Ganesha is a Hindu god with an elephant’s head and four arms.
He is the child of Shiva and the goddess Parvati, and is widely revered in India as the god of wealth.
So why is Ganesha’s head an elephant’s head?
One day, Ganesha’s mother, the goddess Parvati, was bathing at home.
During that time, she used the dirt from her body to make a figure.
And she breathed life into that figure, creating her son.
That is Ganesha.
And the goddess Parvati assigned a task to Ganesha.
Parvati told him
“While I am bathing, do not let anyone into the house.”
Ganesha:
“Understood, Mother!!”
And while Ganesha was standing guard,
Shiva, the husband of the goddess Parvati, returned home.
Then, there was an unfamiliar figure standing in front of his house.
Shiva:
“Who is this guy?”
Ganesha:
“No entry allowed right now!!”
Ganesha followed his mother’s orders and refused Shiva’s entry.
However, unaware of the situation, Shiva became furious.
Shiva:
“Shut up!!
This is my house!!
And who the heck are you asshole anyway!?”
Slam!!
Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head.
And then, he threw the head far away!!
Upon realizing this, the goddess Parvati was astonished.
Parvati:
“OH MY GOD!!”
“Ganesha is my son whom I created!!”
Shiva:
“What!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?“
“Where did it go!?”
Realizing this, Shiva became anxious and hurried to search for the head.
But it was too late.
The head, thrown far away by the strong-armed Shiva’s full-force throw, would not be found so easily.
He probably resented his own strong shoulder.
Shiva:
“Where on earth is it!!”
But it could not be found, no matter what.
There, an elephant happened to pass by.
“Ah, dam it, there’s no helping it. This one’s head will do!!”
So, Shiva…
Cut off the head of an elephant that happened to be nearby…
And attached it to Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life.
Thus was born Ganesha, the god with the elephant head.
Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated as a grand Hindu festival known as Ganesha Chaturthi throughout India.
Thus was born Ganesha, the beloved god with the head of an elephant—
symbol of wisdom, remover of obstacles, and guardian of beginnings.
Every year, his miraculous birth is celebrated across India in the vibrant festival of Ganesha Chaturthi,
where clay idols are sculpted, prayers are offered, and streets come alive with music, lights, and devotion.
A reminder that even in mistakes, redemption and purpose can be born.
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