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The second legend illustrates Ganesha's devotion to his parents and his wisdom. A Puranic myth relates how sage Narada once came to Kailasa, the abode of Shiva, with a rare fruit from the heavenly gardens of Nandanvain In the manner of children all over the worldl both Kartikeya and Ganesha, asked for it.
Narada asked both sons of Shiva to race each other around the universe, and told them that the first one to return to Kailasa would get the fruit. Kartikeya immediately set out on his peacock, but Ganesha merely went round his parents who were sitting nearby and came back to Narada to claim the fruit saying that his parents were his universe. His devotion to his parents was such that he won the fruit as well as the blessings of his parents and Narada.
The first day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapad ushers in period of austere and quiet homage to one's ancestors. Pitrupaksha or the fortnight dedicated to deceased elders, is quiet break in the procession of festive days of feasting during the four monsoon months. During this period, shradh or memorial rituals are conducted by families till the new moon day which is called the Sarvapitri Amavasya or the dark night of all souls.
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