As a child I was often told that I should not look at the moon the Ganesh Chaturthi. I would not understand but simply follow what was told. Today I would like to share with you the answer to the question why should you not see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?
The Mystery
Well the answer is hidden in mythology. One day Lord Ganesha was walking near a sea shore. The moon God who was very proud of his looks laughed at Lord Ganesha making fun of his rather strange looks. He said “you rather look very interesting with the head of an elephant and body of a man” Lord Ganesha got very upset and he cursed moon for this unacceptable behaviour. He said that moon will lose all its shine and good looks. This is what happened and moon became invisible to all.
A Serious Matter
This was a matter of grave concern to the world. Without moon no one would be able to see the roads in the night. The world would become dark. Many animals and humans needed the moon badly. There were some medical herbs that could not survive without the moon light. The gods decided that they should meet Lord Ganesha and tell him to forgive the moon. They all went to the lord and told him to have mercy else the world would end soon.
Lord Ganesha was merciful and also a very learned lord. He accepted the request of all the gods. He took back his curse and moon was able to shine all over again. The world was able to get back its glory and all were happy. However, lord Ganesha said that he wanted the world to remember that no one should make fun of a person who is not very good to look at. He also said that when you hurt a person knowingly you must pay for it.
This is exactly why he told moon that on Ganesh Chaturthi if anyone happens to look at the moon he or she will have to pay for this. A person who happens to see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will invite ill luck. Not only so this person will face false acquisition from some source or the other in the next one year. By this Lord Ganesh ensured that people remember the lesson of not making fun of others for their looks. This is indeed a very big lesson for all. This made this episode immortal and till today people are reminded of this story on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Fast Forward
As time moved on people ensured that they do not look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Once Lord Krishna happened to see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi as a result he was accused of stealing the syamantaka gem. Even his brother Balaram was convinced that Lord Krishna had stolen the gem. In spite of continuous denial by the lord himself all were convinced that lord Krishna stole it. All the evidence was against him. Almost a year later people did realise that he did not steal it but at that point of time all thought so. This again proves the fact that if you happen to see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi you will definitely invite false acquisition even if you are as powerful as Lord Krishna himself. Lord Krishna accepted that he had seen reflection of the moon in a pot of water on Ganesh Chaturthi. It was then he realised why he had to suffer so much.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Do ensure that on Ganesh Chaturthi you do not look at the moon no matter what. You must tell this story to all members of your family and also to your friends. This will ensure that they do not suffer in the next one year. You must tell them this story too so that they are convinced. Many sceptics may not believe in this story. However we do completely belive that looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can be a bad omen to all.
We hope that we were able to give a convincing answer to the question why should you not see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi? You should also remember the lesson that Lord Ganesha wanted to give his devotees through this story that you should not make fun of a person who looks a little different or funny. It was our responsibility to tell you the story now the decision is yours if you want to follow this or not. With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner this might be good information that you would like to have about this day.