Ganesh is the most revered God of Hindu Mythology. Every Hindu ritual starts with Ganesh prayer. Why is Ganesh such a popular deity? Read on to learn more!
Parvati, Shiva’s wife was preparing to take a ceremonial bath. For a ceremonial bath, the body was smeared with sesame oil and scrubbed with rice flour paste containing turmeric and herbs. Parvati collected the droppings of the flour paste, made it into a little statue and put life in it. It became instantly a boy and Parvati ordered him to watch the front door and not let anyone in. Parvati finished her bath and wore a clean silk sari and waited for her husband, Shiva. In the meantime Lord Shiva came and asked to get into the house.
The boy said no. Shiva told him, “I live here, this is my place. Who are you?”
The boy said, “I don’t know you, Sir. Mommy said no one is allowed in and that means you too.”
An argument ensued and Shiva, losing his patience, used his trident to decapitate the boy. Shiva went in and greeted Parvati and asked who the boy was. Parvati replied with, “He is our son. I made him this morning — let me call him inside.”
Shiva said it was not possible because he had cut the boy’s head off. Parvati was crestfallen and began to cry. Shiva told her, “My darling, please don’t cry. I will find a solution.” He called his Ganas (personal troops) and ordered them to go out and search for any animal sleeping with its head to North, upon which they were to cut that animal’s head and bring it to him.
The Ganas went looking for an animal sleeping with its head to North. They looked and looked with no luck. Suddenly they found an old elephant lying with its head facing the North. Promptly, they cut the elephant’s head off and brought it to Shiva. Shiva immediately scrubbed his hands, collected the necessary tools, and attached the elephant head to the boy’s torso. Everybody was waiting for the success of operation. Lo and behold, a few hours later, the boy opened his eyes, looked around and swung his trunk. All were happy, especially Shiva and Parvati. Shiva made him the leader of Ganas (the name GANESH means leader of Ganas).
Ganesh’s origin is unique; he did not come from a womb. He is a happy god, never angry and grants all wishes to those who are faithful. Ganesh loves to eat, especially sweets; does not demand sacrifices, carries no weapons and rides on a mouse. (The two most successful businesses in the world, Microsoft and Apple use a mouse to operate their equipment and it is believed this is why they are so successful — Ganesh rewards them!)
There are many stories of Ganesh; keep an eye out for more!
