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“How imposing and magnificent is this idol of Lord Ganpati” little Rohan asked his mother without moving his eyes from the imposing statue of Lord Ganesha.
“Yes of course son. It is indeed quite splendid” his mother Kamla answered while mopping the floor.
“Oh mother at least give it a glance” little Rohan insisted.
Kamla turned her head and looked at the idol with faint smile on her face and engrossed herself in the task once again.
My Ganesha: Dr. Manjari Shukla
Kamla was engaged at a palatial bungalow for carrying out sweeping and mopping jobs. Sometimes her son also accompanied her.
After she had finished the work and they were preparing to return home, she asked Rohan, “Let us also get an idol of Lord Ganpati from the market.”
“Oh yes mom, we will also bring Ganpati to our home” Rohan agreed to the proposal.
Her mother smiled back in acceptance. Together they proceeded to the market where a number of shops were beautifully decked up and different idols of Lord Ganesha in various sizes and colors were stacked. Rohan was enamoured by the attractive looks and colors of the idols. After lot of bargaining with one shopkeeper, Kamla selected on small idol. She showed it to Rohan, “This idol with yellow outfit and golden stars, looks quite beautiful.”
The idol was quite appealing but the small size of idol was not upto the liking of Rohan and he felt a little disappointed.
Kamla could gauze the feelings of his son but with limited resources, it was the best she could have done.
When they reached home, Kamla cleaned a corner their house and placed the idol of Lord Ganpati over a tabouret covered with red cloth. She then left to finish off her remaining engagements.
Rohan was quite exhausted so he sat down in front of the idol and started admiring the idol with great attention.
Suddenly he realized that a wall of smoke had been created and Lord Ganpati was emerging out of the middle of the wall.
When Lord Ganpati acme and stood right opposite him, he felt so surprised that his throat choked. He stammered, “Lord you have started walking as well. I have always seen you sitting”.
“Why not? When I find a young and innocent kid like you feeling sad, I always enquire for the reason” Lord replied.
“Why are you feeling so sad?” Lord Ganpati asked Rohan.
Rohan was shocked so he could not think clearly. Still he mustered all his courage and replied, “Mom bought a small idol of yours and that made me feel sad.”
“Ha… Ha… Ha” Lord Ganpati laughed aloud and said, “There are many people who can afford even smaller idols than this one but their affection and respect is quite phenomenal”.
“Yes, you may be correct but the house owner of the bungalow where my mother works has a very large statue of yours” Rohan replied innocently.
“But do you know that I am not happy inside that house” Lord Ganpati spoke with some dejection in his voice.
“But why?” Rohan enquired.
“Why don’t you see for yourself” Lord Ganpati pointed his fingers towards a wall and Rohan could see that the idol in the bungalow was kept unattended with no one around the idol. “Can’t you see that they have lighted an electric diya and aarti is being played on CD” Lord continued.
“Oh yes you are all alone” Rohan felt bemused.
“I will enjoy the gathering of you and your friends who will light a earthen diya before me and will sing a beautiful aarti” Lord felt emotional.
“And we will offer you modak as well” Rohan clapped.
“I am therefore happier here than in that large monotonous house” Lord Ganesh expressed his feelings.
“And you must have also noticed that small mouse with me. Small it may be but I like it very much” Lord explained further.
“It was my mistake, O Lord! I was lost in useless thoughts” Rohan replied with shame.
With laughter on their lips, Lord Ganpati held Rohan’s hands and started shaking his hands.
“Don’t do this…” Rohan was giggling and requesting Lord to let go his hands.
“It’s me… Your mom… Get up. All of your friends have arrived. It’s time to worship the lord. Get ready for aarti.”
Rohan looked at his little Ganesha and ran and hugged him tightly.
