma with Vyasa. Today, you are fortunate to hear this sacred story from me. Listen closely.'

In response to Kardama's question, I said, 'O king, in your previous life, you were a poor Kshatriya. Despite your numerous efforts and hardships, you could not provide proper sustenance for your wife and children. Your wife, tormented by poverty, constantly criticized you. Fed up with this situation, you abandoned them and went into the forest.

While wandering there, you fortuitously met the sage Saubhari. He compassionately inquired about your condition, and you, overwhelmed by your plight, wept profusely and humbly narrated your struggles at his feet. Moved by your suffering, the sage advised you to chant the name of Ganesh, the great benefactor.'

As Kardama listened intently to his past, he became eager and inquisitive. He interrupted me to ask about Ganesh and his significance. I replied, 'O king, Ganesh is the source from which all the created and uncreated things emerge. He is the embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss), the ultimate Brahman. From him, the sacred sound 'Om' was created. He is the origin of the Vedas and the support of the entire universe. He is the Lord of all beings. The power to create the universe was granted to Brahma by him, and the ability to sustain it was given to Vishnu. He is the deity of all deities. The power that the gods possess was acquired through the chanting of his one-syllable mantra. As per Saubhari's instructions, by performing the Vrat from Shravana Shuddha Chaturthi to Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi at his ashram, you not only gained happiness, wealth, and prosperity in that life but also, through that merit, you obtained the vast glory of being a universal monarch in this life.'

Kardama, who already had accumulated past merits, was delighted by my words and his devotion was further strengthened. He once again sought a detailed understanding of the Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat rituals from me. Following the instructions, he performed the Vrat diligently and enjoyed all worldly pleasures before eventually reaching Ganesh Loka.'

Bhrigu added, 'Somakanta, the Himalayas also recounted the significance of the Vrat of Varada Chaturthi to Parvati and encouraged her to observe it. He also shared the stories of the great Ganesh devotees King Nal, Chandragaad, and Indumati with her, and I shall now tell you these stories as well.'

The Story of King Nal

First, let me tell you the story of King Nal. Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Magadha, there ruled a king named Nal. He was renowned for his valor, bravery, righteousness, religiousness, and wisdom. He was not only proficient in various arts and sciences but also possessed the ability to traverse the three worlds. Even King Indra, the lord of the heavens, regarded him with awe. His wife, Damayanti, was beautiful and virtuous. His chief minister, Padmahasta, was also known for his generosity, diplomacy, intelligence, fairness, and serious demeanor.

One day, while King Nal was seated in his royal court, the sage Gautama arrived unexpectedly. The king was overjoyed to see him. He performed the sage’s feet worship and offered him excellent hospitality. The king then asked, "O esteemed sage, each person receives the fruits of their past actions in terms of happiness and suffering. Please tell me by what merit I have been blessed with kingship, a beautiful wife, and a devoted minister and servants."

Gautama replied, "O king, in your previous life, you were a humble and impoverished Kshatriya in a town called Pimpalpur in the land of Gauda. Due to poverty, you were despised by everyone, and even your wife and children spoke ill of you. Fed up with this situation, you abandoned them and lived in the forest.

While wandering in a despondent state, you fortuitously met Sage Kaushika. After you expressed your distress to him, he advised you to observe the Varada Chaturthi Vrat. Trusting fully in the sage’s words, you performed the Vrat with utmost devotion. As a result, your home was filled with wealth and prosperity, and, thanks to Ganesh's blessings, you lived a happy life and became a king in this life."

Himalaya also told Parvati the story of King Chandragaad of Malwa and his wife Indumati. The tale goes: "Chandragaad was known for his strength, wealth, and generosity. His wife, Indumati, was a virtuous woman devoted to her husband. She spared no effort in honoring deities, guests, and Brahmins. Once, at the insistence of his ministers, the king dressed as Krishna and went hunting. He and his army thoroughly enjoyed the hunt. However, further into the dense forest, they were confronted by fearsome demons. Seeing the demons, Chandragaad and all his soldiers were struck with terror. Some fled for their lives, some fell unconscious, and others bowed their heads in defeat. Many soldiers were devoured by the demons.

Among the demons was a demoness who was captivated by Chandragaad’s appearance. Overcome by desire, she gently picked him up, embraced him, and kissed him before setting him down. She then advanced to devour the others. Seizing this opportunity, the king dived into a nearby large reservoir. At that moment, the serpent maidens, who were engrossed in water sports, captured him and took him to the underworld. After inquiring about him, they discovered that he was from the Somavamsa (Lunar dynasty). Enchanted by his beauty, the serpent maidens said, 'If you accept us as your wives, we will grant you whatever you desire.'"

The Story of King Chandragaad

The king replied, "I am a king from a lineage that practices monogamy. I do not engage in prohibited and unjust actions like stealing others' wealth or women. It is against dharma to induce me to commit such acts while I am your guest."

The demonesses' plans were thwarted by the king’s response. They said to Chandragaad, "If you love your wife so much, then let there be separation. We shall imprison you." With that, they confined the king in a dungeon.

Seeing the king diving into the reservoir, the demoness, in her anger, drank up all the water from it. The soldiers who had escaped from the demons ran back to the capital and reported everything to Queen Indumati. On hearing this, she fainted. A great lamentation spread throughout the kingdom! Despite everyone's efforts to console and persuade her, Indumati’s grief did not abate. For not just one or two years, but for a full twelve years, she lived in sorrow, abandoning all adornments of fortune and leading a widow's life.

One day, by chance, Sage Narada visited her. After listening to her tragic tale, he smiled gently and said, "Why are you following the widowhood vow while your husband is alive? Go, adorn yourself with the signs of prosperity. I will suggest a way for you to reunite with your husband soon."

The joy Indumati felt from Narada’s words was indescribable. She informed the ministers and sweetened the mouths of the common people. The news spread joy throughout the kingdom. Indumati resumed wearing her adornments of prosperity. Narada instructed her on the Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat and how to perform it. Indumati observed the Vrat with great devotion. The influence of the Vrat changed the demonesses' hearts. Realizing that imprisoning the king and causing him suffering was futile, they released him from captivity, honored him, and sent him out of the reservoir with respect, providing him with a safe escort for his journey.

Upon emerging from the reservoir, the king tied his horse to a tree and began his daily rituals. Meanwhile, some townspeople who recognized him ran to embrace him with joy. When the news of the king's return reached the capital, there was widespread jubilation. The city was decorated with flags, streamers, and banners. Streets were strewn with saffron, and celebratory music played. The queen, eagerly anticipating her husband’s return, sent special ministers to fetch him and prepared for his welcome with elaborate rituals. The king entered the palace in a grand procession, and Indumati performed the welcome rites. After twelve long years of separation, the reunion was complete. The couple entered the palace in a decorated elephant carriage. The king also began to observe the Vrat, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. Under Ganesh's blessings, his kingdom prospered continually, and peace and happiness reigned everywhere.

After hearing these stories of the Ganesh Vrat from her father, Parvati also began to observe the Vrat with sincere devotion. Following the defeat of Tripurasura, Lord Shiva began to miss Parvati intensely. Mounted on Nandi, he entered the Himalayas, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi. On the same day, Parvati completed her Vrat. She narrated the entire story to Shiva.