Kuber's Grand Feast

Kuber ji is known as the treasurer of the devtas. He had gold, silver, diamonds and pearls, more than anyone could count. Slowly he became proud of his riches. He would think, "No one is as rich as I am. Everyone should see how great I am."

One day Kuber decided to hold a huge feast. He went to Shiv ji on Mount Kailash and said, "Prabhu, I have arranged a grand feast in my city, Alakapuri. You and Maa Parvati must come." Shiv ji understood everything. He smiled and said, "We will not be able to come, but our son Ganesh will. Be careful, he gets very hungry." Kuber laughed and said, "Prabhu, I have so much food that it will never run out, however much anyone eats."

Ganesh ji reached Kuber's palace. All kinds of dishes were served to him on golden plates. Ganesh ji began to eat. The plate became empty, it was filled again, and it became empty again. Very soon all the food in the kitchen was finished, but Ganesh ji was still hungry.

Ganesh ji said, "I want more food!" The cooks brought all the grain, fruits and sweets from the store rooms. That was finished too. Now Ganesh ji began to pick up the pots and the decorations of the palace and eat them as well. Kuber panicked. He did not know what to do.

Kuber ran all the way to Kailash, fell at Shiv ji's feet and said, "Prabhu, all my food is gone, but Ganesh is still hungry. Please do something."

Shiv ji said kindly, "Kuber, Ganesh's hunger is not filled by heaps of food, but by love. You did not hold this feast with love. You held it to show off your riches." Then he gave Kuber a handful of roasted rice and said, "Feed this to Ganesh with humility and love."

Kuber went back. This time he folded his hands, bowed his head and lovingly fed that handful of rice to Ganesh ji. As soon as he ate it, Ganesh ji smiled and said, "Now my tummy is full."

Kuber's eyes were opened. He asked Ganesh ji for forgiveness. From that day on, Kuber was never proud of his wealth again.