The Story of Ganesha and the Moon

One day, Goddess Parvati was getting ready for a special occasion, and she asked Ganesha to stand guard at the door of her home. “Do not let anyone inside,” she said, “especially Lord Shiva, as I am getting ready and don’t want to be disturbed.” Ganesha, always obedient, agreed and stood firmly by the door, guarding it like a true protector.

After some time, Lord Shiva returned to his home. He was surprised to find a young boy blocking his way. Shiva, who did not know that this was his own son, became angry and ordered the boy to let him in. But Ganesha, unaware that the man standing before him was his father, refused to allow him entry, as his mother had instructed him.

Lord Shiva, now furious at being stopped, ordered his army of ganas to fight the boy and make him move. But Ganesha stood his ground and defeated them. Seeing this, Shiva, in his rage, took out his trident and fought with Ganesha. The battle was fierce, and eventually, Shiva’s trident severed Ganesha’s head from his body.

When Goddess Parvati heard the commotion, she rushed to see what was happening. Upon discovering that her son had been killed by her own husband, she was heartbroken and furious. She demanded that Shiva restore her son to life.

Realizing his mistake, Lord Shiva immediately understood the gravity of what he had done. He apologized to Parvati and promised to bring Ganesha back to life. But the damage was done. Ganesha was no more, and Parvati was inconsolable.

In order to make things right, Lord Shiva sent his followers to the forest to find the head of the first living being they could find. The followers returned with the head of an elephant. Shiva, seeing that it was the most suitable head, placed it on Ganesha’s body, and Ganesha was brought back to life.

From that day on, Ganesha became one of the most beloved gods in Hindu mythology. His new elephant head became a symbol of wisdom, strength, and loyalty. He was also known for his ability to remove obstacles from the path of his devotees, earning him the title of Vighnaharta.

However, there is another part to the story that explains why Ganesha always had a round, chubby belly. After Ganesha was brought back to life, he went out one day to have a meal with his brother Kartikeya, the god of war. They decided to race around the world to see who could finish first. Kartikeya, who was quick and swift, set off on his peacock without delay. Ganesha, on the other hand, took his time.

When Kartikeya returned, he was shocked to find that Ganesha was already waiting for him. Ganesha had not traveled around the world but had instead gone around his parents, Lord Shiva and Parvati, three times, saying that they were his world. Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Lord Shiva declared that Ganesha was the winner.

Afterward, Ganesha returned to his favorite pastime: eating sweets, especially modaks, which were his favorite. It was said that Ganesha’s large belly was a symbol of his capacity to take in all the goodness of the world and share it with others.

One day, while Ganesha was riding on his mouse and carrying a plate of modaks, he was knocked by the moon. The moon, laughing at his clumsiness, made fun of him. Angered by the moon’s mockery, Ganesha cursed the moon that anyone who looked at it on the Ganesh Chaturthi festival day would face misfortune.

Realizing his mistake, Ganesha later softened the curse, saying that the moon would appear to be full at certain times, but it would never remain visible all the time.

To this day, it is said that anyone who looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will face some troubles. However, it is also believed that if you recite the “Ganesha Ashtakshara Mantra” while looking at the moon, the curse will be lifted, and you will be free of any misfortune.

This story of Ganesha’s curse on the moon is not only about the importance of humility but also the understanding that even the divine make mistakes and learn from them.

Key Vocabulary (with Simple Meanings)

1. Wisdom – the ability to think and decide well

2. Playful – full of fun and joy

3. Obedient – doing what you are told

4. Guard – protect or watch over

5. Disturbed – interrupted

6. Protector – one who keeps others safe

7. Furious – very angry

8. Army of ganas – divine followers of Shiva

9. Trident – a three-pointed weapon

10. Severed – cut off

11. Commotion – loud noise or disturbance

12. Heartbroken – extremely sad

13. Restore to life – bring back from death

14. Inconsolable – unable to be comforted

15. Followers – devoted helpers

16. Most suitable – best or most appropriate

17. Symbol – something that represents an idea

18. Devotees – people who worship with faith

19. Vighnaharta – remover of obstacles

20. Swift – very fast

21. Race – a competition of speed

22. Peacock – Kartikeya’s vehicle

23. Devotion – deep love and respect

24. Declared – announced officially

25. Pastime – activity done for fun

26. Modaks – sweet dumplings loved by Ganesha

27. Capacity – ability to hold or do something

28. Mockery – making fun of someone

29. Cursed – wished harm through magical words

30. Misfortune – bad luck or trouble

31. Softened – made less severe

32. Visible – able to be seen

33. Recite – say aloud from memory

34. Mantra – sacred chant

35. Lifted (curse) – removed

36. Humility – being modest, not proud

37. Divine – related to gods

38. Mistakes – wrong actions

39. Learn from errors – improve after doing wrong

40. Life lesson – moral teaching from a story