Ganapathi's lesson to Kubera

Kubera was the Lord of riches. He was so rich that he himself had no idea of his wealth. He had the habit of showing off his wealth and thought that he was greater than anybody else in the world. People from all walks of life approached him for help at one time or the other and he readily helped them all. Ganapathi was the son of Lord Shiva. He was a short fat boy full of fun and frolic with an elephant's head. Ganapathi was fond of good food and people use to please him by offering him fruits, sweets and other nice things to eat. He use to trouble people for fun. Kubera organised festivals, constructed temples and huge palaces, gave away rich gifts to rajas and nobles, but all this only added to his wealth and he had to find new ways of spending it.

Kubera decided to invite his favourite God Shiva for a feast. It was due to Shiva's blessing that Kubera had become so rich. Kubera went to Kailash, and offered his prayers to Shiva and when Shiva appeared he thanked him for all the kindness showered on him and requested him to attend a feast at his place. But Shiva very politely declined the offer saying that he is too old for the same. Kubera insisted that my Lord you cannot do this injustice to me. And if you cannot come at least send Devi Parvati along with the children. Shiva said my dear Kubera my wife would not go alone and the children would not go without their mother.

But if you so insist I shall ask my little son Ganpathi to attend the feast. Kubera agreed . He fixed a date for the feast and returned. All arrangements for a grand feast were made. Kubera invited many kings and their families. Ganapathi arrived at the appointed time. Kubera received Ganapathi with respect and courtesy. Ganapathi was very hungry and he quickly ate all the food that had been served. The plates were refilled but Ganapathi did not take long to empty them again. More and more food was brought and it was eaten as soon as it was served. Soon Ganapathi had eaten all food prepared for the thousands of people and he was still asking for more. Ganapathi was impatient.

He turned to Kubera and said "give me some food or else I shall have to eat you". Kubera took fright and started running. He went straight to Shiva and requested him to save him from Ganapathi. Ganapathi complained to Shiva that Kubera had not given him to eat and he was still hungry. Shiva told Ganapathi to go in and ask his mother for some food and Ganapathi left. Kubera fell on Shiva's feet and begged to be forgiven for being too proud of his riches.