Ganesha and the Mango

Once, the sage Narada brought a single mango to Parvati and Shiva's home on Mount Kailash. "This mango," he said, "grants infinite wisdom. But it cannot be split — it must go to the one who is greatest."

Shiva announced: "Whoever first circles the entire world three times shall have the mango."

Kartikeya mounted his peacock and flew away like the wind.

Ganesha looked at his parents, then slowly walked around them three times and bowed.

"What is this?" Shiva laughed. "You have not circled the world!"

Ganesha smiled. "My entire world is here — you and Mother. To circle you is to circle everything that matters."

Parvati's eyes filled with tears of joy. She gave Ganesha the mango.

When Kartikeya returned, breathless from his journey, and heard what happened, he was silent for a long time. Then he too bowed to his parents. He had learned something greater than the mango could give.