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.