Nrutyadhara Foundation

Lets learn how a mouse became the vahana of Ganeshji

Mouse is the Vahana of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. We will always find a mouse near Lord Ganesh’s feet eating modaks. It’s so amusing “how can a tiny mouse be the vehicle of Ganeshji?”

Long ago, there was a proficient musician-god, Krauncha in the court of Lord Indra. One day there was a musical event happening in Lord Indra’s court. Many gods, goddesses and rishis were invited to the musical concert. Krauncha was very enthusiastic in the ceremony and he was besides himself. He was dancing almost in a trance and inadvertently, he stepped on the feet of sage Vamadeva.

 It was a terrible thing. In no time Krauncha came to his senses and realized his mistake. He begged for pardon to muni Vamadeva but the rishi did not listen to him. He was very angry at this misconduct of Krauncha and in a fit of anger he cursed Krauncha to become a mouse on the earth. Instantly the celestial musician turned into a gigantic, wild and ferocious mouse.

Mouse Krauncha, in anger and humiliation started damaging all the things that came in his way. After some days, this mouse came to the hermitage of Maharshi Parashar. In his ashram, the mouse created many problems for the rishi and his disciples. At that time Lord Ganesh was staying in the hermitage of sage Parashar.

Lord Ganesh knew the evil intention of the mouse, Krauncha. To punish this evil rodent, Ganeshiji applied his weapon “Pasha” and brought him to his feet. Terribly frightened and helpless, the rodent begged Lord Ganesh for his forgiveness. “You are an evil soul.” Lord Ganesh said”.” You deserve punishment for your purification. In order to return to heaven in course of time, you must pass through a process of attornment and austerity. You will become my vahana. That is your punishment and salvation.”

This is how Krauncha, the mouse became the vahana of Lord Ganesh.