Once, Kubera, the god of wealth, invited Ganesha at his palace to a feast. He offered many delicious sweets and dishes to the Lord. Ganesha loved the food so much that he overate. Thus it became difficult for him to walk. So he sat on his divine vehicle mouse and started his journey to return to his house. It was a full-moon night. On the way towards Ganesha’s home, his mouse saw a snake and got frightened. It immediately ran behind the bush. Due to this, Ganesha fell down to the ground and his stomach broke open. Ganesha started to put the food back in his stomach. The Moon-god saw him and started laughing loudly. Angered by this, Ganesha inflicted a curse on the Moon-god that he would always be black and never be seen by anyone. Frightened, the Moon-god started pleading for mercy. Ganesha forgave him but said that he would be changing from a new moon to a full moon. The Moon-god kept quiet. After Ganesha had finished putting the food in his stomach, he took the snake and tied it around his belly. Then he continued going back home.
THE ACCURSED MOON
