The most popular and endearing story explaining the origins of this ancient tradition involves an intense, cosmic contest between the young Lord Ganesha and his swift, elder brother, Lord Kartikeya (also known as Murugan). One day, their divine parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, presented a beautiful, highly coveted divine fruit of supreme knowledge. They declared that whoever could successfully circumambulate the entire vast universe and return to Mount Kailash first would be declared the ultimate winner, receive the fruit, and be honored as the first to be worshipped in all ceremonies. Hearing this, Lord Kartikeya, a fierce and incredibly athletic warrior, immediately mounted his exceptionally swift divine peacock and confidently set off at lightning speed to physically fly across the infinite cosmos, determined to win the arduous physical race.
Meanwhile, the young Ganesha, whose chosen vehicle was merely a slow, tiny mouse, quickly realized that he could not possibly win a grueling physical race against his athletic brother. Instead of panicking or giving up, Ganesha utilized his supreme, unmatched intellect and deep philosophical understanding. He simply, respectfully folded his hands, calmly walked in a full circle around his seated parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. When questioned about his strange actions, Ganesha eloquently and wisely stated, 'My beloved parents are my entire universe; by completely circumambulating you both with true devotion, I have essentially traversed the whole world.' Highly impressed and deeply moved by his unparalleled wisdom, pure devotion, and profound understanding of the ultimate cosmic truth, Lord Shiva officially granted him the eternal boon that he would forever be the 'Pratham Pujya'—the very first deity to be worshipped before any other.
