In Sanatan Dharma, Lord Ganesha is considered the first worshipable deity. Any auspicious work, puja, yagya or auspicious event is started with the worship of Lord Ganesha. One special thing attracts everyone’s attention in the statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom – his vehicle Mushak (rat). This question arises in the minds of many people that how did a small mouse become the vehicle of such a powerful and revered deity? There is an interesting mythological story behind this.
Who was Gajmukhasur?
According to mythological beliefs, in ancient times there was a powerful demon named Gajamukhasur. He pleased Lord Shiva by performing rigorous penance and received many boons from him. After receiving the boon, Gajmukhasur became extremely powerful and started misusing his power. He started troubling the gods, sages and common people.
Troubled by the atrocities of Gajmukhasura, all the gods reached Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Then Lord Ganesha was entrusted with the responsibility of destroying that demon.
Battle of Ganesh ji and Gajmukhasur
There was a fierce battle between Lord Ganesha and Gajmukhasura. The demon kept trying to confuse Lord Ganesha by repeatedly changing his form with his illusive powers, but he could not succeed. Ultimately Lord Ganesha defeated him with his divine weapons and intelligence.
When Gajamukhasura saw that he could not defeat Lord Ganesha, he took the form of a huge mouse to save himself. Even after this, Lord Ganesha controlled him.
How was Ganesh ji’s vehicle made?
According to the story, Lord Ganesha forced the demon in the form of a mouse to bow at his feet. Accepting his defeat, Gajmukhasur asked for forgiveness from Lord Ganesha. Then instead of punishing him, Lord Ganesha blessed him to become his vehicle.
After this Gajmukhasur became the vehicle of Lord Ganesha in the form of a mouse. Since then Lord Ganesha is worshiped with the Mushak vehicle.
What is the spiritual significance of Mushak Vahan?
According to religious beliefs, Mouse is considered a symbol of fickle mind, desires and ego. Lord Ganesha riding on a mouse indicates that control over the mind and ego can be achieved through intelligence, prudence and knowledge.
Mouse can enter the smallest space, similarly Lord Ganesha has the ability to remove every problem and obstacle in the life of his devotees. This is why he is called Vighnaharta.
Importance of mouse in Ganesh puja
The presence of a mouse along with the idol of Lord Ganesha is considered extremely auspicious. In many temples, there is a tradition of whispering one’s wish into the ear of the idol of the mouse, the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that the mouse conveys the prayers of the devotees to Lord Ganesha.
