01/24/2026
Ardha Chandrasana | Half-Moon Pose On one of his adventures, Ganesh enjoyed so many sweet cakes that his belly was full to bursting. Feeling satisfied, he decided to head home and relax, hopping onto his tiny mouse “steed.” Since the mouse is so small, Ganesh had to balance carefully to stay on. As they cruised along, a cobra slithered into their path, startling the mouse. The mouse darted one way, causing Ganesh to fall the other. When he hit the ground, his overstuffed belly burst, and sweet cakes scattered everywhere. Though upset by the disruption and loss of his sweet fullness, Ganesh calmly gathered all the cakes and tucked them back into his belly. He then tied the cobra around his waist to keep it shut. The moon, Chandra, watched this scene and couldn't help but burst into laughter at Ganesh’s antics. Feeling embarrassed and upset by the laughter, Ganesh broke off his right tusk and hurled it at the moon, extinguishing Chandra's light. He cursed the moon to never shine again, leaving the earth constantly lit by the sun. Without night, love and tranquility were lost, and the world became scorched and hopeless. Understanding the gravity of the situation, a group of gods appealed to Ganesh to let the moon shine again. Flattered by their request, Ganesh agreed to a compromise: the moon would wax and wane, shining fully only once every four weeks. This would serve as a lasting reminder for the moon to never laugh at him again. Ganesh now always carries the broken tusk, symbolizing his momentary rage, but also his capacity for forgiveness and balance. This charming tale reminds us of the importance of balance and the power of making amends, showing us that even in moments of frustration, there's always a path to harmony and understanding.
