The story of the birth of Ganesha is found in the Puranas in different versions. Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. They selected an isolated place on the Kailasa Mountain for one thousand years.
Once, Shiva said to Parvati: Dear, there are many creatures in this world. We live as human beings. How can we experience the life of other creatures? Why not we take the form of other creatures and live for some time? Parvati agreed. They took the form of elephants and lived in the forests enjoying the life of elephant. During their life as elephants Parvati became pregnant. She worried that the progeny would be in the form of elephant. She shared her worry with Siva. He pacified her saying that the child born to her would become world famous and also the entire world would respect him. People would seek his blessings before beginning any deed.
Parvati gave birth to a nice boy. He had a small belly. He was named Ganesa. Devas came from heaven to greet him. Ganesa was growing as a very clever boy. Once, Parvati went to take bath after entrusting Ganesa to guard the gate. He was instructed not to let anyone enter in. While he was thus guarding the gate, there came Shiva to get in. Ganesa obstructed him and said: “mother has entrusted me to guard the gate without letting anyone to go in. Therefore, I cannot let you go in.”
Siva said: “Parvati intended to prevent other people, not me. So let me go in.”
Ganesa did not allow him to go in. Siva got angry. His eyes reddened and he scolded Ganesa.
“Naughty boy, if you are this much greedy in this young age, what will be the case once you grow up? You will not hesitate to threaten and even do away with me. I do not want this kind of a son.”
Siva cut Ganesa into two pieces; the body and the head.
By then, Parvati came back after taking the bath. She cried aloud on seeing her son cut into two pieces. Who did this? - she shouted.
Siva realized his guilt and was unable to utter a single word. Later, he explained to her what happened. Parvati was still weeping. Soon, Shiva sent his ganas and asked them to bring back the head of the first creature that is laying with its head facing North. Soon the ganas bring back the head of a powerful elephant, which Shiva placed onto Ganesha’s body. Ganesa was back alive.
Thus Ganesa or Ganapati became Gajanana or Gajamukha meaning one whose face is that of elephant. Ganesa also means leader of all the ganas.
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