Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of beginnings and wisdom in Hinduism, is associated with numerous miracles and divine interventions. Here are some of the most well-known miracles attributed to him:
1. The Story of Syamantaka Jewel
King Satrajit owned a miraculous gem called the Syamantaka, which could produce large quantities of gold daily. One day, Satrajit's brother, Prasena, went hunting with the jewel but did not return. It was rumored that Lord Krishna had stolen the jewel. To clear his name, Krishna searched for it and discovered that a lion had killed Prasena, and Jambavan, the bear king, had taken the jewel. After a fierce battle, Jambavan realized Krishna's divinity and returned the jewel. Later, Krishna married Jambavan's daughter, Jambavati. This entire episode is seen as Ganesha’s influence, as Ganesha is invoked at the start of Krishna's journey, removing obstacles and leading him to the truth.
2. Birth of Lord Ganesha
Parvati, the consort of Shiva, created Ganesha from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath and gave him life. She instructed him to guard the entrance while she bathed. When Shiva returned, Ganesha, unaware of Shiva’s identity, stopped him. Enraged, Shiva severed Ganesha’s head. Upon realizing his mistake, Shiva promised to bring him back to life. He replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, granting him a new, divine form. This miracle signifies creation, destruction, and resurrection, underscoring Ganesha's role as a deity of new beginnings and remover of obstacles.
3. Writing of the Mahabharata
Sage Vyasa needed a scribe to write down the epic Mahabharata as he dictated it. He chose Ganesha for this task. Ganesha agreed on the condition that Vyasa would dictate without pause. Vyasa agreed, but he set a counter-condition: Ganesha must understand each verse before writing it down. The miracle here is Ganesha's ability to comprehend and transcribe one of the longest epics in the world with unmatched speed and understanding, showcasing his wisdom and intellectual prowess.
4. Ganesha and the Moon
According to legend, Ganesha, once invited to a feast, overate sweets. Riding his mouse vehicle, he stumbled and fell, and the moon laughed at him. Angered, Ganesha cursed the moon, causing it to wane and become invisible. Eventually, the gods intervened, and Ganesha modified the curse, allowing the moon to wax and wane each month. This miracle highlights Ganesha's control over cosmic elements and teaches humility and the consequences of mockery.
5. The Milk Miracle of 1995
On September 21, 1995, in temples across India and around the world, statues of Lord Ganesha were reported to drink milk when offered by devotees. This phenomenon, known as the "Ganesha Milk Miracle," was witnessed by millions and caused widespread media coverage. Although scientists offered various explanations, many devotees considered it a divine sign of Ganesha's presence and blessings.
6. Ganesha Chaturthi Celebrations
During the annual Ganesha Chaturthi festival, devotees bring home Ganesha idols and worship them for several days. Numerous accounts of miracles occur during this time, such as idols drinking milk, spontaneous healing of devotees, and fulfillment of wishes. These miracles reinforce the belief in Ganesha’s divine powers and his role in granting blessings and removing obstacles.
7. The Rescue of Kubera
Kubera, the god of wealth, once invited Shiva and Parvati to a grand feast to show off his wealth. Instead, they sent Ganesha. Ganesha devoured all the food and then started eating everything in Kubera's palace. Frightened, Kubera sought help from Shiva, who gave him a handful of rice to offer Ganesha with humility. Ganesha's hunger was immediately satisfied, teaching Kubera a lesson in humility and the limits of material wealth.
These miracles and stories are integral to the devotion and worship of Lord Ganesha in Hinduism, embodying his characteristics as a remover of obstacles, a provider of wisdom, and a protector of devotees.