This is the story of how Ganesha raced with his brother Kartikeya. It is a story told in many different ways, and surely every sincere version is true. May this telling also be blessed.

Ganesha and Kartikeya were the two sons of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi. Of course, these divine parents loved their children dearly and without favour but the two sons were very different. Kartikeya was vigorous, athletic and very military, and he became a great warrior and defeated many demons in battle. Ganesha was slow, pot-bellied and had the head of an elephant – but he had wisdom.

Once it happened that the devas presented Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi with a very special fruit, telling them that whoever ate it would receive supreme knowledge and immortality. Both children wanted the delicious looking fruit, and they began to argue. Their mother tried to calm them down, but in vain.

Finally, their father said that they would give the fruit to whichever was the first to race three times around the world.

Kartikeya accepted the challenge eagerly, but Ganesha protested. Being so slow and heavy, how could he compete in this way with his athletic brother? The race was unfair!

Do not forget, his father told Ganesha, that you have wisdom. And so Ganesha began to think.

Kartikeya leaped upon his mount, which was a magnificent peacock, and raced off across the world, stopping at every holy place along the way to offer his devotions.

Meanwhile Ganesha climbed onto his mount, a mouse, and with deep devotion began to circle his parents. When he had circled them three times, he announced that he had won the race, and demanded his prize.

How is this? Lord Shiva asked, smiling. Your brother has gone all around the world, and I hear him now returning for the third time. What have you done?

You are the Father and Mother of the world, said Ganesha, and you are all to me. I have circled the world three times, and the fruit is mine.

And his parents, having felt the sincere devotion in his heart, awarded the fruit to Ganesha.