Long ago, on Mount Kailash, Goddess Parvati desired to bathe in privacy. She wanted a loyal guard who would not let anyone enter.
She shaped a boy out of sandalwood paste, breathed life into him, and said:
“My son, you will guard the door until I finish my bath.”
The boy bowed with devotion and stood at the entrance.
Soon, Lord Shiva arrived. But the boy stopped him, saying, “No one may enter.” Shiva was surprised and grew angry.
A fierce battle began. The boy defeated Shiva’s attendants and even Nandi. Enraged, Shiva cut off the boy’s head with his trident.
When Parvati came out and saw her son lifeless, she was filled with grief and fury. Her anger shook the heavens.
The gods pleaded with Shiva to restore the child. Shiva promised: “Bring the head of the first creature you find facing north.”
The attendants found a mighty elephant and brought its head.
Shiva placed the elephant head on the boy’s body and revived him. The child awoke, radiant and powerful.
Shiva declared:
“From today, he shall be known as Ganesha, remover of obstacles. No prayer shall begin without him.”
The gods rejoiced, flowers showered from the heavens, and the universe celebrated the birth of Lord Ganesha.
