Lord Ganesha's Birth Story

One day, Goddess Parvathi was getting ready for her bath and needed someone to guard her chamber. She was the wife of Lord Shiva.

She made a beautiful, young boy from the sandalwood from her body. She gave him life by sprinkling the Holy Ganges water on him and entrusted him with guarding the door.

Lord Ganesha's Birth Story

While she was away, Lord Shiva returned and was surprised to find a little boy standing at the entrance to his wife’s chamber. When he tried to enter, the boy blocked his path.

Lord Shiva asked the reason for blocking his path and who he was.

The boy said that his mother has asked him not to allow anyone to enter the chamber till her further instructions.

Taken aback, Lord Shiva replied that he had the right to enter his wife’s chamber.

But the young and courageous boy did not move and stood his ground.

Not knowing that this was his own son, Lord Shiva became angry and started fighting with the boy. The boy fought courageously and at one point was even on the verge of winning! However, at last, his head was severed by Lord Shiva.

Goddess Parvathi on returning from her bath saw her son lying dead and was very sad and became furious with both anger and sorrow. She told to Lord Shiva that how she had given life to Ganesha and he was their son. She demanded that her son should be brought back to life. Otherwise, she would destroy the universe.

At this moment Lord Ganesha and other gods appeared there.

Lord Shiva asked Lord Brahma to fetch the head of the first creature that he would see. Lord Brahma rushed and finally came upon an elephant. He immediately took the head to Lord Shiva, who quickly attached it onto the body of the slain boy and gave him life once again.

Then Lord Brahma and other gods bestowed Lord Ganesha with many boons. One of these is the boon to be worshipped first among all gods.

Even today at the entrance of all temples one would find the idol of the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha.