Why Lord Ganesha Loves Modak? Know Mythological Stories About Hindu God's Favourite Food
The narratives about Lord Ganesha’s love for modaks may change, but the fact that he loves these sweet dumplings remains. So, on the first day of Ganeshotsav, along with other important days honouring him, devotees prepare modak and offer it to him.
Lord Ganesha’s love for modak is spread across cultures. Even if someone doesn’t religiously follow the Ganeshotsav festival, those who worship the elephant God offer these sweets as prasad. It is believed that offering 21 modak on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi will grant your wishes. Ever wondered how Lord Ganesha came to love these sweets so much? There are different mythological tales about his love for modak and we bring you some of them. Ganesh Chaturthi Prasad & Naivedya Items for 10 Days.
Story Behind Lord Ganesha’a Love for Modaks
One story goes that Queen Meenavati, the grandmother of Lord Ganesha (mother of Goddess Parvati), would make laddoos for her grandson. While Ganesha loves laddoos too, it became increasingly difficult for her to prepare laddoos every single day. With his growing appetite, she came up with another recipe with coconut, jaggery and ghee to please her grandson. Lord Ganpati equally loved the modak and since then, they are his favourite. Ukadiche Modak Ingredients and Recipe for Ganeshotsav 2023: How To Make Ukadiche Modak, Lord Ganesha's Favourite Food at Home.
Another story goes, once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with Ganesha, visited Anusuya, the wife of Atri, an ancient Rishi. Lord Ganesha was offered a platter full of meals, but it did not satiate his hunger. While he ate everything, he kept asking for more. It did not even have any food left for Lord Shiva. Then Anusaya thought of making something sweet and served him and Lord Shiva modak. After eating these modaks, Lord Ganesha burped loudly, and interestingly, Lord Shiva also burped 21 times! Goddess Parvati asked Anusuya about the sweets she served and then expressed a wish that devotees of Ganpati would always offer 21 modak to him. It has since then been considered to be Ganapati's favourite sweet.
The narratives about Lord Ganesha’s love for modaks may change, but the fact that he loves these sweet dumplings remains. So, on the first day of Ganeshotsav, along with other important days honouring him, devotees prepare modak and offer it to him.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2023 08:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).