The Childhood Tales and Marriage of Lord Ganesha & Kumar Kartikey. indian mythology stories. curse and boon: indian mythology stories in English. Ganesh & Kartikey's story in English. Class 2 moral stories for kids
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had two divine sons—Skanda (Kartikeya) and Ganesha—who delighted their parents with extraordinary childhood antics. Their innocence and playfulness were a source of immense joy to Shiva and Parvati, who doted on them with great affection.
One such tale tells of young Ganesha climbing onto his father’s lap, mistaking the crescent moon on Shiva’s forehead for a lotus stem, and trying to pull it. However, the heat from Shiva’s third eye overwhelmed him. In his panic, Ganesha attempted to drink water from the Ganga flowing through Shiva’s matted hair, but a serpent guarding it hissed fiercely. Frightened, Ganesha ran to Parvati, who lovingly consoled him and took him away. Such divine episodes of Ganesha’s childhood are believed to cleanse one of all sins and suffering.
The two brothers, Skanda and Ganesha, shared a close bond. They played together constantly and were devoted to their parents, serving them with utmost respect and love, which only deepened their parents' affection.
As time passed and both reached the age of marriage, Shiva and Parvati began considering suitable brides. Both sons, however, expressed a desire to be married first.
To resolve the matter, Shiva and Parvati proposed a challenge: “Whoever among you can first complete a circumambulation of the entire earth will be married first.”
Without delay, Kartikeya mounted his peacock and sped off to circle the globe. Ganesha, wise and thoughtful, stood still, pondering how he—riding a small mouse and physically slower—could possibly compete.
After reflection, Ganesha decided on a different path. He bathed, wore clean clothes, and respectfully invited his parents to sit on a sacred seat he had prepared. He then circumambulated them seven times with deep devotion, reciting sacred hymns and offering salutations.
When asked how this counted as circling the earth, Ganesha responded with verses from the scriptures:
“He who reveres his parents and walks around them with devotion gains the same merit as one who circles the entire world. The feet of one’s parents are the greatest pilgrimage. All other holy places are distant and difficult to reach, but one’s home, where the parents reside, is the most sacred.”
Impressed by this deep wisdom and spiritual maturity, Shiva and Parvati declared Ganesha the winner and began arrangements for his wedding.
Hearing of this, Prajapati Vishvarupa came forward, offering his two virtuous and beautiful daughters, Siddhi (spiritual power) and Buddhi (intellect), in marriage to Ganesha. Shiva and Parvati joyfully accepted the proposal, and the wedding was held with great divine celebration. All gods assembled, music played, and the heavens rejoiced. Ganesha, now wedded to Siddhi and Buddhi, was blessed with two sons: Kshem (prosperity) and Labh (gain).
Meanwhile, Kartikeya returned after completing his global journey only to find that Ganesha was already married. Deeply disheartened, he quietly offered his respects to his parents and decided to leave Mount Kailash. Despite Shiva and Parvati's efforts to console him, Kartikeya remained firm in his resolve and retreated to Mount Krauncha.
From that day on, Kartikeya came to be known as “Kumara”—the eternal bachelor. His name became synonymous with purity and celibacy, and he is worshipped as such across the three worlds.
Even today, on the holy day of Kartik Purnima, gods, sages, and devotees visit Mount Krauncha to seek Kartikeya’s blessings. It is believed that a mere glimpse of him on this day washes away all sins and fulfills desires.
Parvati, missing her beloved son dearly, once pleaded with Shiva to take her to where Kartikeya lived. Shiva, moved by her love, accompanied her to Mount Krauncha. There, they manifested as the sacred Jyotirlinga of Mallikarjuna. From then on, Shiva and Parvati would visit Kartikeya regularly—Shiva on new moon nights and Parvati on full moons—continuing the bond of divine love and family.
