Shri Ganesh is the God of wisdom (buddhi) and knowledge. He has a very sharp intellect and is also ‘pratham pujya’ (first to be worshipped). On any auspicious occasion or event, Shri Ganesh is worshipped before any other God in the Hindu dharma. All Gods in the Hindu dharma have a ‘vaahan’ (vehicle) which takes them places. Interestingly, the God of wisdom also has a very strange vaahan – the mouse (who is called Mushak)! There are two stories around this which we will read today.
As per Ganesh Puran, there was a mouse who came to the ashram of Rishi Parashar and caused havoc with everything there. Shri Ganesh was at the Rishi’s ashram and he tried to control the mouse using his weapon – Parashu. The mouse ran all over chased by the Parashu everywhere. At last he came in front of Shri Ganesh and surrendered. The mouse begged for mercy and narrated to Shri Ganesh the story of his past life.
The mouse said ‘I was a Gandharva in my previous birth and my name was Kraunch. One day I entered the hermitage of Rishi Sabari and caught hold of the hand of his wife Manomaya with desire. The Rishi cursed me to become a ‘mouse’ (mushak) as a punishment for my sinful act. When I begged for his pardon, he calmed down and blessed me to become your vehicle (vaahan). Please spare my life and accept me in your service!’ Shri Ganesh agreed to this request and the mouse (mushak) became his vaahan (vehicle).
The other story is about Shri Ganesh and asura Gajamukhasur. Asura guru Shukracharya wanted the Asuras to gain the upper hand in the fight with the Devas. He wanted a beautiful asura maiden to marry Rishi Magata and have a son. Viputa, an asura girl tricked Rishi Magata into marrying her. Their union led to the birth of Gajamukhasur. Rishi Magata was saddened when he learnt about the conspiracy. He however, blessed Viputa and Gajamukhasur and sent them away.
Now, asura guru Shukracharya went to bless Gajamukhasur and inspired him to wage a war against the Devas. He told him to pray to Lord Shiva. Gajamukhasur followed his advice and pleased with his devotion, Shiva blessed him with boons, success and longevity. Very soon Gajamukhasur happily ruled over the Devas.
The Devas rushed to Lord Shiva for help. They briefed him about their sufferings at the hands of Gajamukhasur. Lord Shiva instructed Shri Ganesh to win over Gajamukhasur and relieve the Devas of their suffering. Shri Ganesh and asura Gajamukhasur now faced each other in a battle. Shri Ganesh looked like a small boy whereas Gajamukhasur was this huge asura boiling with jealousy for the Devas.
Their weapons clashed with each other. There was a fierce battle and the asura finally fell down to the ground. His army also surrendered. Gajamukhasur took the form of a mushak (mouse) and started his atrocities all over again. Finally, Shri Ganesh mounted him and Gajamukhasur submitted himself to the Lord. The Devas got their freedom at last. The asura now became ‘vaahan’ of Shri Ganesh and remained devoted to the Lord.
