The Shiva Purana

by J. L. Shastri | 1950 | 616,585 words

This page relates “celebration of ganesha’s marriage” as found in the Shiva-purana, which, in Hinduism, represents one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. This work eulogizes Lord Shiva as the supreme deity, besides topics such as cosmology and philosophy. It is written in Sanskrit and claims to be a redaction of an original text consisting of 100,000 metrical verses.

Disclaimer: These are translations of Sanskrit texts and are not necessarily approved by everyone associated with the traditions connected to these texts. Consult the source and original scripture in case of doubt.

Chapter 20 - The celebration of Gaṇeśa’s marriage

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Brahmā said:—

1. In the meantime Prajāpati Viśvarūpa became delighted and happy on knowing their intention.

2. Prajāpati Viśvarūpa had two daughters of divine features. They were famous as Siddhi and Buddhi.[1] They were exquisite in every part of their body.

3. The lord Śiva and Pārvatī, jubilantly celebrated the marriage of Gaṇeśa with them.

4. The delighted gods attended their marriage as desired by Śiva and Pārvatī.

5. Viśvakarman made all arrangements for the marriage. The sages and the gods were full of great joy.

6. The happiness that Gaṇeśa derived by virtue of this marriage, O sage, cannot be adequately described.

7. After some time, the noble Gaṇeśa begot two sons, one each of his wives. They were endowed with divine features.

8. The son Kṣema was born to Siddhi. The highly brilliant son Lābha was born to Buddhi.

9. While Gāṇeśa was enjoying the inconceivable happiness, the second son returned after circumambulating the earth.

10. Thereupon he was addressed by Nārada, the great soul. “I speaking the truth, no lies. I am not actuated by deception or rivalry.

11. What has been done by Śiva and Pārvatī your parents, no other person in the world will ever do. Truth. It is the truth I am speaking.

12. After driving you out under the pretext of circumambulating the earth, they have celebrated the excellent and auspicious marriage of Gaṇeśa.

13. By this marriage that was celebrated, Gaṇeśa has obtained two wives joyously. They are the excellent daughters of Prajāpati Viśvarūpa.

14. He has begot of his two wives of auspicious body two sons, Kṣema of Siddhi and Lābha of Buddhi. They bestow happiness on every one.

15. Begetting two sons of auspicious features of his wives Gaṇeśa is continuously enjoying happiness as conceived by your parents.

16. The entire earth consisting of oceans and jungles has been traversed by you due to their deceptive behest. O dear, this is the result of that.

17. O dear, consider. If parents begin to deceive or particularly if our masters begin to deceive, won’t others also begin to deceive.

18. Your parents have not done well. Just ponder over it. I don’t think their action has been good.

19. If mother were to poison her son, if father were to sell his son, if the king were to confiscate the assets of his subjects what can be said and to whom?

20. O dear, an intelligent peace-loving person shall never look at the face of the person who has committed this harmful deed.

21. This policy has been mentioned in the Vedas, Smṛtis and sacred texts. It has been intimated to you now. Do as you wish.”

Brahmā said:—

22. O Nārada, following the mental process of lord Śiva, you spoke these words to Kumāra and then kept quiet.

23. After bowing to his father, the infuriated Skanda went to the Krauñca mountain[2] though forbidden by his parents.

24. “Even when forbidden by us why do you go?” Although he was prevented by saying this, he went away saying “No”.

25. “O parents, I shall not stay here even a moment when deception has been practised on me eschewing affection towards me.”

26. O sage, he went away saying so. Even today he is staying there removing the sin of all by his very vision.

27. Ever since that day, O celestial sage, the son of Śiva, Kārttikeya remains a bachelor.

28. His name bestows auspiciousness in the world. It is famous in the three worlds. It dispels all sins, is meritorious and confers the sanctity of celibacy.

29. In the month of Kārttika, the gods, the holy sages and great ascetics go there to see Kumāra.

30. He who has the vision of the lord in the Kṛttikā Nakṣatra in the month of Kārttika is divested of all sins. He derives all desired fruits.

31. Pārvatī became grief-stricken by separation from Skanda. She piteously told her lord. “O lord, let us go there.”

32. Śiva went to that mountain partially for her happiness. He assumed the pleasing form of Jyotirliṅga named Mallikārjuna.[3]

33. Even now Śiva is seen there with Pārvatī satisfying the desires of his devotees. He is the goal of the good.

34. On coming to know that Śiva had come there with Pārvatī, Kumāra became unattached and was eager to go elsewhere.

35. On being requested by the gods and sages he stayed in a place three Yojanas away.

36. O Nārada, on the full and new moon days, Pārvatī and Śiva are excited by love towards their son and they go there to see him.

37. On new moon days, Śiva himself goes there. On full moon days, Pārvatī goes there certainly.

38. O great sage, whatever you had asked in regard to Kārttikeya and Gaṇeśa has been narrated by me.

39. On hearing this, an intelligent man becomes free from all sins. He achieves all desired fruits of auspicious nature.

40. Whoever reads, teaches, listens or narrates this story derives all desires. No doubt need be entertained in this respect.

41. A brahmin derives brahminical splendour, a Kṣatriya becomes victorious, a Vaiśya prosperous and a Śūdra attains equality with the good.

42. A sick man becomes free from sickness; a frightened man becomes free from fear; no man is harassed by the visitation of goblins, ghosts etc.

43. This narrative is sinless, conducive to glory and enhancer of happiness. It is conducive to longevity and attainment of heaven. It is unequalled and bestows sons and grandsons.

44. It confers salvation and reveals Śiva’s principles. It is pleasing to Pārvatī and Śiva and increases devotion to Śiva.

45. This shall always be heard by devotees and by those who seek liberation and are free from worldly desires. It confers identity with Śiva. It is conducive to welfare and is identical with Śiva himself.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Siddhi and Buddhi were the two daughters of the progenitor Viśvarūpa and these were married to Gaṇeśa. Siddhi gave birth to Kṣema and Lābha was born of Buddhi.

[2]:

This famous hill represents part of the Kailāsa on which the Mānasarovara is situated. See Note 78 P. 629.

[3]:

According to the present context the Mallikārjuna Jyotirliṅga was established on the Krauñca mountain. It is difficult to know how it came to be identified with the one on Śrīśaila overhanging the Kṛṣṇā river in the south.

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