In the grand palace of Mount Kailash, the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, there was great excitement one morning. Parvati was pregnant and soon to give birth to their first child.
Shiva and Parvati were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their bundle of joy. The devas and apsaras from the heavenly realms had come down to bless the newborn. Even the usually meditating rishis had opened their eyes to witness this divine moment.
The auspicious hour arrived and a cute baby boy manifested in Parvati’s hands. As she looked lovingly at her son, Parvati was filled with emotion. The baby had an elephant head but a human body. Parvati cradled him affectionately.
Shiva gazed at his son. “We shall call him Ganesha, Lord of the Ganas” he declared. The devas cheered and celebrated the birth of the elephant headed deity.
Ganesha became the joy and pride of Mount Kailash. His elder brother Kartikeya took it upon himself to train Ganesha in the art of warfare and wisdom. Under Kartikeya’s guidance, Ganesha mastered all forms of arts, sciences and scriptures.
Ganesha’s wisdom and kind nature endeared him to all. The devas would often come to him for advise and guidance. His judgement was infallible and his words inspired.
One day, Parvati wanted to take bath. She created a boy out of the turmeric paste she used for bathing and appointed him guard at the door. “Do not allow anyone inside when I am bathing” she instructed.
After sometime, Shiva came desiring to see Parvati. The turmeric boy blocked his way and refused him entry, not knowing it was the Lord himself. Infuriated, Shiva cut off the boy’s head in a fit of rage.
When Parvati learned of this, she was heartbroken. But Shiva ordered his men to get the head of the first creature they saw. It happened to be an elephant. Shiva affixed the elephant head on the body of the turmeric boy and breathed life into him.
Parvati was overjoyed to see her son reborn and embraced Ganesha lovingly. Shiva declared him leader of his ganas and granted him powers and authorities. Thereafter, Ganesha came to be known as Vigneshwara, remover of obstacles.
Ganesha accepted his role joyfully. His vehicle was a small mouse which carried him swiftly. In his hands he held an axe to cut off obstacles and a big laddu sweet to enjoy the blessings of life. On his forehead was the sacred ash from Shiva and in red he wore the holy vermillion mark. His left tusk was broken while fighting the demon Gajasura.
One day the sage Vyasa came to Mount Kailash. He had compiled the great epic Mahabharata but needed someone to write it down as he dictated. When Ganesha was approached for this task, he agreed under one condition. “I will do so only if I understand the full meaning and essence” he said.
And so sage Vyasa narrated the entire Mahabharata to Ganesha who grasped the wisdom and depth of the tale in all its complexities. His elephant head signified his wisdom and ability to comprehend the subtle truths. After this feat, Ganesha got the name Vakratunda, one with a curved trunk.
Ganesha’s biggest boon came when his father, the great Lord Shiva declared him foremost among the gods and announced that all undertakings should begin only after propitiating Ganesha first. Thus, Ganesha earned the title Vighnaharta, the Remover of Obstacles.
Now Ganesha began to travel between realms. In the heavens he resolved conflicts between devas and asuras through his wisdom. In the underworlds, his grace redeemed tormented souls. And in the human world, he blessed devotees with fortune and prosperity.
One such devotee was the trading merchant Kubera who worshipped Ganesha enthusiastically. Pleased, Ganesha granted Kubera all the wealth and splendour he desired. Kubera was appointed the Treasurer of the heavens. From then on, those praying to Ganesha with sincerity gained his assurance of success in their endeavours.
Ganesha had insatiable appetite. Wherever he went he was always hungry for more treats and delicacies. His favourite was modaks, sweet dumplings of condensed milk and coconut. Once, Ganesha ate so many modaks he could not move with his big belly!
On another occasion, Ganesha challenged Kartikeya that he could encircle the world faster. While Kartikeya was off on his journey around the earth, Ganesha simply circled Shiva and Parvati stating that parents are the world. Amused by this wit, Shiva crowned Ganesha winner of the competition.
Ganesha loved music and dance. The devas invited him to play divine drums and cymbals during their celestial concerts. Ganesha’s rhythms infused energy and joy into the music. Accompanied by the gana musicians, Ganesha’s dance was delightful and captivating to behold.
Thus Ganesha became the most beloved deity of the Hindu pantheon. His devotees believe there is no obstacle that Ganesha’s grace cannot remove. By worshipping him first, all undertakings are bound to succeed. His blessings spread like vermillion on foreheads and sugar syrup in modaks.
On the endearing festival of Ganesh Chaturti, Ganesha’s idols are brought home for worship amidst chanting of Vedic hymns and devotional songs. The huge idols are carried to the sea for immersion at the culmination of festivities. It marks the cycle of renewal as Ganesha returns each year again with prosperity and bounty.
Lord Ganesha’s hilarious form, wisdom and compassion continue to capture the imagination of the faithful. By worshipping Ganpati, the lord of all groups, we move closer to the sublime truth. Obstacles turn to opportunities and troubles lead to ultimate triumph. Such is the miracle brought forth by the one tusked, gentle god who opens the doorway to divine grace.