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This story tells how Lord Ganesha teaches Kubera, the god of wealth, a valuable lesson in humility. When Kubera boasts about his immense riches, Ganesha reminds him that true worth lies not in gold and jewels, but in being humble.
Characters in the story:
Lord Ganesha: Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, is a Hindu deity who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings, wisdom, and intellect. He is depicted with the head of an elephant and is widely worshiped across India and beyond.
Kubera: Kubera, also known as Kuvera, Kuber and Kuberan, is the god of wealth, and the god-king of the semi-divine yakshas. He is regarded as the regent of the north (Dikpala), and a protector of the world (Lokapala).
In the celestial city of Alakapuri, where streets glittered with gold and jewels hung from trees like fruit, lived Kubera—the god of wealth. His palace stood as a marvel, with emerald pillars, moonstone floors, and gardens where flowers bloomed in eternal spring. Yet Kubera’s heart brimmed with pride rather than gratitude. He believed his opulence made him invincible, even in the eyes of the gods.
One day, consumed by arrogance, Kubera resolved to host a grand feast for Lord Shiva, hoping to flaunt his riches before the destroyer of worlds. He sent a lavish invitation etched on a lotus leaf, urging Shiva to dine in Alakapuri.
Shiva, recognizing Kubera’s vanity, smiled and said, “Send Ganesha in my stead. He will grace your feast.”
Though puzzled, Kubera obliged. When the day arrived, he prepared mountains of delicacies: rivers of sweet payasam, hills of golden laddus, silken puran poli, and dishes crafted by divine chefs. The aroma alone could have satiated a thousand souls.
Ganesha arrived, his elephant head swaying cheerfully, his belly ready for adventure.
Kubera greeted him with a smirk. “Eat to your heart’s content, little one! My wealth knows no bounds.”
But Ganesha’s appetite defied ordinary hunger. Plates, platters, and pots vanished into his mouth. He devoured the feast, then the palace stores, and finally the ornamental fruits and flowers adorning the halls. Alakapuri trembled as even gold tiles peeled from the floors into Ganesha’s insatiable belly.
In panic, Kubera rushed to Mount Kailash and fell at Shiva’s feet. “Lord, your son is devouring everything! Even the sacrificial offerings are gone!”
Shiva chuckled. “You offered wealth, not humility. Take this.” He handed Kubera a handful of roasted rice (laja), the simplest offering of the poor.
Back in Alakapuri, Ganesha had devoured all that was edible. Kubera humbly approached, extending the roasted rice. “Forgive my pride, dear Ganesha. Accept this modest gift.”
Ganesha paused, his eyes softening. He popped the rice into his mouth—and instantly, everything he had consumed reappeared untouched. The palace regained its gleam, the feast stood intact, and Kubera’s pride lay shattered.
“True abundance,” Ganesha declared, patting his belly, “is measured not by gold but by the heart’s contentment.”
With tears in his eyes, Kubera bowed. From that day forward, he vowed to share his wealth with humility, understanding that even the simplest offering, given with love, could satisfy the divine.
And so, Ganesha’s lesson echoed through the heavens: Riches feed the ego, but humility nourishes the soul. As the restored splendors of Alakapuri shimmered once more, Kubera learned what the wise have always known—that no treasure compares to a humble heart.
To this day, devotees remember: when offering even a grain to Ganesha, it is not the gift, but the love behind it, that truly fills the universe.
