Chapter 1

The Pauranic Temple

Once upon a time , probably a few decades back a small Pauranic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stood in the outskirts of village Asnoli in district Pauri Garhwal of now Uttarakhand. The temple was on the highway and across the road was a dense forest. Although the temple was under the jurisdiction of village Asnoli it did not get equal benefits as the other two temples situated in the village . The reason was that hardly any villagers from Asnoli would visit the Puranic temple.

With two temples within the village , who would want to walk for 15 minutes to the outskirts. Then last year a fox had come in to the Pauranic temple , from the forest across the road and scared the few devotees from the nearby villages. The devotees fled and since then rumors of the fox living near the Pauranic temple kept the villagers away. With no devotees , there were no offerings and donations coming in. A few elderly devotees could come from the village and some passer by’s on the highway would stop to stretch their legs.

Deva the Pandit was the officiating priest of the temple and his ancestors before him. His sole income was the donations coming in to the Pauranic temple. Every month the temple trust would give him Rs 100 as a token amount for conducting the affairs of the temple. For each religious occasion he would get an additional Rs 75 for celebrations.

Deva and his family lived in the village but the kind hearted Deva had an extended family of birds and animals in the compound of the Pauranic temple . Some of them already lived there and others were either rescued from the village or the animals themselves had fled and come to the temple compound . Deva fed them with whatever little money he had left over from other expenses . The birds and animals in the compound were devoted to Deva and would always pray for his well being. When Deva was happy they were happy, if he had any problems , they would be worried for him.

The temple was badly damaged during the earthquake which hit the district a year ago. Deva had with great difficulty raised money to repair the temple. The village temple trust gave him some money but a major share was given to the two temples situated in the village . With whatever money he received Deva was able to rebuild the temple and the Shivling of the main deity. But he had no money to replace the beautiful big statue of Ganesha which was shattered to pieces during the earthquake This made him both sad and worried .

Even though the temple was devoted to Lord Shiva , the old big Ganesha statue at the entrance was one of the main attractions for the few devotees who visited the temple . The reason was that Ganesha, is the only deity who is worshiped everyday and for everything. As per Lord Shiva himself , no pooja (religious ritual), mantras or rituals would be complete without first invoking Ganesha .

Lord Ganesha is also the deity invoked to clear all obstacles in one’s life and the humans needed him all the time . Children in the village would often visit the Pauranic temple before going for exams and families would visit before any auspicious activity. Passer-by’s would stop to pray for a safe journey.

Ganesha brought in good fortune in this small insignificant temple. But sadly the temple was going to be devoid of all the good fortune as now there was no Ganesha . To add to the dismay Mahashivrathri was approaching within 10 days and no rituals could be performed without invoking Ganesha. Deva and the animals in the compound were all miserable thinking about this .

Chapter 2

Deva’s animal family

Deva and the animals in the compound were all worried as Maha Shivrathri was around the corner in 10 days and as per  Lord Shiva himself , no Pooja would be complete without invoking Lord Ganesha ? In addition most of the devotees who came to the temple came with the plea to Ganesha to clear their obstacles . This temple could not run without Lord Ganesha.

There were a number of animals, birds and insects which lived in the compound of the Pauranic temple . All of them knew Deva and his love for sentient beings. But there were some for whom Deva had gone out of his way and the animals in the compound respected him for that.

Gomti was the aged cow whom Deva had found sitting under a tree crying. When asked she poured out her story of how Sukhiya her master had thrown her out because she was no longer useful as she had stopped producing milk. Gomti had pleaded with her master and even said that  she would leave him her carcass when she died . He could sell it to the village tanner for a handsome amount of money. But Sukhiya the farmer was a mean fellow and wondered how long he had to feed her before she dies ? He refused and she was thrown out .

Gomti’s daughter Devaki cried her heart out when she saw her mother being ushered out of the house . She mooed for many nights but Sukhiya was deaf to her pleas. When Deva heard her tale he was in grief- who could treat a cow who gave him milk for so many years . He said Ma (mother) come with me and gently led her to the temple compound and gave her a cushioned grass patch to sit on. Every day he would manage some fodder for her and mix it with water and feed her. For Gomti , Deva was the son she never had and she blessed him many times over . Deva would come and share his sorrows and little joys with Gomti Ma.

Then there was Bilal the Bakra . One day Bilal  heard the hens in his house cackle at him saying Eid is around the corner. You better say your prayers before you are slaughtered. Bilal was a young chap and he never knew that he was going to be slaughtered. He had not lived his life yet . That night Bilal begged Ganji the buffalo to bite the rope which was fastened  his feet like a loop and was tied to the pole in the compound. . Ganji had not done a good deed for long and was worried about her Karma . She did not want to see any more bloodshed so she obliged . She chewed on the rope patiently till Bilal was set free. Bilal said thank you and escaped and after a long walk ,  came to the temple compound . Both Gomti and Deva embraced him as one of their family. When Hamid and Harun, his masters came to look for him the monkeys in the compound pelted stones at them and Bilal hid behind the old well . He was known to be the wise man in the family.

The last but not least was Gabbar the dog . Now Gabbar was a little rascal. Born in the village he was named as Ranga by the tea stall,  owner who fed him. One day the Panchayat of the village committee set up a big screen and filmed the movie Sholay for the villagers. Whenever Gabbar would come on the screen , Ranga would bark and create a racket , disturbing the movie watchers . They tried their best but could not keep him quiet as soon as Gabbar would hit the screen. Amused the villagers nicknamed him Gabbar.

One day Gabbar stole some papads which were drying in the compound outside the Mukhiya’s house . The Mukhiya’s wife had made them for her son- in law who was going to visit them the next day. In a rage Mukhiya asked his two henchmen to chase Gabbar out of the village. Gabbar had since then taken refuge in the compound of the  Pauranic temple. Bilal did not trust Gabbar as the rogue was attracted to his female counterpart Basanthi  in the compound . He even lied to  Basanthi that in the movie Sholay,  Gabbar got married to her name sake . The young damsel had never seen the movie but she believed the young and agile Gabbar. Bilal tried to advise her many times but Basanthi probably had given her heart to Gabbar .

Chapter 3

Ek badi Samasya (One Big problem)

Gomti the cow  stretched her old legs and looked up to the sky to know the hour of the day.  She had not slept well . Looking up she was pleasantly surprised to see Lord Bhaskar (Sun God) climbing on to his chariot and called out to him- ‘Bhaskara’ so nice to see you after so many days . Indra (Lord of Rain) was ruling over the sky for the last few days and we were worried about the river nearby getting flooded .

Bhaskara replied – Indra did not come on his own Ma . Prithvi has been imploring to him that the water in her womb is drying up and that she was unable to sustain all sentient beings . So Indra had to come out of turn.  Who can ignore the cries of a mother who is pleading for her children ? Hmm yes nodded Gomti, it is true, the well in our compound has also dried up and I hear from Deva my son,  that droughts are rampart . Gomti Ma, I need to rush now , said Bhaskara and rode away on his chariot lighting up the whole sky at once.

Gomti’s eyes turned to  the small Shiva temple. She shuddered to think what will happen if  this temple does not get a reasonable number of devotees in the least ? How will Deva run his family and feed the animals here . The Ganesha statue was badly needed in the temple and more devotees should come .  She sobbed in her heart . She wanted to see Deva with a reasonable income before she closed her eyes her  forever. Suddenly she remembered Bhaskara’s words – Who can ignore the cries of a mother when she is pleading for her children ? She made up her  mind on what she had to do.

Just as Gomti changed her position to make herself comfortable she was interrupted . Squeak , squeak , cried  Mooshak and Mushki the two mice  racing  around Gomti. Dadiiiiiii, catch her, don’t let her go, screamed  Mooshak . She  pulled at my whiskers while I was sleeping. No Dadi . protested Mushki ,it was cheeni the cheenti (ant) who climbed up his face and bit his whiskers , but instead he is chasing me  . Stop it children! Gomti chided. I am busy thinking about the future – both of you go and  look for Bilal Bakra, and send him to me . He is  good at finding solutions. He will be grazing in the nearby fields. Will do,  Dadi replied  Mooshak and Mushki  and ran away.

The Priest Deva arrived on his bicycle and beckoned to Gomti- Kaisi ho Ma (how are you Mother) ? Moow replied Gomti, nodding her head. No money for Ganesh ji’s statue yet , he continued sadly . I asked the Mukhiya for a loan to buy the statue, but he refused . He suggested we should pick up  a stone and make an elephant trunk on it and that will be enough. I don’t think it will work Ma!

He came and sat near her and continued to talk – you know my condition , after my elder daughters marriage last month we can afford to have only one full meal because there are hardly any donations .Deva continued to pour out his woes to Gomti  and the latter listened silently .

 But how can we do a puja without  Ganeshji? A reasonable statue of Ganeshji  would cost around Rs 1500- 2000. I don’t even have enough to engage the musician , buy the prasad ,decorate the temple on Maha Shivrathri, feed my family here and at home . Gomti could not see her beloved Deva sad and she put her head down crying and Deva went to the temple to start his daily rituals.

Hey Shiva , Gomti cried out mooing loudly looking at the heaven’s above . I may not live to see another Maha Shivrathri as I am already 22 and I worry about my son Deva and the abandoned animals here. Please weave your magic and give us a Ganesha and bring in devotees. She realised how much of a burden she and the other run away /abandoned animals were on Deva’s frail  shoulders.

Gomti knew that all the animals were looking forward to the Mahashivrathri celebrations and a small feast. The day is also celebrated as the marriage day of Lord Shiva and his consort  Parvathi. Therefore Sugreev and Ruma the monkey couple wanted to renew their marriage vows as they had completed 10 years of marriage . Garhvi  the sow (female squirrel) was hoping she would get a proposal . Owli the owl wanted to see if he could find a bride . And of course Gabbar was planning to propose to Basanthi. Other relatives and guests of the animal kingdom from across the forest and the village were also expected . So sad it would be , if it was not a grand event like the other temples .

Gomti was slowly dozing off  but was woken up by  Sugriv and Ruma  who came in bringing 4 bananas as offering to Shiva  . Gomti queried them- I hope this is not stolen fruit ? Na Dadi, we went to practice some swinging on trees in the forest across the roads. Some passer-by’s  in a bus gave us lots of bananas . We had our fill and brought the rest for Shiva and others . Hasn’t Gomti Ma told us that we should offer to the lord first , chided a stern voice . All heads turned and saw Bilal Bakra who walked in steadily towards Gomti ,  sporting his classic beard. Ma you asked  for me ? Yes come sit down Bilal , I need advice . She expressed her worry in a small voice and sadly said –  I cannot see a puja without my Ganeshji. How do we arrange for one quickly? Bilal sat stroking his beard for sometime.

Chapter 4

Badi Samasya pe charcha ( A discussion on the big problem)

Meanwhile Deva brought in some fodder mixed with water for Gomti who  unwillingly started having it. You want some Bilal ? Na Ma!  I had my fill in the grassland near the valley. Soon Mooshak, Mushki, Sugreev, Ruma, Owli , the eagle, cheeni , Gabbar , Gilli and  Ghevar the squirrel couple , all joined in . Cheeni the cheenti brought her whole colony and they spread in the compound . Bahar and Bilqis the two catto sisters  walked in with their shiny black coats . Everyone knew  Bilal sitting next to Gomti Ma meant serious business . They were the elders in the family and would sit in grave discussions only during times of need or crisis.

Children! Gomti began ,we all know that Deva needs to have a reasonable regular  income to look after us , his family in the village and the  temple affairs. You all know how we struggled to rebuild this temple . With Maha Shivrathri coming in, Bilal and I were thinking of how to attract more devotees on a regular basis , so that we get in more donations . One major problem is that rebuilding this temple has exhausted all the funds we had and there is no money left to buy a statue of Ganeshji , to replace the earlier broken one .

Sugreev came and sat at Gomti’s feet and started pressing her legs. His grandmother Surabhi had taught him that he should look after mothers and elderly.  Ma, said Sugreev , don’t worry, I and Ruma along with the kids can join the circus in the town nearby for 10 days and get in some money. Not at all said Gomti sternly, I will be worried about your safety. And who knows when I will die? I want all my children near me  . Gabbar came close and said Ma ! I have an idea , I can steal some money from the temple in the village when it is left unguarded. After all it is for a good purpose.

‘Lahual valla Kuwwat’ (a phrase used to condemn) said Bilal before Gabbar could finish. Please refrain from sharing such unethical ideas . There are small children here . Gomti also interjected – and on a separate matter may I ask you when did you last use Neem Datun (bark of neem is chewed to cleanse teeth) . I have strictly told you to do at least on alternate days . Your mouth is stinking when you are talking she chided. 

Oh I do,  said Gabbar winking at  Nimmi (the neem tree on the opposite side ) a little further  . Not at all cried Nimmi from the other end . Everyday he passes by me, numerous times and I drop some twigs and small branches,  but this fellow never bothers to pick even one. In fact I think he has not had a bath for ages . Ma I heard him tell Bahar that he wants teeth like Gabbar ,so he will never brush.  ‘Nimmi tum bhi kadvi tumhari baten bhi kadvi’ (Nimmi you are a bitter tree and your words are bitter too) said Gabbar and walked away angrily from the gathering.

Gomti looked down at her neck and said I only have this brass bell which I gladly offered to Deva. Ruma had  removed it from my neck and kept it at the temple entrance but Deva would not hear of it. I don’t want to sell my mother’s jewellery to get lord Ganesha he said emphatically. But one thing I am determined to do is leave Deva my carcass when I die. He does not have a blanket to sit on, for pooja during winters. My carcass will keep him warm and he will always have my blessings.

Ma, please don’t talk about a time when you wont be with us. I agree with Deva, said Bilal. Can I suggest something, continued Billa. You all know I ran away as a youngster from the village in fear of being slaughtered for Eid. Since then you all have treated me lovingly and with the utmost respect. It is my turn to show my affection and gratitude to Deva and all of you. Even if I am middle aged I can still be sold for a reasonable rate to a slaughterer . There will be enough money for Ganeshji’s statue and other necessities.

Gomti shook her head sadly and her bell made a soft clinkle sound . Please stop she said! Basanti came close to Bilal and clung to his forelegs saying you are the only brother I have . Whom will I tie Rakhi to ? Sugreev said, Na Bilal Bhai we cant live without you and now nobody here is going to talk about sacrificing themselves. We will find a way .

Bilqis said – Bahar and I are privileged to be black cattos . If we get our  Ganeshji back we could easily get devotees to him. And how would you do that asked Ruma ? Easy , said Bahar we will  keep crossing people’s paths and their vehicles . Humans are scared of black cattos  crossing their path and they will come running to Ganeshji requesting to clear all obstacles in their path. Sugreev said , no dear sisters we will not resort to any cunningness . If we really want to help Deva and ourselves we will work hard and God will be with us .

Bilal then said – Ok maybe then as the village Mukhiya said we should start looking for a  big round stone and Sugreev and family can paint it to make a trunk.  They have the most clever hands amongst us . We can look for some leaves which give out colour when crushed said Ghevar . I am sure we can find some in the forest nearby. But be careful said Bilal. Those wicked foxes are looking out for an opportunity to feast .

Chapter 5

In preparation for Maha Shivrathri

With Shivrathri around the corner the two temples in the village  were busy in preparations while the puranic temple was relatively quiet due to shortage of funds . Sugreev , Mooshak and Owli had all spread the word to their respective clans in the forest,  across the road but none reported to have found  a suitable big round stone yet, for the Ganesha  statue. We can do away with decorations but not with  Prasad – thought Sugreev? But since it is going to be at night and the day before amavas (no moon night) so we will need enough lights as it is going to be almost as dark as amavas said Ruma.

Mooshak had a brilliant idea. Dadi let us ask Jhumri the Jugnu to get her colony of comrades  here and I am sure they will have relatives in the forest too. Then we don’t need any lights and the temple premises will look as if decorated. Angad (Sugreev and Ruma’s son) clapped his hands in glee. Gomti was relieved , some money saved she thought and said,  good idea – go ahead Mooshak , let Jhumri know that we need her clan’s help.

 With only 8 days left Gomti wondered if Ameya and Amba , the twin mango trees  could provide mangoes as prasad? This area was not known for mangoes but these two sisters had sprung up near the temple as a pleasant surprise . During season , children used to throw stones at the ripe mangoes . Sorry Dadi said Ameya , the ambi’s we are carrying are unripe and will take a month to be ready . They need a lot of heat to ripen said Amba sadly. I will ask Bhaskara if he can help,  said Gomti  hopefully.

So from the next day Bhaskara’s golden chariot when passing by would stay for a good 20 minutes shining over Ameya and Amba. The trees would be sweating with heat but would spread their branches wide so that each tiny mango could absorb the heat. Bhaskara had eagerly obliged Gomti when she asked him.

And now with a week left Gomti went on a fast. The Lord had to give a Ganesha and get devotees to the temple She was inspired by Bhaskara’s words – who could deny a mother pleading for her children? She ate and drank only once a day. With age and no proper diet she was already weak. The animal family was very worried about her health. Deva also pleaded with her to discontinue her fast but Gomti was determined. She cannot see her children like this and Deva’s family had served in this temple for generations.

When only two days were left , Gomti saw a big Vanmanush (chimpanzee ) approaching the temple from the other side of the road. She had never seen one and called out to Bilal who was chatting with the two catto sisters. The whole family gathered to watch Vaman the Vanmanush walking erect on two legs with a reasonably big grey round stone in his hand. Sugreev rushed from behind him and told the audience that he and Ruma had seen this stone but could not carry it as it was too heavy. So they requested Ruma’s great grandfather Vaman if he could help. Vaman was very pleased to do it for his great grand daughter .

Vaman graciously accepted the few banana’s Ruma offered him and took his leave as his home was at the other end of the forest . He would have to both swing and walk to reach his cave . He was old and if too late he could not see properly.

Seeing the stone , Gabbar asked , shall I ask Rangeela the  peacock to give one of his feathers to tie around his Ganesha’s head Dadi ? No Gabbar she replied  patiently, he will be dressed up as Lord Ganesha not Lord Krishna. Gabbar wondered why he couldn’t make him colourful and so what if he resembles Krishna ?

The next day was busy Gilli and Gevar went around the forest looking for leaves and flowers which could help them to make a trunk on the grey stone. Gomti sat weak and sad watching the grey stone at the entrance of the temple. She could not imagine him as a Ganesha ? Jhumri came with her clan of hundreds of fireflies from the forest across the road . Dadi , said Jhumri we  will spread around the temple tomorrow evening and whole night . Don’t worry my team will light up the whole place .

Chapter 6

Mahashivrathri at the Pauranic Temple

Gomti accompanied by Bilal, Gabbar and Ruma had a bath at the small river in the early hours of the morning,  on Shivrathri. She will not eat till after the evening pooja ? asked Gabbar in Bilal’s ears and the latter replied No. When they were returning from the river they saw Bhaskara in his chariot sunning Ameya and Ambi , nice and hot . Both the trees had opened their arms wide and stood in all their glory soaking in the blessings of the Sun God. Are the mangoes ripe enough asked Gomti?

 Dadi,  replied Ruma , Angad and his friends will climb up the trees early evening and throw down all the ripe ones. I along with Basanthi , Bilqis and Bahar will then see if they are ripe enough . We will put them in the Thali near the temple. Deva mentioned he will get some modaks (laddus) from the sweet shop in the village when he comes.

Bilal have you told cheeni and her clan not to create mischief and bite other animas and devotees during the pooja? Yes Ma! I have told them strictly and Mushki will be keeping a close watch over them. Owli and his clan will be the shield for the jugnu’s in case some bigger insects come to trouble them.

However hard Gilli , Gevar and Sugreev tried they could not make a trunk and the colours of indigo and henna were not showing well enough on the dark grey stone. Gomti looked up and implored – Oh Lord you cannot break a mothers heart . Ameya and Amba had proudly produced two big thalis of juicy mangoes with the help of Bhaskara . Now they were all waiting for Deva .

When Deva came, he quickly made a paste of turmeric and deftly drew  a trunk on the stone.  The birds had got some flowers in the forest and they decorated them at Ganesha’s feet and some on the Shivling too. Well that is the best they could do . Dusk was embracing earth when Deva came to touch Gomti’s feet and asked her permission to begin the pooja . The entire temple and its premises were lit up by thousands of jugnus and Deva smiled at the bliss . He put up a lantern on the temple entrance and a small Diya in front of the new stone Ganeshji.

Gomti saw that there were hardly four human visitors along with the animal kingdom. Deva brought out the musical instruments  from inside the temple- keeping the Sarangi to himself,  he gave the Mridangam to Ruma and the Nagara to Sugreev. They would play it with sticks and Angad and his team would help when needed .

As Deva was going to sit down for Pooja there was a loud thunder like sound and all eyes turned towards the sky. Gomti asked Bilal worriedly– did we send an invitation to Indra? The whole pooja will be spoilt if it rains. Bilal denied and Gomti looked up to see Lord Indra with his golden crown in all his glory. She pleaded with her eyes and Indra smiled and said , Gomti Ma ! Sorry , I wasn’t thundering , I had let out a loud burst of laughter and a chucke, as I heard Gabbar proposing to Basanthi saying that he had actually starred in a hindi movie. Gomti looked at Indra indulgently and said – I am so relieved.

Gomti gestured to Deva to start the pooja and before he could strike a note on his Saranghi another loud interruption distracted them. Again it looked like a thunder /roar /trumpeting. Indra looked down innocently and all eyes turned towards the back on the highway. The devotees at the Pauranic temple including the animals, insects and birds shook in fear as they saw Gajraj the elephant and his wife Kajri crossing the road to come over to the temple . Gomti looked at Sugreev and he denied sending them an invitation.

Both Gajraj and Kajri   crossed the road and stood still on the edge of the road (on the side of the temple ) motionless as the small crowd near the temple stared at them in silence  . Then the two elephants  created a bit of distance between them by standing apart and there emerged  little Gajakesari smiling between them swaying his trunk from side to side  . Stay here Kajri and let Gajakesari go and fulfil his dream. Otherwise all humans and animals will run away in fear of us.

Little Gajakesari came endearingly towards Deva, Gomti and the 4 devotees , swaying his trunk and making small trumpet like sounds . Gomti’s old eyes shed uncontrollable tears and Bilal thanked Allah. Sugreev and Ruma went mad on the Mridangam and the Nagara beating it so loudly that nothing else could be heard. Deva slowly moved forward and payed his respects to little Ganapthi  who hugged him with his trunk . There could not have been a more beautiful sight . All the jugnus crowded on top of their little Ganapathi. Even Nimmi, Ameya and Amba leaned as much forward as possible

The villagers in Asnoli got distracted with the loud sounds from the pauranic temple and a couple of them took out their bicycles to come and see what was happening at the desolate site. The Mukhiya came with his son and everyone was awestruck as Deva put the tikka on the little Ganapathi , who was devouring the Modaks one by one and beaming at his devotees . Mukhiya’s mouth opened in utter surprise as he saw that Ganesha himself had descended on this day. He sent his son to fetch all the villagers . Slowly the crowd swelled in with lanterns and torches . Gomti could not see anything as the whole view was blocked with people but she was in total bliss.

Deva did the Ganapthi pooja with tears in his eyes as he thanked Gomti Ma in his mind. He knew she had blessed him. The little Ganapthi was in no hurry to go as he started mingling with the crowd as if he was one of them. They loved him, indulged and fed him as Gajraj and Kajri watched from far. Children went crazy playing with him.

Suddenly Gajraj standing far away with Kajri got bitten on his elephant foot . He looked down and saw cheenti staring at him. He rebuked her and she implored – please put your trunk down so that I and my clan can climb up and see what is happening in the temple. If we go near we will get crushed . Gajraj put his trunk down and the whole clan trailed up to sit on Gajraj’s forehead watching the fun and frolic at the temple . How come you are here today Gajraj- it seems such a big coincidence . We didn’t have a statue of Ganesha and all the animals and Deva were very sad . Gomti Ma has kept a fast imploring all the Gods .

Ah! then that solves the mystery said Kajri . Every night when I would put Gajakesari to sleep , since a week he would wake up and tell me that there is someone calling him and waiting for him. Today when we were passing by the end of the forest he insisted he wanted to cross over and then we just watched him as he walked confidently towards the temple . This is where his heart was calling him.

Up in the heavens Lord Shiva , asked Parvathi – has Ganesha gone for a jaunt to the earth?  I can see the way Gajakesari is dancing and devouring Modaks and Mangoes that there is a bit of our son in him. Parvathi smiled and said Lord , he insisted that he wanted to make Gomti Ma happy and he has been haunting Gajakesari in his dreams for a week. That is how he has landed there. Lord Shiva smiled and said – I hope this little lad continues to conquer hearts .

That Mahashivrathri shook the whole district of Pauri Garhwal as soon after , devotees started pouring into the little temple where Ganapathi himself had set foot . The temple district authorities declared the Pauranic temple as the most important one for Ganapthi Pooja in the district . A handsome sum of money was earmarked to the temple every month and Deva humbled even more at the benevolence of the Gods. They decided to make the temple bigger with a huge Ganesha statue exactly where little Gajakesari had stood.

Gomti, Bilal, Gabbar , Sugreev and Ruma and many more animals had their belly full of food each day thereafter and Deva was happily settled. In fact the temple had devotees and pilgrims coming from far and near each day. There was never again shortage of devotees or money in the Pauranic temple. Gomti’s unconditional love for Deva and the gratitude of all the rescued animals had brought the whole universe together to make the temple  famous. Deva got back manifold for his kindness and love for all sentient beings.