Ganesha

Ganesh, the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati is the first and foremost deity in the Hindu pantheon whom devotees worship, prior to any important undertakings. Whatever the devotee’s desires, whatever he wishes to venture into, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are first sought.

GANESHA ACQUIRES AN ELEPHANT HEAD

Legend has it that once when Parvati wanted to take a leisurely bath and requested her son Ganesha to mind the entrance to her chamber and prevent anyone from entering the chamber. The obedient Ganesha did as he was told. Soon, Lord Shiva himself walked in, but was stopped by young Ganesha. This enraged Shiva who in a fit of temper, cut off Ganesha’s head! When Parvati learnt of her husband’s wrath and misdeeds, she was overcome with grief and lamented her son’s plight. Shiva realized his foolhardiness and ordered his attendants to bring the head of the first living creature they found in the forest. The attendants gleaned through the forest and the first creature they saw was an elephant, whose head they severed and brought to Shiva. Shiva fixed the head on Ganesha and lo and behold, Ganesha sprang back to life!

Click here to read more...