A retelling for children, based on a traditional story from the Puranas. Versions differ from region to region.
Long ago, on the snowy mountain of Kailash, lived Shiva and Parvati with their two sons: Kartikeya, the brave warrior, and Ganesha, the wise one with the elephant head.
One day the gods brought a very special gift: a single, wonderful fruit. Some say it was a mango; some say it was a fruit of wisdom. Both brothers wanted it.
“There is only one,” said Shiva with a smile. “So let us have a race. Whoever goes around the whole world three times and comes back first will win the fruit.”
Kartikeya jumped straight onto his peacock. With a flash of bright feathers he was gone, flying over mountains, forests, rivers and oceans.
Ganesha looked at his own vehicle, a little mouse. He looked at his big tummy. He thought for a while. Then he smiled.
Ganesha stood up, joined his hands and slowly walked around his parents, Shiva and Parvati, once, twice, three times. Then he bowed to them.
“Ganesha,” said Parvati, surprised, “why have you not set off on the race?”
“I have finished it, Mother,” said Ganesha. “You and Father are my whole world. Everything I need is right here with you.”
Shiva and Parvati were filled with joy at their son’s wisdom and love, and they gave Ganesha the fruit.
When Kartikeya returned, tired after his long journey, he found that the race was already over. In many versions he is disappointed and goes away for a time; in others the family celebrates together. Either way, the story is remembered for Ganesha’s clever, loving answer.
Talk about it
- Why do you think Ganesha walked around his parents?
- Was Kartikeya’s way of racing wrong? Why or why not?
- Can you think of a time when you solved a problem by thinking differently?
- Who or what is “your whole world”?
