Kubera, the Treasurer of the Heavens was proud of his riches. Wanting to show off his glory, he invited Lord Shiva to his city, Alakapuri for lunch. The Lord declined but sent his son, Lord Ganesha with a warning to Kubera : “Mind you, he is a voracious eater!”
After being welcomed with great fanfare, Ganesha sat down for a delicious meal. As he kept eating his appetite grew and grew. All the items, food from the serving dishes, cooked and uncooked food, even the furniture, trees, everything went into the Lord’s stomach! He threatened to swallow Kubera too! A terrified Kubera flew straight to Lord Shiva and begged forgiveness for his foolish pride.
Shiva smiled and gave him a handful of roasted rice, “Give this to Ganesha, it will satisfy his hunger.”
Rushing back, Kubera with all humility offered the puffed rice to Ganesha who became calm and contented on eating it.
A handful of simple puffed rice offered with devotion and humility, is more important than all of Kubera’s wealth flaunted with pride!
No matter what you give, big or small give it with humility in your heart and a loving smile on your lips.