Ganesha is the son of Shakti and Lakshmi is a manifestation of Shakti. Lakshmi is the provider of wealth and happiness. Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles, is the trailblazer who removes anything that’s bars the path. Like Mother Lakshmi, Ganesha is equally loving, kind and gentle. During Diwali, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with Goddess Lakshmi instead of Lord Vishnu. Thus questions are raised about the relationship between Lakshmi and Ganesha. The answers are found in various Puranic stories and the Ganesha Purana.
GANESHA PURANA: This is a Upapurana dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Ganesha Purana and the Mudagala Purana are core scriptures for Ganapatyas, devotees of Ganesha. It is a religious text with ritual instructions for Ganesha worship. It also contains stories pertaining to Ganesha.
Thousands of years ago the sages at Naimasaranya forest guided by Saunaka Rishi, decided that for the benefit of mankind, a twelve year sacrifice of hearing the holy Puranas was to be performed. During this time, Srila Sukadeva Gosvami made his holy appearance. He was the renounced and renowned son of Sri Vyasadeva, the composer of the Puranas.
As part of this great sacrifice he recited and explained the Bhagavat Purana. After the completion of this Purana, and others as well, the sages, being desirous for more of the same nectar, asked the great sage Sri Suta Gosvami to continue reciting some of the other blessed Puranas. Suta concluded that the recitation of the Ganesha Purana was the best remedy for the anxious transcendentalists.
MYTHOLOGY: “Once upon a time Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were having conversation in heaven and Goddess Lakshmi was praising herself and telling Lord Vishnu that she is the most worship worthy in the world and by her grace, a person can get all the pleasures of this world and becomes happiest person.
By hearing the self praising by Goddess Laksmi, Lord Vishnu said to her for reducing her ego, “You are having all the qualities, still you did not feel the joy of motherhood till now and for a lady, the motherhood joy is the most important thing in this universe.”
The comment from Lord Vishnu made Goddess Lakhmi become disheartened and in this pain she went to her friend Goddess Parvati.
After listing the problem of Goddess Lakhmi, Parvati asked her, “How can I help you?” Goddess Lakshmi said, “You are having two sons and if you could give me your one son you will still have one son and I could get the grace of motherhood. So, in this situation you can help me out.”
By listing her Goddess Parvati said to her, “I'm having two sons Kartikeya and Ganesha. Kartikeya is having six mouths (Faces) and because of this he needs to eat all the time. My second son Ganesha is very naughty, if I missed to keep eye on him for a bit, he ruined everything. And you cannot stay at one place for a long, so tell me how can you take care of my sons?
By hearing this Goddess Lakshmi said to her, “I'll keep your sons close to my heart and will shower my all love on them either Kartikeya or Ganesha. I can take care both of them. All the servants of heaven will serve them day and night so please give me one of them as my adopted child.”
Maa Parvati knew her both the sons very well so she gave Lord Ganesha to Goddess Lakhmi as her adopted son. Goddess Lakshmi became very happy and said to Goddess Parvati, “From today onwards I'm giving my all accomplishments, luxury and prosperity to my son Ganesha.
Also, Riddhi and Siddhi Lord Brahma’s daughters are alike my daughters will be married soon for which I give my word to you. I will fulfill all the desires of Ganesha. In all the three loks which person shall not worship Lord Ganesha and do back biting, I will be miles away from him. Whenever my worship will be performed, Lord Ganesha’a worship will be a must. Who will not worship Shri Ganesha along with me, he cannot get Shree or myself. By listening to Lakshmi, Parvati handed Ganesha over to her. (Standard Translation)
HALASYA PURANA: The ancient southern Indian city of Madurai that has earned the sobriquet, 'Athens of the East', is a place of great historical importance. Said to be the oldest city in South India, Madurai stands on the banks of the sacred river Vaigai, eternalized in Lord Shiva's exploits in the 'Halasya Purana' and Madurai's fame rests almost entirely on the famous temples dedicated to goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswar.
SKANDA PURANA: Valli is the manas-puteri of Lord Vishnu. Genesha’s brother, Kartikeya married Valli. That makes Lord Vishnu, Father in law and Lakshmi as the aunty.
MADURAI STHALA PURANA: Another legend is that the Shiva- Parvati marriage in their emanation as Meenakshi and Sundareshwara took place in Madurai where Meenakshi was the princess and the Kanya-daan was performed by Vishnu, donning the role of elder brother. Hence Lord Vishnu is unlce to Genesha and Lakshmi would be 'maami'. This legend is still celebrated annually at Madurai, with all religious fervour.
Hara Hara Mahadeva.
(draft: Lakshmi Folder)
Yogi Ananda Saraswathi