Udaipur, September 11: Narayan Seva Sansthan president Prashant Agrawal conveyed messages of wisdom, discretion, devotion, sacrifice and selfless service through inspiring stories associated with Lord Ganesha. He said that when obstacles arise in life, one should seek solutions instead of making excuses. True devotion, he said, is one that is accompanied by a spirit of service and sacrifice.
During the ‘Apno Se Apni Baat’ discourse, Agrawal narrated the story behind Lord Ganesha’s Ekdant form. He said that while Maharishi Ved Vyas was dictating the Mahabharata, Lord Ganesha had set a condition that his writing would not stop even for a moment. Vyas also set a condition that he would not write a single word without understanding its meaning. When Ganesha’s writing instrument broke during the process, he broke one of his tusks and used it as a writing instrument, continuing the work. He said the episode teaches that dedication and sacrifice are essential for completing a major task.
He explained the power of devotion and faith through the story of Sankashti Chaturthi. According to the story, the only son of a poor elderly woman was taken for sacrifice. The woman observed a fast for Lord Ganesha and prayed for her son’s protection. After the boy was safely rescued, the king ended the practice of child sacrifice. Agrawal said God does not seek anyone’s sacrifice but only sincere devotion. Maintaining faith even in difficult circumstances is the true strength of prayer.
Highlighting the importance of charity through the story of King Indradyumna, he said even the king’s vast storehouse could not satisfy Lord Ganesha, while a single tulsi leaf offered with devotion by a poor woman satisfied him. He said the value of charity does not lie in its quantity but in the भावना, devotion and sacrifice behind it. He also narrated episodes related to the curse received by the Moon and King Priyavrata.
Agrawal said Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a festival of worship but also an opportunity to take a pledge to help and serve those in need. Providing an artificial limb to a differently-abled person, spending time with someone in need or extending support according to one’s capacity is also a true expression of devotion to Lord Ganesha.
Summing up the essence of the stories, he said Lord Ganesha symbolises wisdom, understanding, devotion, sacrifice and service. His life episodes teach that true devotion is not limited to worship but lies in becoming a source of support and hope in another person’s life. During the programme, he also interacted with differently-abled beneficiaries who had received artificial limbs and learnt about their experiences.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.