Ganesh Chaturthi Katha: The Moon and the Syamantak Jewel

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the waxing moon in Bhadrapad. Traditionally, an image of Ganpati is installed at home or in a pandal and offered durva grass, red flowers and modak, with aarti morning and evening. Ganpati stays for one and a half, three, five, seven or ten days, and the last immersions happen by Anant Chaturdashi. There is a custom of not looking at the moon on this night.

A folk katha says that once Ganesh, full of modaks, was riding his mouse. The mouse stumbled and Ganesh fell. Seeing this, the Moon, proud of his beauty, laughed. Ganesh said, 'Whoever looks at you on this Chaturthi will face a false accusation.' When the Moon begged forgiveness, Ganesh limited the curse to this one day.

The Bhagavat Puran tells the story of the Syamantak jewel. Satrajit of Dwarka had received a shining jewel from Surya Dev. Shri Krishna suggested he give it to King Ugrasen, but Satrajit refused. One day his brother Prasen wore the jewel and went hunting. A lion killed him, and Jambavan, king of the bears, killed the lion and took the jewel to his cave.

In Dwarka people began saying that Krishna had killed Prasen for the jewel. Folk tradition says Krishna had seen the moon on that Chaturthi, which is why this false charge stuck to him. To clear his name, Krishna set out himself and followed the tracks to Jambavan's cave.

Krishna and Jambavan fought for many days. At last Jambavan recognised him as the same Lord he had served as Ram. He returned the jewel and gave his daughter Jambavati to Krishna in marriage. Krishna handed the jewel back to Satrajit in front of everyone. Ashamed, Satrajit gave his daughter Satyabhama to Krishna in marriage. Tradition says that if one sees the moon by mistake, one listens to this katha.