Story of Lord Shiva's Nandi curses Ravana

 

Ravana, the demon king, was Lord Shiva's biggest devotee. Ravana took immense pride in singing and playing veena for Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. With his musical talent, he had impressed Lord Shiva and earned his celestial weapon, Chandrahasa. Overwhelmed by receiving Lord Shiva's special blessing and appreciation, Ravana's ego grew manifold. 

One evening, Ravana set out to meet Lord Shiva at Kailasa, his celestial abode. Ravana couldn't contain his happiness thinking about playing a new veena tune he had composed for Lord Shiva. Aboard his Pushpak Vimaan, he dreamt of Lord Shiva appreciating his talent and gifting him more weapons to make him an invincible warrior. He smirked as Pushpak Viman landed on the Kailasa. 

He walked through the snowy paths holding his veena. Eager to impress Lord Shiva, he reached the house's gate. Nandi, the divine Bullman and Lord Shiva's mount, guarded the entrance. Nandi stopped Ravana, 'Hey! Stop! My Lord Shiva...'

'How dare you! Don't you know Ravana, the king of three worlds,' he declared with pride.

Nandi smiled, thinking about his ego, and replied, 'Ravana, I know who you are! You didn't let me finish. I was saying my Lord Shiva is having food prepared by Mother Parvati. You must wait here until I receive the next orders from my master.'

Infuriated, Ravana threw his veena and magically produced one of his weapons. Ravana hurled it at Nandi, aiming to break his head. But the weapon magically disappeared mid-way in the air. Ravana's anger now was boundless.

'What do you think of yourself? You look so funny,' he smirked.

'Are you not ashamed of your animal-like appearance? You look like a monkey,' Ravana continued, making fun of Nandi and laughing.

Angrily, Nandi cursed Ravana, 'You made fun of me. I curse you that in your death, monkey will play an important role.'

Ravana ignored Nandi's curse and went away without meeting Lord Shiva.

Years later, Lord Rama defeated Ravana with the help of an army of monkey men. Nandi's curse played an important role in defeating the egoistic Ravana.

Moral: Never make fun of others.

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Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.

Story of Lord Hanuman teaches Bhim a lesson | Mahabharata Stories

After the game of dice, the Pandavas lived in exile with Draupadi. Bhim knew his wife and four brothers were experiencing a very painful time in their lives. He decided to cheer them up and cook something special for them. He knew a delicious recipe made of rare leafy vegetables could only be found inside the dense forest.

Bhim was very brave and powerful. Nothing could stand in the way of his loved ones' happiness.

"I will be back in the evening. And I will cook dinner for you all," he said to Draupadi before leaving.

Bhim made his way inside the dense forest behind their hut. The howling and grunting of wild animals didn't scare him. He kept on walking stealthily, careful not to attack wild animals.

Finally, he reached a harvest of leafy vegetables beside a lake. He plucked enough for his family, kept it inside a cloth, and tied it crossbody.

Tracing his path back to his hut, he saved himself from tumbling upon something. He realised it was the tail of a monkey man sleeping under a tree.

"Hey, you, remove your tail from my way," Bhima yelled angrily at the monkey-man.

Monekey-man opened his eyes with struggle and begged, "I am very old, and my condition doesn't allow me to move. You move my tail."

"So, you want great Bhima to touch your tail. How insulting!' fumed Bhima.

Monkey man smiled and replied, 'Why does great Bhima not have the strength to remove my tail from his way?'

Bhima realised Monkey Man was challenging him, and he could never pass a challenge.

Bhima gulped down his anger as he had to reach home on time to fulfil his promise to Draupadi.

Angrily, he touched the monkey-man's tail and tried to lift it. Sweat beads formed on his forehead as he carried on his futile attempt. He realised his mistake that the monkey man was a divine energy.

Bhima prayed, "Hey, monkey-man, I have realised my mistake. Please come in your true form."

Hanuman smiled and appeared in his true form, blessing Bhima with powers of modesty.

Moral: Never use your power to intimidate the weak.

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Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.

Story of Little Ganesh and the Moon

Once, Lord Ganesh was invited to a big feast at an ardent devotee's house. Along with Modak, she cooked everything that Ganesh relished eating. She served Ganesh and Mushakraj, the mouse vehicle, with love. 

Ganesh loved everything served to him. He blessed his devotee with the prosperity she desired and mounted Mushakraj to return to Kailash. Lord Ganesh realised that his bloated belly had reduced Mushakraj's speed. He saw Mushakraj panting heavily and shaking his legs. 

Kind-hearted Ganesh felt sorry for Mushakraj's hardship and decided to relieve him. 

"Mushakraj, I want to walk home," said Ganesh.

"Sorry, my lord! My shaking legs are making your ride uncomfortable." Mushakraj said unhappily.

Ganesh replied, "No, my friend. Your ride is very comfortable. But I should walk, as my belly is hurting because of overeating."

Mushakraj smiled, and they both started walking. The Moon's rays lit their paths. Little Ganesh's belly jiggled as he climbed up the mountain. The eerie silence of the mountain, coupled with the cricketing of insects, was suddenly disrupted by laughter.

Ganesh wondered who laughed.

"Lord, look there!" Mushakraj pointed at the Laughing Moon.

"What is making you laugh, Moon?" asked Ganesh to the Moon.

Moon, who was still laughing, took a moment to compose himself.

"You and your belling are making me laugh," winked Moon.

Angry Mushakraj stared at him and said, ''Why are you making fun of my Lord?"

Ganesh smiled and suggested that Mushakraj ignore Moon.

Ganesh and Mushakraj resumed their journey.

A hissing snake frightened Ganesh, and he fell and tumbled. This made Moon laugh uncontrollably. This time, Ganesh couldn't control his anger and stared at him.

"You made fun of my appearance. I think you are too proud of your beauty. I curse you to become invisible, " Ganesh cursed. 

Moon begged for Ganesh's forgiveness, and kind-hearted Ganesh reduced the curse's impact by making him invisible only one night every month.

Moon sang Ganesh's glory along with Mushakraj. 

Moral: Never be proud of your beauty.

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Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.

Story of Lord Ganesh teaches Kubera a lesson

Once, little Ganesh was invited for lunch. Excited, little Ganesh took his best friend, Mushakraj, a giant mouse, with him. On the way, he asked, 'Do you think they will serve us modak?'  

Mushakraj laughed and replied, 'Don't worry; the whole world knows about your love for Modak!' Later, their host, Kubera, the God of wealth and celestial treasurer, happily welcomed them. 

Ganesh knew Kubera's intention. He knew this invitation was not out of love or devotion for Ganesh. But out of pride. Arrogant Kubera wanted to parade his wealth. Thus, little Ganesh decided to teach Kubera a lesson. 

Ganesh looked around the palace. He asked, 'Does the entire palace belong to you?' Kubera proudly replied, 'Yes, it's mine. The entire palace is mine.' Ganesh appreciated his palace's beauty.

Kubera took little Ganesh and Mushakraj to the dining hall. Ganesh saw massive golden vessels filled with rice, kheer, modak, and numerous delicacies. Spotting Modak, little Ganesh winked at Mushakraj. 

Kubera said, 'Take your seat, please!' So, they both sat down to eat. Servants started to serve the food. They began to enjoy the meal. Kubera was happy to see little Ganesh enjoying the food. 

Kubera said, 'Don't worry, my lord! Please eat to your heart's content. I have food to feed a nation.' Little Ganesh smiled. Now was the right time to teach Kubera a lesson, thought little Ganesh. 

Servants offered some more food. Ganesh continued to eat. They served again and again. The food prepared vanished very fast. Kubera started to worry. Slowly, he asked, 'Ganesh, have you finished?' 

Mushakraj replied, 'My friend has just started. He is going to finish everything.' Ganesh continued to eat. After a while, the food prepared for lunch was finished. Servants served him raw rice, pulses, grains, vegetables, and fruits. 

He asked for more fruits as he devoured them. Kubera begged, 'Ganesh, please... please stop eating.' 

Ganesh asked, 'Why can't you serve me more food when you have food to serve the nation?' Kubera realized his mistake. 

Kubera stood up from his throne and prayed to Lord Shiva. 'Lord Shiva, please help me!' 

Kubera went to meet Shiva and requested that he help him. Shiva gave him puffed rice to modestly serve Ganesh. 

Kubera was relieved to seek Lord Shiva's blessing. He took the puffed rice and served it to Ganesh, saying, 'Forgive me. Accept it and bless me.' Kubera offered it to little Ganesh with love, seeking forgiveness. Ganesh took the rice. As soon as he ate it, his hunger was satisfied. 

Ganesh happily returned to Kailash with Mushakraj. On returning, Ganesh said, 'Modak was tasty!' They both giggled.

Moral: The best time to realize your mistakes is now.

Happy Reading!

Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.