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. Curse & boon stories: The Glories of lord Ganesh Vrat stories. indian mythological curse & boon 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.
