“Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah” is a Hindu mantra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and new beginnings. Lord Ganesha is the Hindu god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings, and is revered by millions of people worldwide.
The potent Ganesha mantra trains your mind to be disciplined and focused. You can energize your internal bodily systems and your mind by repeating this mantra.
Mantra:
“Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah”
Meaning:
The mantra roughly translates to “Salutations to Lord Ganesha” or “O Lord Ganesha, I bow to you”
Why should you worship Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha is regarded as the God of wisdom, fortune, happiness, health, and wealth. He is also referred to as the remover of all barriers. He is well-known for bestowing clarity on his followers, allowing them to realize their deepest desires.
The mantra Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah invokes Lord Ganesha’s benevolence. Devotees pray to Ganesha with this mantra in an effort to give them wisdom.
This mantra is chanted with Ganesha as a Guru rather than a God in mind. Ganesha is the perfect embodiment of many skills. This knowledge can only be attained through intense concentration and superior abilities.
Benefits of the Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah Mantra
The chanting of this powerful mantra is believed to bring blessings and good luck, remove obstacles, and provide wisdom, understanding and success in one’s endeavors. It is often recited before embarking on a new task or beginning a new project.
By repeating the mantra, you can train your mind to submit to Ganesha’s higher consciousness. It imbues the practitioner’s mind with an unmatched sense of optimism. The Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah Mantra has many advantages for both the chanter and the listener’s mind.
The following benefits come from meditating while listening to this mantra.
1) It cleanses the vibrations.
This mantra can be used to clear the vibrations in one’s own body and environment.
2) Encourages knowledge
This is a potent chant that will improve your meditation and open your mind to new information.
3) Improves concentration
The mantra assists in starting any task or endeavor with a productive and focused mindset.
4) Provides mental clarity
This mantra, when repeated on a regular basis, can actually facilitate clarity of thought and transform focused thinking into fruitful actions.
Why Should You Chant Mantras?
Chanting mantras has been a part of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices for thousands of years and is believed to have several other benefits apart from those listed above, like:
Physical benefits: Chanting can improve breathing, and some mantras are believed to have physical healing properties.
Spiritual growth: Mantras are often used as a tool for spiritual growth, helping practitioners connect with the divine and deepen their spiritual understanding.
A sense of community: Chanting can bring people together in a shared spiritual experience, promoting feelings of unity and community.
Mahashivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. This is the most potent night of the year for clearing deep-seated karma that is holding you back. Shiva can bestow the boon of complete control over your life.
Lord Shiva is a representation of the primordial energy that gave rise to everything and into which it will all eventually dissolve. If there is a particular occasion when we can atone for even our bad karmas and receive extraordinary blessings for wealth, health, and power, it can only be “Shivaratri” or the “Night of Shiva.”
It is a special night when Goddess Parvati offers Lord Shiva special prayers in an effort to benefit humanity. Thus, by praying during Shivaratri, you can participate in the special Goddess prayer and lessen your karma.
During Maha Shivaratri each year, Lord Shiva takes on the form of the Shiva Lingam, his revered emblem, and manifests himself everywhere. The Shiva Lingam represents the universe’s creative power and suggests that God is an elusive entity.
What Should You Do on Shivaratri Night?
The blessed day of Shivaratri is when every soul can enter the state of Nirvana, the consciousness of the beginningless. To obtain grace and assistance, one must maintain vigil throughout the night.
During Maha Shivaratri, prayers and poojas are said to be amplified ten million times. This particular evening is the perfect opportunity for you to purify your thoughts and start the empowerment of your goals.
How to Celebrate Maha Shivaratri at Home
Organize your house and yourself.
Make Shiva the centre of your attention.
Take a shower and dress in tidy, comfortable attire.
Fast and enjoy the benefits.
Om Namah Shivaya, Shiva’s perfect mantra, should be chanted.
With all your heart, praise Shiva.
Bathe a Shiva Lingam.
Only think about Shiva. Bring your attention back to Shiva’s feet if it wanders.
Forget your issues with life, your past suffering, and your concerns for the future.
Look for God everywhere and in everything.
The Fasting Rules for Mahashivaratri
The fast is observed on the 13th night or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February or March).
The fast is usually a day-long or night-long affair, starting in the early hours of the morning and lasting until the next morning.
During the fast, one should abstain from food and water for the entire period.
Some people also observe complete celibacy and silence for the entire day.
Eating foods that are sattvic in nature, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and nuts, is recommended during the fast.
Breaking the fast with a meal of prasad, a food offering made to the Lord, is considered auspicious.
Some devotees perform a jagaran, or all-night vigil, and visit Shiva temples to offer prayers and sing hymns in honor of Lord Shiva.
These are the general fasting rules for Mahashivaratri. It is important to note that the specific rules and customs may vary across different regions and communities.
There are 24 Ekadasi or 11th Moons in a year, with Vaikunta Ekadasi being the most powerful and anticipated, as many seek spiritual redemption or relief from the current misunderstanding and mental anguish.
The 11th Waxing Moon of the Tamil month of Margazhi is known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. The winter solstice occurs during Margazhi Month, when the days become shorter and the nights become longer. This is a divine and spiritual month in which the mind and soul can turn to the god within.
Margazhi, or ‘Twilight in Heaven,’ is regarded as the time when the gods rest, and when we pray earnestly and sincerely during this month, it has a greater impact because spiritual energy is much more accessible.
Vaikunta Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi, is a major fast honouring the Hindu God Vishnu. On this auspicious day, special prayers, yagnas, discourses, and rituals are performed at Lord Vishnu temples around the world.
It is believed that observing Vaikunta Ekadasi keeps the gates to heaven open for when a person’s soul departs the physical body. The soul completes its cycle of death and rebirth by achieving ultimate salvation and breaking free from this mortal coil.
Vaikunta is the sacred abode of Maha Vishnu. According to Vedic traditions, Vaikunta is the ultimate place to enter and rest. The 11th Moon also brings a material energy – prosperity energy, as Vishnu is the archetypal God of Wealth. Be alert and take advantage of the abundance in abundance.
God as Goddess
On this day, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of the Goddess ‘Ekadasi’ and destroyed a demon who was causing trouble for humanity. Vishnu declared at the time that anyone who fasts during this period will achieve “moksha,” or salvation.
Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi is recommended because Lord Maha Vishnu’s female energy is dominant on that day. Goddess Lakshmi represents all things related to wealth and fortune. With her blessings, you could enter the new year with renewed hope.
According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his septum) for two demons who also requested the boon that whoever hears their story and sees the image of Lord Vishnu coming out of the door, known as Vaikunta Dwara, will attain Vaikuntam. As a result, it is believed that on this day, Vishnu temples create a gateway for devotees to walk through the Vaikunta Dwara.
3 Things You Should Do on Vaikunta Ekadasi
For Vaishnavas, Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Lord Vishnu’s temples. Here are the 3 things you should do to obtain Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
Say the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra aloud.
On this day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, 108 times chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra brings abundant peace, joy, and happiness. Reciting the divine names of Lord Krishna as suggested in the Vedic scriptures is one of the simplest ways to achieve spiritual awakening in the Kali-yuga. Chanting this mantra purifies the soul, aids in the removal of all obstacles in our lives, and ultimately aids in the attainment of spiritual awakening.
Visit a Lord Vishnu temple.
On this auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, don’t forget to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings by visiting his temples. Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are two of Lord Vishnu’s most well-known incarnations. If you have deities of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, or any other avatar in your home, you can decorate them and worship them with great devotion by following all of the rituals and puja vidhi.
Fast on Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most well-known Ekadasi fasts, so make sure to fast. Fasting on Ekadasi is not only good for our bodies and minds, but it also has many spiritual benefits.
Fasting on this special day not only cleanses your body, mind, and soul, but it also purifies you from within. With all of the negative thoughts racing through our minds, engaging in meditation and devotion can be extremely beneficial in achieving mental peace.
On this auspicious day, reading various devotional books dedicated to Lord Vishnu can help you provide spiritual awakening and spiritual awareness. So, if you have any questions about the Vaikunta Ekadasi we hope this article helps.
One of the Saptamatrikas is Goddess Varahi (the seven female goddesses). She has a sow’s head and symbolizes the power of Varaha, Vishnu’s third avatar.
Varahi is the supreme Goddess of Hinduism’s army commander-in-chief, Devi Lalitha Tripura Sundari. Since she keeps a staff in one of her hands, she is given the name ‘Dandini.’
Varahi is the fifth Saptamatrika and is also known as ‘Panchami,’ the fifth one. Varahi is worshiped by devotees of the three major Hindu sects, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Sakta.
Varahi Legends
Varahi is the subject of several legends. The Goddess is the commander-in-chief of Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari’s Army and Mathangi, an important companion of hers. She protects the Goddess, and only those who have worshiped Varahi can receive Devi Lalitha’s wholesome blessings.
Varahi played an important role in several of Devi Lalitha’s battles with the Asuras. Several Puranas lauded her courage and strength during Devi Lalitha’s war with the three strong demons killed by Devi Lalitha, namely Shumbha-Nishumbha, Bandasura, and Rakthabeej. During the war, Varahi assassinated several commanders and relatives of the three asuras.
Varahi is also known to represent the Sakthi (power) of Varaha, a Maha Vishnu avatar. Some assume Varahi represents the power of Bhairava, Shiva’s fierce form.
Goddess Varahi’s Appearance
Varahi has a dark complexion and eight hands, each holding a weapon. She carries a variety of weapons because she is the commander-in-chief of Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari’s army. Varahi wields a conch, a discus, a staff, a noose, a mace, a sword, a shield, and a goad.
She rides a lion, an eagle, or a preta (corpse). According to some accounts, she has a blue complexion.
Methods of worshiping Varahi
Worshiping Varahi at night is very important. Varahi is usually invoked before sunrise and after sunset. Worship and puja can be offered to her statue or picture. Arrange the Goddess’s idol or picture on an altar and adorn it with flowers. Then, use some flowers and Kumkum (vermillion) for Archana (Pooja).
Light a lamp facing north, and also light some fragrant dhoop. As naivedyam for Goddess Varahi, boiled sweet potatoes, lemon rice, pomegranate fruit, urad dhal vada, tamarind rice, are ideal.
Chant the Varahi mantras and slokas three, twenty-one, or 108 times. You can keep track of your chant/recital with a rosary mala.
After the puja, perform the Deepa Aradhana. Varahi is believed to bestow her finest blessings upon you and assist you in realizing your sincere wishes if you pray to her for one mandala (48 days).
Benefits of Worshiping Varahi
Get rid of the “evil eyes” that others have cast on you.
Shields against the dangers posed by evil spirits.
Varahi guards her followers against black magic and unethical occult practices.
Varahi worship provides protection from mishaps such as accidents.
It increases your reputation and goodwill.
Your words have more impact and gain more fame.
Invoking Varahi liberates you from anxiety and self-doubt.
She bestows courage and confidence on her devotees.
Protects devotees from illness and disease.
It aids in dealing with adversaries and emerging victorious.
Happiness and prosperity are bestowed upon those who worship her.
Varahi bestows knowledge and wisdom on her devotees.
Goddess Varahi-specific temples
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, there are numerous temples dedicated to Varahi Devi as the chief deity. Aside from that, Varahi is worshiped as part of the Sapta-Matrika in some temples. She is the main deity of the Varahi Chaurasi temple in Orissa, where tantric rites are performed.
In some temples, she is also known as Patala Bhairavi. In Chennai, there is a Varahi temple in Mylapore. A shrine to the Goddess can also be found at Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswarar temple.
Another prominent Goddess temple can be found in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. There is also a famous Goddess temple in Gujarat’s Gonda district.
There are several temples dedicated to the Goddess in Nepal and many other nations, including the U. S. and Malaysia. Pujas are frequently done on Amavasya as well as on Pournami days, when the Goddess is decked out in jewels and other finery.
Sanikizhamai is abbreviated as “Sani” (Saturday). Saturdays in the Tamil month of Purattasi are ideal for worshipping Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati.
What exactly is Purattasi Sani, and why is it significant?
Purattasi, the Tamil month, is considered one of the sacred months for Hindus. Purattasi is known by the North Indians as Ashwin Month. This month is filled with important festivals such as Mahalaya Paksha, Pitru Paksha, and Sarada Navratri.
During this month, Lord Venkateswara devotees follow a no onion, no garlic menu, and non-vegetarian devotees refrain from eating non-vegetarian food. Purattasi month is very auspicious for Lord Venkateshwara worship because it is considered that the Lord came from Vaikunta to Earth during this month.
Every year during this month, special Poojas and grand celebrations are held at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Though the entire month of Purattasi is ideal for worshiping Lord Venkateshwara, Purattasi Sani is particularly special.
Once upon a time in Tirumala, there lived a humble devotee who was wholeheartedly devoted to Lord Venkateshwara and enjoyed serving the Lord and his devotees. However, the devotee was affected at one point by the sade sati phase, in which Lord Shani worries a person on the basis of the karma of his past and present lives.
The devotee, like others, received the brunt of the sade sati phase. He did lose his wealth, suffer health problems, and encounter numerous other difficulties, but he did not abandon his devotion to Lord Venkateshwara.
Lord Shani was astonished by the devotee’s sincere devotion to the Lord, and he tried every trick in the book to entice the devotee away from Lord Venkateswara.
Lord Shani gradually became impatient and arrogant about the devotee’s devotion, causing major harm to the devotee. Finally, Lord Venkateswara appeared before his devotee, rescuing him from Lord Shani’s clutches, and bestowing massive wealth and fortune upon him. Shani, unable to bear Lord Venkateswara’s wrath, begged forgiveness and promised not to bother those worshippers observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham.
As a result, Lord Saneeswara is said to reduce his negative power and bestow more benefits on Venkateswara Swami’s devotees.
Furthermore, the Pooja performed and Viratham observed on this day are thought to relieve devotees of long-term illness, monetary loss, and marital delay. Thus, worshiping Lord Venkateswara as well as fasting on Purattasi Saturday is an excellent way to appease Sani.
Procedure for Purattasi Sani Viratham
Throughout the year, Hindus observe several fasts. Although the basic procedures for most fasts are the same, minor variations exist based on the region, traditions, and the God to whom the fast is observed.
The following is the procedure for observing the Purattasi Sani Viratham.
Fasting must be observed until the completion of the Purattasi Saturday pooja.
Wash a sombu thoroughly before drawing the chakram, Sangu, and namam with namakatti or rice flour paste and allowing it to dry.
For Lord’s neivedyam, you can make Sweet Pongal, Maavilakku, Tamarind rice, Coconut rice, Chana dal sundal, Curd rice, Anjaneyar Kovil Vada, Sesame seeds rice, and Pepper vada.
Perform the Pooja during an auspicious time to avoid Rahukalam as well as Yamagandam.
Light the lamp and incense sticks and arrange the fruits, betel leaves, nuts, and coconut on a plate.
During Purattasi Shani Vratham, it is very special to chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Maha Vishnu).
Lamp the maavilakku and conduct the neivedyam offering to the Lord with tulsi water in a small container.
After completing the Lord’s neivedhyams, place a portion of each item on a whole banana leaf or a big plate right in front of the silver pot.
Show the Lord your dhoop and dheep, finish the Pujas, sip the tulsi water first, and then enjoy lunch.
Purattasi Viratham’s Importance
People who observe the Purattasi Viratham will receive Lord Venkateshwara’s most precious blessings.
Lord Sani’s malevolent planetary effects will weaken.
This viratham assists you in gaining control of your senses and focusing more on God.
Observing the Purattasi Viratham will free you from your life’s problems.
The diet that you follow in the month of Purattasi is beneficial to your health.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that draws people of various religions and socioeconomic backgrounds together. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with zeal and devotion throughout India.
People carry Lord Ganesh idols home to celebrate the holiday and worship the Lord in a unique way. Depending on their dedication or family custom, some people retain the idol for a day and a half, while others keep it for 5, 7, or 11 days.
The idol is customarily submerged (Visarjan) in flowing water on the last day of devotion, which might be the sea, a river, or even a lake. The parade is colorful and lively, and people dance enthusiastically.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a famous event in India, and it is observed for a variety of reasons. It is the birthday of Lord Ganesh.
What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of Bhadrapad, which occurs around August and September. The followers believe that Lord Ganesh descends to earth to deliver his blessings on this auspicious day.
Lord Ganesh blesses anybody who approaches him with a pure heart. People think that he is the only God who can remove all barriers, known as ‘Vighna-Harta,’ and that he is the giver of fortune, known as ‘Sukha-Karta,’ and that he can assist people escape natural disasters.
As per Hindu mythology, he is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ganesha is the formless divinity encased in a glorious form for the devotee’s benefit.
Ganesha’s Symbolism and Importance
Ganesha’s large belly indicates ultimate acceptance and kindness.
The upraised hand of Ganesha represents protection.
Ganesha’s one tusk represents single-mindedness.
He holds the ‘Ankusa’ (which represents enlightenment) and the ‘Paasa’ (which signifies control)
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Requirements
Here are the items you would require for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja.
An eco-friendly Lord Ganesh idol is preferred, so that you may celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner.
Sandalwood or Chandan paste
Hibiscus flowers, ideally red.
Sticks of incense
The Durva grass.
Modaks or any other sweet produced at home after bathing and without eating.
Several fruits
A tablecloth and items to adorn it, such as lights.
A chaurang, or raised table, is used to put the idol.
For Aarti, light a Diya in front of the idol.
Home Preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja
Sweep and wipe down the entire home. Bring the Ganesh idol home and invite your friends and family to the puja. Allow your entire family to assemble during Puja. To welcome the Lord into your home, recite Ganesh Shlokas.
How to Perform the Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at Home
Many households call on Pandits or Brahmins to undertake Ganesh Chaturthi Puja in their homes so that they may do Lord Ganesh’s Puja correctly.
For each Puja or Vrat, two things are required: cleanliness and dedication. This will assist you in obtaining Lord Ganesh’s blessings.
Take a bath and clean your house. Put on clean clothing and prepare for the pooja.
Make a Ganesh mandap out of coconut or banana leaves. You may also embellish it with mango leaves and flowers. Some people adorn it with Ashoka tree leaves.
Place the Lord Ganesh idol and chant “Om Ganeshay Namah”. A saucepan filled with water and rice is placed near the Lord Ganesh idol.
Begin the Puja by reciting the 108 names of Lord Ganesh or basic Ganesh mantras.
Light the Diya or lamp and offer Aarti to the Lord by singing Ganesh hymns or Ganesh Aarti. Offer Naivaidya of unique dishes and fruits.
When celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at home, though, you can be more flexible. All you need is a clean body and mind, and the most essential thing is commitment rather than routine.
Sit with your hands folded and take note of all that goes into evoking heavenly power through ancient rites and customary customs.
Because the number 21 is significant in this puja, people offer 21 Durva grass blades and 21 Modaks. The number 21 represents five organs of perception, five organs of action, five vital airs, five elements, and the intellect.
Close your eyes and fold your palms, for God is listening. The more you pray with an open mind and holy intentions, the more Ganpati will shower wisdom, health, and wealth onto you.
Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, Pillaiyar, and Ganapati, is one of the most well-known and revered Hindu deities. Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom, success, and fortune.
Ganesha is commonly regarded as the remover of impediments and is supposed to bring good luck. According to the Rigveda, “Na Kritey Twayam Kriyate Kim Chanare,” which means that no endeavor begins without Lord Ganesha’s grace.
The kind lord is always willing to assist people who diligently seek his favour. To gratify the elephant-headed ruler, one must first learn what he enjoys the most. Ganesha enjoys the following things.
1) Modak
Lord Ganesha is also known as ‘Modakpriya,’ which means “lover of modaks.” Modak is a delicious rice flour dumpling packed with grated coconut as well as jaggery. It is considered that Ganesha worship is partial without modaks.
Why does Ganesha adore Modaks?
When the demi gods came to see Lord Shiva and Parvati, they gave them a rare modak. (Whoever consumes the modak will have power over the scriptures, art, and literature.) Goddess Parvati desired to divide the modak among her two sons, Lord Ganesha and Karthik. But the brothers refused to share it. So Goddess Parvati declared that the first person to round the globe three times would receive the modak.
Karthik instantly climbed into his vehicle, peacocking to his mother’s command. Lord Ganesha only travelled around his holy parents’ three times since he deemed them to symbolise the entire universe to him. His integrity and insight earned him the coveted modak. Modak has since become Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet.
2) The Durva Grass
Lord Ganesha is presented with three blades of grass. Durva grass is the most effective in attracting Ganesha’s energies. Durva grass has a legend related to it.
Anlasura was a demon who lived in the home of Yama, the God of Dharma and Death. He was so terrifying that even the gods were terrified of him. Indra tried several strategies to control him, but Anlasura was always able to resist them.
The Gods then requested that Lord Shiva intervene. Shiva summoned his son Ganesha, who was nearby, and instructed him to go and destroy the monster. Ganesha agreed and headed off to find Anlasura right away. Anlasura chuckled as he noticed a fat young child with an elephant head had arrived to battle him.
The joyful Ganesha grew in size, eventually becoming his global form and swallowing Anlasura. Ganesha’s stomach immediately began to burn. Nothing could console Ganesha, even if Indra gave him the moon to wear on his brow, Lord Vishnu gave him his lotus, Lord Varuna showered him with water, and Lord Shiva wrapped a thousand-headed snake around his stomach.
Then a troop of sages appeared and presented him with 21 blades of Durva grass. The burn in his stomach went away. as soon as he ate them. Ganesha stated that those who worship him with Durva grass would henceforth experience his kindness.
3) Banana
Even though any tropical fruit can be presented to Ganesha, the elephant-headed God prefers bananas and banana leaves. As a result, banana leaves are frequently used to embellish the idol.
4) Shankh
Shankh, often known as a conch, is an important aspect of Hindu socio-religious tradition. The sound of shankh evokes pure and holy devotion to the Lord. One of Ganesha’s hands is holding a shankh.
The holy Shankh protects us from evil and bad consequences and bestows us with luck, money, and success. Shankh is claimed to increase mental power, boost self-confidence, and aid in the attainment of fame, joy, and good health. The blowing of the conch is considered auspicious for Ganesha puja.
5) Ladoos
When it comes to sweets, most people’s favourite is ladoos. Even Lord Ganesha adores orange motichur ladoos prepared from gram flour. Ladoos symbolise riches and success. In all of his statues and pictures, Ganesha is seen carrying a bowl of ladoos in his left hand.
6) Erukku Flowers
Arka, erukku, or milkweed are flowers used to worship Ganesha in order to be rid of all illnesses. The plant’s leaves and blooms are utilized in the worship of Lord Ganesha and Shiva.
Erukku flowers have the capacity to cleanse a person’s body and psyche of negativity. Offering a garland of erukku flowers to Ganesha grants a devotee a healthy, disease-free life.
7) Puffed rice
Ganesha is just as kind and compassionate to the impoverished as he is to the affluent. Puffed rice, which is inexpensive and tasty, is made into laddoos with jaggery and offered to Ganesha.
According to the Shiva Purana, Ganesha, when hosted by the super-rich Kubera, ate a whole feast and was still not satisfied. Shiva then advised Kubera to give puffed rice to Ganesha with complete dedication and goodwill.
When Kubera follows this suggestion, Ganesha’s appetite is eventually satisfied, indicating that this elephant-headed god, like the rest of us, enjoys snacking after meals.
