We’ve all heard the famous story of Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga arguing over a mango. This story, told to us since childhood, has a deeper meaning that we can learn from.
One day, Sage Narada brought a mango to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He said it was no ordinary mango—it was sweet and full of wisdom. Shiva decided to hold a contest: whoever could travel around the whole world first would win the fruit.
Muruga, quick and determined, jumped on his peacock and flew off to circle the world. Ganesha, however, stayed back. Using his wisdom, he simply walked around his parents and said, “My parents are my world.” Impressed by Ganesha’s thought, Shiva gave him the fruit.
When Muruga returned, he felt hurt and disappointed. He left Kailash and created his own world, forming six sacred abodes (called Aarupadai Veedu).
A New Way to Look at This Story
This story isn’t just about a mango—it’s about wisdom and life’s choices. Let’s ask some questions:
- Why did Shiva hold this contest?
- Why didn’t they just share the fruit?
- Why was Muruga so upset?
- What does the mango really mean?
The mango stands for wisdom. Unlike knowledge, wisdom is something personal. You can’t just give it away or split it. It comes to each person in their own time, through their own journey.
When I thought more about this story, I realized it teaches us about two different paths in life:
- The Ganesha Path: Staying close to God and gaining wisdom directly without needing to live an earthly life.
- The Muruga Path: Coming to Earth, facing challenges, learning through experience, and finding wisdom through effort.
Our main purpose as humans is self-realization—understanding our true selves and reconnecting with God. Once we achieve this, we no longer feel the need to return to Earth in a physical body.
Muruga’s journey shows us the path most of us are on. Through his six sacred abodes, he teaches how to activate the six chakras in our body and use yoga to find spiritual wisdom and reach Lord Shiva.
What Can We Learn?
If you’re reading this, you’ve already chosen the Muruga path—living a human life and learning through experiences. Now it’s time to think about your priorities.
- What’s most important to you?
- Are you focusing on things that help you grow?
- How can you balance life’s responsibilities with spiritual progress?
Takeaways:
- Wisdom Comes With Time: Each of us finds wisdom in our own way and at the right time.
- Two Paths, One Goal: The story shows two ways to grow spiritually—learning directly or through experience.
- Set Your Priorities: Think about what’s really important and align your actions with your purpose.
- Muruga’s Teachings: He shows us how to awaken the chakras and reach spiritual enlightenment.
Let this story remind you to stay focused on what matters most. The path may be challenging, but it’s leading you to a higher purpose!
May thee receive the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Muruga !
