During Diwali, Lord Ganesha is worshiped alongside Goddess Lakshmi instead of Lord Vishnu. Many people wonder why this is so, and why Lord Vishnu is not worshiped with Goddess Lakshmi during this important festival. The answer lies in a fascinating mythological story that explains the connection between Lakshmi and Ganesha.
Lakshmi and Ganesha Worshiped Together – Mythological Story
Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were having a conversation in heaven. During this conversation, Goddess Lakshmi was praising herself, telling Lord Vishnu that she is the most worship-worthy in the world, and that by her grace, people attain all the pleasures of life and become the happiest.
Upon hearing this self-praise, Lord Vishnu responded in an effort to reduce her ego. He said, “You possess many great qualities, but you have never experienced the joy of motherhood, which is the most important feeling in the universe for any woman.”
This comment deeply disheartened Goddess Lakshmi, and in her sorrow, she went to her dear friend, Goddess Parvati. After listening to Lakshmi’s distress, Parvati asked, “How can I help you?” Lakshmi explained her desire to experience motherhood and requested, “You have two sons. If you could give me one, you would still have one son, and I would finally experience the grace of motherhood.”
Parvati’s Response to Lakshmi
After hearing this, Goddess Parvati responded, “I have two sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha. Kartikeya has six faces and requires constant attention due to his need to eat frequently. Ganesha, on the other hand, is very mischievous, and if I lose sight of him for even a moment, he creates chaos. You, Lakshmi, are always moving from place to place, so how will you care for my sons?”
Goddess Lakshmi replied, “I will keep your sons close to my heart and shower them with love. Whether it is Kartikeya or Ganesha, I will take care of both of them. All the servants in heaven will serve them day and night, so please allow me to adopt one of them.”
Goddess Parvati’s Decision
Knowing her sons well, Goddess Parvati decided to give Lord Ganesha to Goddess Lakshmi as her adopted son. Lakshmi was overjoyed and said, “From this day forward, I will bestow all my accomplishments, luxury, and prosperity upon my son Ganesha. Additionally, Riddhi and Siddhi, the daughters of Lord Brahma, will be married to him as a symbol of my promise.”
Lakshmi further declared, “I will fulfill all of Ganesha’s desires. Whoever in all the three worlds does not worship Lord Ganesha and engages in backbiting will be distanced from me. From now on, wherever my worship is performed, Lord Ganesha’s worship must also take place. If someone fails to worship Shri Ganesha along with me, they cannot receive my blessings or wealth.”
Upon hearing these words, Maa Parvati was extremely pleased and entrusted her son Ganesha to Goddess Lakshmi. This is why during Deepawali Puja or Lakshmi Puja, worship of Lord Ganesha is essential.
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