Why Lakshmi adopted Ganesha

According to the scriptures, once Goddess Lakshmi grew very arrogant about Her wealth and powers. While having a conversation with her husband, Lord Vishnu, She kept praising Herself that She is the only one worthy of worship. She is the one who bestows everyone with money and wealth.

Lord Vishnu said that in spite of having all the qualities, a woman remains incomplete if she does not bear children. Motherhood is the ultimate joy that a woman can experience and since Lakshmi did not have children, She could not be deemed complete. On hearing this Goddess Lakshmi was extremely disappointed.

With a heavy heart, Goddess Lakshmi went to Goddess Parvati to seek help. Since Parvati had two sons, She requested the Goddess to let her adopt one of her sons to experience the joy of motherhood.

Parvati was reluctant to let Lakshmi adopt because it was known that Lakshmi does not stay in one place for long. So, she asked Lakshmi how she will take care of her son. So Parvati gave Lord Ganesha to Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi became very happy and said to Goddess Parvati, “From today onwards I’m giving my all accomplishments, luxury and prosperity to my son Ganesha. Those worshipping Lakshmi for wealth would first have to worship Ganesha to seek Her blessings. Those who will worship Lakshmi without Ganesha will not be blessed by the Goddess”

The relationship between goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is a mother-son relationship. According to Hindu tradition, the husband should always stand at the right side of wife. Since Lord Ganesha is the adopted son of goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha’s actual position is at the left side of Goddess Lakshmi.