Stotras

There is a delightful story about a contest between Lord Ganesha and his brother, Kartikeya. Kartikeya was very proud of his mount, the peacock, and his own speed and efficiency. He challenged Lord Ganesha to a race which would involve encircling the world three times.Lord Shiva signalled to indicate that the race had begun.

 Kartikeya immediatly climbed atop his peacock and left to cicle the whole world. Ganpati just smiled. He encircled Lord Shiva and Godess Parvati thrice. When Kartikeya came back to Mount Kailash, he was very surprised to find Ganpati there. Ganpati told him that ones parents are one's own world and encircling them means encircling the world. He had thus won the race.