Ganesha's Hunger:
Humans are the only creatures on earth who can think deeply about life. We wonder about the purpose of life- why do we live, and why do we eat? But nature gives us no clear answers. We have learned to control the earth. We build fields and gardens to grow plenty of food. Yet, even when we have great wealth, only humans wonder why they have so much power over nature.
We build big walls, make strict rules, and try to make ourselves safe. But no matter how much security we have, we cannot stop death. When faced with this reality, humans feel weak, helpless, and lost. We start wondering what the real point of life is. When no answer comes, a frightened person starts hoarding things. We do this not just to secure our future, but to pretend that we will live forever.
Ganesha Teaches Kuber About the Fear of Starvation:
In our mythology, Yakshas are known as hoarders. Kuber is the leader of the Yakshas. He built the golden city of Lanka and constantly brags about his money. Once, Kuber invited Ganesha for a meal. Kuber proudly said, "Let me feed you, because clearly your father cannot afford to do so. You look like someone who really loves food."
Ganesha accepted the invitation, went to Kuber's house, and ate everything offered to him. "I am still hungry," said the elephant-headed God. Kuber had to buy more and more food using the money from his treasury. Ganesha ate all of it and kept asking for more. Finally, Kuber fell at his feet and begged him to stop eating.
Ganesha smiled and said, "You see, you collect food to fight hunger, but you end up just hoarding it. My father, Shiva, shows how to overcome hunger instead. That is why he is happy, even when there is no food around."
The Golden Eye: Kuber’s Second Lesson
This was not the only time Kuber’s pride in his wealth was broken by the divine family. Because he was very proud of his riches, Kuber once went to visit Mount Kailash. He saw the very simple life of Shiva and the bright beauty of Goddess Parvati. Instead of feeling devotion, Kuber felt jealous and arrogant. He looked at Parvati with greedy eyes, as if comparing her divine beauty to his gold and money.
Goddess Parvati did not like his arrogant look. Her powerful energy caused one of Kuber’s eyes to burst instantly. Terrified and in pain, Kuber cried and begged for forgiveness. The Goddess wanted to teach him a lesson. She told him to replace his ruined eye with his favorite thing- his wealth. So, Kuber made a new eye out of solid gold.
But a golden eye cannot actually see; it can only reflect light. It was a physical reminder from Goddess Parvati: You can use your gold to hide your flaws and insecurities. You can try to look perfect, but gold will never give you true vision. And gold can never save you from death.
Every living creature needs food to survive. But humans hoard food and riches because they are afraid of starving in the future. This fear is where the concept of wealth, property, and the greed for gold comes from. Kuber indulges this endless hunger of man, Ganesha focuses on what really matters- food. Kuber satisfies this endless fear and hunger of humans. On the other hand, Ganesha and Parvati focus on what truly matters.