Little Lord Ganesha, you know!

India is a country that celebrates diversity.  There are endless mythological stories unraveling multiple forms of divinity. Lord Ganesha, also called Ganpathi or Vinayaka,  is worshipped all over the country.  He is loved beyond religious barriers for his childlike features and interesting legends chronicled on his wisdom and tactfulness.  Children and adults alike are fascinated by his beautiful looks, elephant head, pot belly, and of all, his majestic pose.  Mooshika, his  mouse Vaahan (Vehicle) is also adored by one and all.

Here goes a beautiful story - Once little lord Ganesha was playing near a temple in Boolokha (Planet Earth), all alone.  After a while, he felt bored and awaited his brother Lord Muruga to join him.   But, it was his Uncle, Lord Krishna who gave a surprise visit.  Krishna was very fond of his little nephew.  He would play with Ganesha for hours and enjoy his antics.   The same happened on that day also and Krishna forgot himself watching the toddler's childish pranks.  And, when he had to leave for Vaikuntha, in a hurry, he left his Sudharshana Chakra at the temple where they both were playing.  Ganesha noticed the Chakra soon after Krishna left.    Little Ganesha, all amused by his new possession, started playing with the newly found toy.  After a while, driven by hunger and mistaking the all pervasive Sudharshana Chakras for a Vada (A South Indian delicacy made of Dhal), he gobbled it at once.   Lord Krishna who had just then reached Vaikuntha, had to book a premium tatkal ticket and take Garuda Vahan's help to reach Boolokha yet again.  He ransacked for the Chakra everywhere and finally came to Ganesha's place.   While he was searching for the Chakra near the temple, Krishna noticed little Ganesha's protruded belly.  On questioning, the child acceded that he had relished the Vada. Krishna started pleading the little one to no avail.  Finally, the Lord started squatting and standing repeatedly and performed Thoppukaranam, a yogic process using hands to touch the ears.  Delighted by his Uncle's funny act, the little lord guffawed and guffawed only to let out the Sudharshana Chakra fall from his mouth.   

This is how the popular brain yoga,'Thoppukaranam' came into vogue.  As lord Vinayak loves the yogic gesture, Thoppukaranam is performed by the devotees to please the little lord.