The Story of Ganesa: 5. The victorious Vighneswara | INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

 

The Story of Ganesa: 5. The victorious Vighneswara | INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

The Story of Ganesa: The Story of Ganesa:

 5. The victorious Vighneswara 

    

After Ganapati was brought back to life and he had revealed his divinity, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, and the innumerable Devas present at Kailas began paying their obeisance to him. When Parvati went forward to prostrate before him, Ganapati stopped her, saying “You’re my mother.”

Lord Siva approached him and said affectionately, “As you have incarnated as our son, we’re truly blessed.”

Ganapati said: “I’m your son and it is, therefore, my duty to pay obeisance to you!” He then prostrated in front of Siva and Parvati.

Ganapati now greeted Lord Vishnu, who blessed him: “May you become immortal!”

Lord Brahma embraced him and said: “You must take the blessings of the Divine Mothers.”

So, Ganapati prostrated before Lakshmi and Saraswati, who took him in their laps and caressed him. They turned to Parvati. “All three of us have been born to the same mother, though we later took different forms as Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu, Saraswati, consort of Brahma, and Parvati, consort of Siva. So, we have equal rights over Ganapati.”

Lord Vishnu said, “My son, one day you’ll take two wives - Siddhi and Buddhi. We’re waiting for that auspicious and happy day.”

“But there are a thousand hurdles to that,” Ganapati protested. “That’s why I’m known as Vighneswara, or the lord of hurdles.”

“There may be a hundred thousand hurdles, O Ganapati!” interjected sage Narada. “But that would not prevent your marriage!”

“Then, tell me, why are you not married?” countered Ganapati.

“Oh! That?” the sage explained. “That’s because I’m incapable of managing a household! That’s why I decided to remain a muni. Marriage and responsibility are symbols of manhood - of power and strength. Anyway, let’s not go deep into this controversy but return to our respective abodes.” He then left, strumming a song on his veena.

Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, accompanied by their consorts, and the Devas also left Kailas and went back to their respective abodes.

Sage Narada went to call on Vajradanta, who was nursing his wounds that he sustained when Ganapati hurtled him to the earth. He was then in the form of a rat—Mooshikasura. The demon’s wife, Dhavala, was attending to his injuries. The sage, who always looked for opportunities to carry tales, expressed his sympathies and said:“The one who had insulted you is now leading a life of glory as Vighneswara.”

Vajradanta was stung with shame and anger when he heard this. “O Narada! Tell me how I can regain my prestige and status. Please advise me!” said the demon.

“Only diamond can cut diamond!” remarked Narada. “You must worship Lord Brahma and ask for a boon. Take revenge on Ganapati; that way you can retrieve your lost prestige.”

Vajradanta accepted Narada’s advice. Despite pleadings by his wife, he decided to take on Ganapati. “You are a blessed soul, Dhavala, and so no harm would come to me. I must propitiate Lord Brahma and take a boon from him.”

The Lord was pleased with him. “What do you wish to have, Vajradanta?” asked Brahma.

“Please create Vighna for me and he should act according to my instructions.”

Brahma then created Vighna and placed him in front of Vajradanta who, however,could not see him. So, the Lord gave more power to his eyes. Vajradanta could now see Vighna, who was as tiny as an insect.

Vajradanta again pleaded with Brahma. “How can Vighna do anything for me? He’s so tiny!”

The Lord smiled at him. “That’s the nature of Vighna. But he is capable of creating all sorts of problems for people. He can create hurdles, make difficulties, even cause diseases. So, don’t underestimate him with his size. Now, it is your job to make him do as you wish.”

Vajradanta turned to Vighna and said: “You must assume the form of Gajasura and I want you to go and destroy Vighneswara.”

Vighna immediately took the form of Gajasura and flew away like a huge mountain.

Meanwhile, Ganapati was on his way to Kailas, to stay in the palace built for Siva and Parvati by Viswakarma, the architect of the Devas. He met Kamadev on the way. Remembering the banter about his taking two wives, he cautioned the god of Love: “You need not play any trick of yours on me! Please keep aside your bow and arrows.”

“O Gajanana! You’re far above the reach of my arrows!” said Kamadev. “I’m on my way for an encounter with Tarakasura. I take leave of you, for the time being.”

Ganapati sat at the entrance to the divine abode, enjoying the scenery around. Suddenly, there was a crashing sound. That was Vighna in the form of Gajasura. The demon fell from the skies in front of Ganapati. “Where’s Ganapati?” he thundered. “I’ve come to destroy him!”

Ganapati threw his axe at him. It hit Gajasura on his leg which was cut into two. “I’m Vighna created by Lord Brahma, but I’ve been sent by Vajradanta to destroy you. Anyway, I’ve now received the punishment for my misadventure.”

Ganapati took pity on him. “You may assume the form of a serpent and reside in river Kalindi. Krishna will one day stand on you and dance, when all your sins would be washed away. You’ll carry the footprint of Krishna.”