Lord Shiva replied, “We accept your invitation.
Sri Ramakrishna Namaha
Pride Humbled
“I really have a lot of wealth and riches with me. I am the richest of all. None is equivalent to me.” Bragged Kubera the God of riches that he once chose to welcome Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Ganesh for the dinner at his divine kingdom of Alkapuri and show them all his riches.
Accordingly, Kubera went to Kailash to invite the trinity.
Lord Shiva replied, “We accept your invitation.
We’ll be here soon. “Ganesh heard this and was very happy. He also knew the invitation behind which Kubera had invited them. He decided to teach him a lesson. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Ganesh accompanied Kubera to Alkapuri. Kubera was constantly bragging about his beautiful city. At last, they reached the place entrance. A grand welcome was extended to the trinity before they reached the place. Kubera proudly strutted along the corridors hoping Ganesh was noticing his prosperity! Soon they were led to an even more beautiful dining area. Servants
carrying trays served with food lined the hall. Apparently overjoyed, Ganesh sat down to eat. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were watching what was happening. They kept silent and smiled at each other because they knew that their son was going to teach Kubera a lesson. Ganesh finished all the food that was served to him. “Bring me more food. Bring me all the cooked food from the kitchen.” He said. The palace servants all hurried to the kitchen piling food into Ganesh’s plate.
Ganesh ate and ate. Dishes emptied faster than they could be filled. “I am still hungry. Is that all? Go, get me more cooked food from the kitchen.” Said Ganesh. The servants ran helter-skelter and started cooking in the kitchen as all the cooked food was finished by Ganesh! But Ganesh Said, “Not even half of my apatite is full. Get me fast. I am hungry.” Again the cooked food was brought. But Ganesh emptied the vessels in no time. He demanded more food.
“The food is finished, sir.” The head cook whispered to Kubera. Ganesh heard that bellowed, “What, food is finished! But I am still hungry,” Ganesh grabbed his plate and munched it up. The servants as well asKubera shrank. Ganesh ran to the kitchen and began to eat empty vessels too! Then he went to Kubera’s treasury and began eating the pearls of gold and gems. Kubera saw his boundless treasure dividing before his eyes. He could have cried in anguish.
His treasury had never stood empty. Still, Ganesh was not satisfied. Ganesh went on eating everything that came his way! Gasp! Even the furniture, the palace, the gardens, everything! He began to eat through the city of Alkapuri too! Kubera stood in front of Ganesh with folded hands begging him not to destroy the city.
Hearing this, Ganesh stared to Kubera and said, “Since there is nothing left to eat, I think I’ll eat you.” Kubera fled with Lord Ganesh following behind him. He shrank. He went and fell at the feet of Shiva and begged him to save him from Ganesh, “Almighty! Help me. Ganesh eating everything his hunger is insatiable.
He is threatening to eat me too!” Shiva smiled and said, “Kubera take this roasted rice and feed Ganesh.” Kubera bowed humbly to Ganesh and served him. Ganesh ate the rice and suddenly he was not hungry anymore. “I am full now,” Sighed Ganesh. Kubera realized his mistake. He saw Ganesh and Shiva smiling at each other and realized he had been guilty of pride and vanity. He said, “Lord, you have opened my eyes.
Forgive me.” Thus saying, Kubera left. He realized that whatever he had was all because of the Lord. Later Kubera thought to himself, “Lord Ganesh taught me a good lesson.
By demanding more food, he showed me that even the most delicious food brought to him with an intention of showing off brings no satisfaction. Yet, just a handful of ordinary roasted rice given with love and devotion gave him so much of contentment and he was happy. I bow unto the lord for humbling my pride.”.
SRI RAMAKRISHNA TODAY 