Religious Background

Mooshika (also known as Mushika or Mushaka) is the mouse who serves as Lord Ganesha's vahana, or divine vehicle and companion. That's right, the Elephant headed God rides on a mouse! Mooshika is first mentioned in the Matsya Purana, the Brahmananda Purana, and then the Ganesha Purana. In Hindu art and worship, Mooshika is commonly depicted sitting at Ganesha's feet, sometimes looking toward the sweets offered to him. 

As is often the case with Hinduism, there are different stories that tell how Mooshika became Ganesh's vahana. One well known story tells that Mooshika was once Krauncha, a gandharva, or celestial musician. After being cursed by a sage, Krauncha was transformed into an enormous mouse. In his new form, he became unruly and destructive until he encountered Ganesha, who subdued him. Krauncha surrendered and became Ganesha's vahana, carrying him from that point forward.

The story has also taken on a deeper symbolic meaning. Mooshika is often understood as representing ego, desire, or the restless mind, forces that can become destructive when left unchecked. Ganesha does not destroy the mouse. He tames it and makes it his companion and vehicle. In this interpretation, the small mouse beneath Ganesha represents ego and desire brought under the guidance of wisdom.

Character Background

In writing Mooshika the Diwali Mouse, my goal was to write a story that honors the religious background of the character, while packaging it in a way that kids could understand, appreciate, and love.

In the story, Mooshika first tries to decorate the whole house, all by himself. This is a nod to him representing ego and desire. In praying to Ganesh for guidance, he gets help conquering his ego and realizes he can seek help. His role in Diwali is one that I have made up and does not exist in traditional texts or ceremonies.

Mooshika wears an orange pagri, an orange sadri, and red dhoti-style pants. These colors were chosen because of his connection with Ganesh, who is often associated with these colors. Mooshika also wears a marigold necklace, since marigolds are commonly associated with celebrations and decorations not only in Hinduism but throughout India as a whole.