In Hindu scriptures and Puranas, different animals are described as the vehicles of Lord Ganesha. According to the Ganesha Purana (Kridakhanda-1), in Satyug Ganesha’s vehicle was a lion, in Tretayug it was a peacock, in Dwaparyug it became a mouse, and in Kaliyug, he is said to ride a horse. Among these, the mouse is the most popular. But how did the mouse become Ganesha’s vehicle? Let’s look at the stories behind it.
Story 1: The Gandharva Who Became a Mouse
Once, in the court of Lord Indra, a Gandharva named Krauncha was busy joking with apsaras while Indra was discussing an important matter. Disturbed by Krauncha’s behavior, Indra became angry and cursed him to be born as a mouse.
The cursed Gandharva was reborn as a mouse in the ashram of Sage Parashar. True to his playful nature, the mouse created havoc—breaking pots, eating all the food, destroying the garden, and even chewing sacred texts and clothes of the sages. Saddened by the destruction, Sage Parashar prayed to Lord Ganesha for help.
Ganesha then cast his divine noose, which chased the mouse even into the Pataal, finally dragging it before the Lord. Frightened, the mouse begged for mercy. Ganesha, pleased with its surrender, told the mouse to ask for a boon.
Arrogantly, the mouse replied, “I need nothing from you. If anyone should ask for a boon, it is you.” Smiling at the mouse’s pride, Ganesha said, “Then become my vehicle.” The mouse agreed, but when Ganesha sat on him, the mouse trembled under his immense weight. It prayed for relief, and out of compassion, Ganesha made himself light enough to ride. In this way, Ganesha broke the mouse’s pride and made it his eternal vehicle.
Story 2: The Defeat of Gajamukhasur
Another legend tells of a demon named Gajamukhasur, who terrorized the gods with his power. The gods sought Lord Ganesha’s help. Ganesha fought a fierce battle with the demon, during which one of his tusks broke. In anger, Ganesha hurled the broken tusk at Gajamukhasur, who became frightened and transformed into a mouse to escape.
