Untiled Ganesha

Alkapuri the capital of Gandharva, the grandest place in heaven, was ruled by Kubera the Lord of wealth.

Once Kubera went to invite Lord Shiva for dinner at Alkapuri. Little Ganesh, Lord Shiva's son who was playing close by, came running to his father and said, "Can I please come with you to Gandharva?" Lord Shiva nodded to little Ganesh and requested Kubera, if he would take Ganesh instead. Kubera was surprised to see Lord Shiva's simplicity, making a request to somebody so much lower in the ranks as himself.

"But I must warn you," said Lord Shiva, "My son has a voracious appetite." Kubera laughed, and said, "My Lord, We are going to Gandharva, how can there be a shortage of anything, in the land of abundance?" Saying so, he extended his little finger, which Ganesh held, and they left for Alkapuri.

When they reached Alkapuri, Ganesh was given the customary treatment for guests, he was bathed by maids in warm springs of scented water, covered with the most expensive perfumes and oils, adorned with the finest jewellery, silks and was made to be seated at the feast.

Ganesh started eating, soon he finished eating everything that was set before him. He emptied all his plates so quickly, that Kubera's servants were not able to keep their pace with him, so he started eating from the dishes of the guests beside him.

Kubera was shouting at his servants and Ganesh was demanding for more. They were running helter skelter. Running out of food, running out of provisions, grain and everything needed to prepare food. Ganesh started eating everything he could find. He was on a rampage, destroying everything that was not edible and gobbling everything that he could eat.

At one point Ganesh screamed at Kubera, "I am hungry! If you don't bring me more to eat, I am going to eat you!" Kubera's anger and frustration, turned to fear, fear for his life. He ran to Lord Shiva, begging him, he said, "Lord! Can you please help me? Your son Ganesh is destroying my kingdom."

Shiva told Kubera, "When you offer anything to anybody with humility, love and devotion, they will be satisfied. Take this ball of rice, and offer it to Ganesh with humility, love, devotion and his hunger will be satisfied. Kubera did just that, Ganesh was calmed and went to sleep like a baby.

This Ganesh festival:
Will I show off like Kubera?
Will I be as simple as Shiva?
Will my celebration pollute the environment?
Will mother-nature be happy with my offering?
Is this what we will leave for the future of our children?
Will I make my Ganesh with clay this year?