Once Ganesha was born to Rishi Kashyapa and his wife Aditi as their son. Aditi took little Ganesha to the river where they played, swam and had fun. Suddenly a giant crocodile caught hold of Ganesha’s feet and held on tight. People jumped in to help but the crocodile kept pulling Ganesha deeper in.
But Lord Ganesha with a twinkle in his eye pushed the crocodile with his might and the next moment started dancing on him. He grabbed it and swung it on the bank. As the people cheered Ganesha, in the place of the crocodile appeared Gandharva Chitra.
He had been cursed by Sage Bhrigu to be a crocodile for a grave mistake he had committed. On saying sorry, the wise sage told him that Ganesha’s touch would liberate him. Chitra bowed gratefully while Ganesha smiled.
Only Ganesha’s touch could liberate Chitra and so it did! Isn’t the Lord’s mere sight, presence and gentle touch enough to cure us all of our grievances! All of us make mistakes and face the consequences. What matters it to learn from those mistakes, to regard them as opportunities to grow and never repeat them again.