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Who is Lord Ganesh?
Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and her consort (wife) Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh has many names like Ganpati, Vinayak, Ganesha, Ganesa, Ekadanta etc.
The story of the marriage of Lord Ganesh is very interesting. But before getting into the marriage of Ganapati, let’s first see, who got married first, Ganesh or Kartikeya (elder brother of Ganesh) and why?
Then I will tell you about the wives of Lord Ganesh and how he get married to them, how many children they have, what are their names etc.
Before starting, let me make one thing clear to all my readers that whatever I am going to tell you here is strictly based on “SHIVA PURANA“.
ALSO READ: 7 Reasons – Why Mahashivaratri is celebrated?
If you disagree with me or find something wrong, then please write it in the comment section below 😀
OK! Without further wasting time, let’s start.
Who got married first, Ganesh or Kartikeya & Why?
Once Shiva and Parvati were discussing the marriage of Ganesha and Kartikeya (also known as Skanda).
Both the parents were of the opinion that, their sons have attained a marriageable age and they should get them married now.
Coming to know of their parent’s opinion, the sons too were eager to get married. They both argue with each other on who should marry first.
Race between Ganesh and Kartikeya:
In order to solve this problem, both Shiva and Parvati devised a wonderful expedition.
According to this, whomsoever between Ganesha and Kartikeya comes here (fixed point) first after circumambulating the earth (धरती का चक्कर लगाकर पहले यहाँ आएगा), will get married first of all.
After learning this, Kartikeya started immediately from the fixed point in order to go round the earth.
Lord Ganesh is considered to be the God of wisdom, intellect and the god of beginnings.
While Ganesh who has an excellent intellect stood there. There are many questions in his mind.
What shall be done? Where am I to go? I cannot cross the earth? What avails that happiness which is achieved after going round the earth?
Wisdom of Lord Ganesh:
What he did after is something truly amazing and unthinkable.
After doing ceremonial (अनुष्ठानिक) abulation (स्नान), he requested his parents to sit at a place together and Ganesh circumambulated them for seven times and bowed to seven times.
After that, he said that now he has completed the challenge and they should get him married first. Shiva and Parvati were surprised and said that the task is to circumambulate the earth, not them. Then Lord Ganesha said:
According to the Vedas and the Shastras, “He who worships his parents and circumambulates them, will certainly derive the fruits and merit of circumambulating the earth. And he who leaves his parents at home and goes on a pilgrimage incurs the sin of their murder”
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were impressed by the excellent intellect and wisdom of Ganesha and decided to get him married. They said:
If a person uses his intellect and wisdom during hard times & misfortunes, then his misfortunes perish. And also he who is intelligent possess strength as well.
The marriage of Lord Ganesh:
They decided to get him married to the two daughters of Prajapati Visvarupa or Vishwaroopa.
He had two daughters named, Siddhi (means spiritual power) and Buddhi (means intellect). Everyone including devas (gods) and sages attended the wedding.
Vishwakarma or Visvakarman made all the arrangements for the marriage.
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Children of Lord Ganesh:
After some time, Lord Ganesh begot two sons, one from each of his wives. The son Ksema (means prosperity) was born to Siddhi and son Labha (means acquisition, profit) was born to Buddhi.
In North Indian version of the story, the sons are often said to be Shubh (शुभ) (meaning auspiciousness) and Labha (लाभ).
Return of Kartikeya:
Meanwhile, Kartikeya returned after circumambulating the earth. He was told by Narada that while he was circumambulating the earth, Ganesh got married. He has two children with his two wives.
Kraunch or Kraunca mountain represents part of Kailash on which Mansarovar is situated.
Kartikeya got disheartened and felt cheated by his parents. After bowing to his parents and without saying anything, he went to Kraunch mountain, although it was forbidden by his parents.
Ever since that day, Kartikeya remains a bachelor (according to Shiva Purana). Parvati was extremely sad. She went to Kraunch mountain along with Shiva to meet Kartikeya.
At the point when Kartikeya saw them coming, he moved to somewhere else. Shiva and Parvati followed him and at last, met him. Both these spots have religious significance.
Having a darshan of Kartikeya on the full moon day of Kritika Nakshatra is considered to bestow (प्रदान करना ) huge propitious (मंगल) and destroys every one of the transgressions (अपराध) of a man.
