Every time we have any spiritual gathering, any auspicious occasion or any festival, I see my grandpa first bows, prays and chants Lord Ganesha’s prayers. He is a devoutly spiritual man, praying and chanting everyday; but every time, Lord Ganesha comes first for him.
Once I told him,” Dadu, I know you so well. Even without you ever mentioning, I know your favourite god is Lord Ganesha. You always pray to him before any other god.” He smiled and said, “Yes. But there is a reason why I pray to him before every other god; even before the holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadev.”
“Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once decided to set a challenge for their two sons- Ganesha and Kartikeya. The first to circle the entire universe thrice would be declared the winner of the competition. Kartikeya, the God of warfare, was sure of his victory. He smirked and immediately set off across the universe on his divine vehicle, the peacock.
Ganesha was heavy built and was far from being a fast runner. Additionally, his vehicle was a humble mouse. He knew that he was not a match to his brother’s speed. So, he used his divine wisdom and did something no one could have thought. He simply circled his parents, Shiva and Parvati three times. Everyone present, including his parents were puzzled by his action. When they asked him what he was trying to do, Ganesha explained, his parents Shiva and Parvati, represented the entire universe to him, and by circling them, he has completed the task.
Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Lord Shiva declared Ganesha the winner of the challenge and blessed him to be the ‘Pratham Pujya’-the supreme deity who is worshipped first before any auspicious event, ritual or prayer.
Now, do you understand why I pray to Lord Ganesha before every other deity?”
Amazing Dadu. Who would have known that!
“Now you do. I hope you too will learn some significant lessons from Lord Ganesha- Wisdom is the ultimate winner, and your parents are your living gods. Love and respect them.”
A casual conversation with my grandpa taught me something that will stay with me for life!