Why Ganesha Loves Modak: A Story of Divine Wisdom

In the celestial heavens, where the gods and goddesses resided, a special event was taking place. The gods had gathered to present their offerings, and among the gifts was a unique Modak, a sweet dumpling with extraordinary powers. This Modak was said to grant immense wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual fulfillment to whoever consumed it. When Goddess Parvati received this divine treat, she knew it was meant for one of her sons, Ganesha or Kartikeya.

Both Ganesha and Kartikeya recognized the significance of the Modak and eagerly desired it. To decide who would receive this divine sweet, Parvati proposed a challenge. She declared that the Modak would go to the one who could best demonstrate his wisdom and understanding of the universe.

Kartikeya, confident in his speed and strength, immediately set off on his peacock to race around the world. He believed that by physically traveling around the earth, he would prove himself worthy of the Modak. Ganesha, however, was not known for his physical prowess but for his keen intellect and wisdom. Instead of embarking on a long journey, Ganesha paused to reflect on the true nature of the challenge.

Realizing that the task was about more than just physical speed, Ganesha approached his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with calm and respect. Instead of racing around the world, Ganesha walked slowly around his parents three times. After completing this act, he bowed to them and said, "For me, my parents represent the entire universe. By walking around you, I have symbolically traveled around the world."

Impressed by Ganesha's profound understanding, Parvati and Shiva declared him the winner. Ganesha had recognized that the universe, in all its complexity, begins and ends with the divine. As a reward for his wisdom and devotion, Parvati lovingly handed the divine Modak to Ganesha.

From that day forward, Modak became more than just a favorite sweet of Ganesha; it symbolized the sweetness of wisdom and the rewards that come from understanding the deeper truths of life. During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer Modak to Ganesha, not just to satisfy his love for sweets, but to seek his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. This story of Ganesha and the Modak reminds us that true wisdom lies in recognizing the essence of life and the divine, rather than in mere physical achievements.