How was Lord Ganesha born? The complete mythological story of Mother Parvati and Shiva

How was Lord Ganesha Born? Complete Story | How did Lord Ganesha get an Elephant Head?

Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular and revered deities in the Sanatan Dharma. He is known by many names such as Vighnaharta, Ganapati, Gajanan, Lambodar, and Ekdant. It is a tradition to start any auspicious work with the worship of Lord Ganesha.

But do you know how Lord Ganesha was born? Why did Mother Parvati create him? What happened between Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha that Mahadev severed his head? And how did Lord Ganesha later get an elephant head?

The story of Lord Ganesha's birth and his becoming Gajanan is one of the most famous and wonderful stories of Sanatan tradition. Let's know the complete story from the birth of Lord Ganesha to him receiving the status of the first worshipped deity.

Why did Mother Parvati create Lord Ganesha?

According to the Puranic legend, once Mother Parvati lived with Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. One day, Mother Parvati was going for a bath. She wanted no one to enter her chamber while she was bathing.

Mother Parvati made the form of a boy from the scrub paste on her body and infused life into it. Thus, that boy was born. Mother Parvati considered him her son and ordered him not to let anyone enter until she was bathing.

This same boy later came to be known as Lord Ganesha.

Why did Lord Ganesha stop Lord Shiva from entering?

While Mother Parvati was bathing, Lord Shiva arrived there. He wanted to enter his home, but Ganesha did not recognize him.

Lord Ganesha stopped Lord Shiva and said that Mother Parvati had ordered him not to let anyone enter without her permission.

Lord Shiva tried to explain to Lord Ganesha, but Lord Ganesha remained adamant about obeying his mother's command.

Gradually, the matter escalated, and a conflict also arose between Shiva's attendants and Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha single-handedly faced the Shiva attendants and prevented them from entering.

Why did Lord Shiva sever Lord Ganesha's head?

Lord Shiva became extremely angry due to Lord Ganesha repeatedly stopping him. A battle ensued between the two, and finally, Lord Shiva severed Lord Ganesha's head with his trident.

As soon as Lord Ganesha fell to the ground, Mother Parvati arrived there. Seeing her son dead, she became extremely angry and sad.

Mother Parvati demanded that Lord Shiva revive her son. She said that if Ganesha was not brought back to life, she could destroy the entire creation with her power.

The gods also became worried by Mother Parvati's anger. Then Lord Shiva promised to revive Lord Ganesha.

How did Lord Ganesha get an Elephant Head?

Lord Shiva ordered his attendants to go north and bring the head of the first creature they encountered.

The attendants found an elephant. They brought its head back to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva placed the elephant's head on Lord Ganesha's body and gave him life again. Thus, Lord Ganesha came to be known as Gajanan.

Mother Parvati was pleased to see her son alive, and the gods also welcomed Lord Ganesha.

What boons did Lord Ganesha receive?

After Lord Ganesha was revived, Lord Shiva and other gods bestowed many boons upon him.

Lord Shiva made Lord Ganesha the chief of his attendants. For this reason, one of his names became Ganapati.

He also received the boon that at the beginning of any auspicious work, Lord Ganesha would be worshipped first. For this reason, he is called the first worshipped deity.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha removes obstacles and hindrances from the lives of his devotees. For this reason, he is called Vighnaharta.

Why is Lord Ganesha considered the first worshipped deity?

Several religious stories are prevalent behind Lord Ganesha being made the first worshipped deity. According to a famous story, the gods granted Lord Ganesha the boon that he would be worshipped before any auspicious work, puja, yajna, or religious ritual.

The sentiment behind this is that before starting any auspicious work, one should remember the power of intellect, wisdom, and obstacle removal.

For this reason, even today, before weddings, housewarmings, starting businesses, pujas, yajnas, and other auspicious events, Shri Ganesh is invoked.

Spiritual Significance of Lord Ganesha's Elephant Head

Lord Ganesha's elephant head is not just his identity, but it is also considered a symbol of many spiritual qualities.

• Great Intellect: The large head of an elephant is considered a symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
• Large Ears: These teach us to listen more and speak less.
• Small Eyes: Considered a symbol of concentration and deep vision.
• Trunk: A symbol of the ability to adapt oneself according to circumstances and perform subtle tasks with strength.
• Large Belly: Considered a symbol of patiently accepting the good and bad aspects of life.

What lessons do we learn from the story of Lord Ganesha's birth?

• Respect for Parents' Commands: Ganesha did not care for his own life for his mother Parvati's command.
• Dedication to Duty: He did not accept backing down from his duty.
• Intellect and Wisdom: Ganesha is considered the deity of intellect and knowledge.
• Renunciation of Ego: Ganesha's form gives us the message of humility and wisdom.
• New Beginnings: Considering Ganesha as the first worshipped deity is a symbol of auspicious and positive beginnings before any new task.

Major Names of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is called by many names due to his different qualities and forms.

• Ganapati
• Gajanan
• Vighnaharta
• Ekdant
• Lambodar
• Vakratunda
• Sumukh
• Vinayak
• Dhumraketu
• Mangalmurti

Is Lord Ganesha's birth always considered according to this story?

Various stories related to the birth of Lord Ganesha are found in different Puranas and regional traditions. The most famous story involves Mother Parvati creating Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva severing his head.

In some traditions, there are different descriptions regarding the birth and form of Lord Ganesha. Therefore, it is not appropriate to consider one story as described exactly the same in all religious texts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How was Lord Ganesha born?

According to the Puranic legend, Mother Parvati made the form of a boy from the scrub paste on her body and infused life into it. That boy later came to be known as Lord Ganesha.

2. Who is Lord Ganesha's mother?

Lord Ganesha's mother is Mother Parvati. He is worshipped as the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.

3. Why did Lord Shiva sever Lord Ganesha's head?

Lord Ganesha did not recognize Lord Shiva and was preventing him from entering due to Mother Parvati's command. When the dispute escalated, Lord Shiva, in anger, severed his head.

4. Who placed the elephant head on Lord Ganesha?

According to the Puranic legend, Lord Shiva placed the elephant's head on Lord Ganesha's body and revived him.

5. Why is Lord Ganesha called the first worshipped deity?

According to the boon received from Lord Shiva and the gods, Lord Ganesha is worshipped before any auspicious work and puja. For this reason, he is called the first worshipped deity.

6. Why is Lord Ganesha called Vighnaharta?

It is believed that Lord Ganesha removes the obstacles that come in the lives of his devotees. Therefore, he is called Vighnaharta.

Conclusion

The story of Lord Ganesha's birth is not just a mythological event, but it contains many life values such as obedience to parents, duty, intellect, patience, and new beginnings. From the boy created by Mother Parvati to Lord Shiva bestowing the Gajanan form and the boon of being the first worshipped deity, Lord Ganesha's story is most wonderful.

Lord Ganesha's form conveys the message to us that in life, intellect, wisdom, patience, and humility should always be valued. For this reason, he is still the deity of millions of devotees and the first worshipped deity of every auspicious occasion.

Read Also

• Why did Lord Shiva sever Lord Ganesha's head? Complete Story
• How did Lord Ganesha receive the boon of being the first worshipped deity?
• How did Lord Ganesha's single tusk break? Know the complete story
• Complete story of the competition between Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya
• Significance and Puja Vidhi of Ganesh Chaturthi