According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from sandalwood paste and breathed life into him. She instructed him to guard her chambers while she bathed. Unaware of his origins, Lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband, arrived and tried to enter. Ganesha, fulfilling his duty, blocked Shiva’s path. Enraged by the young boy’s defiance, Lord Shiva severed his head.

Ganesha’s Rebirth

After learning that Ganesha was Parvati’s son, Shiva sought to rectify his actions. He ordered his followers to return the head of the first living creature they encountered. They returned with the head of an elephant, which Lord Shiva placed on Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life. Thus, Ganesha was born again with an elephant’s head and blessed with wisdom, knowledge, and the role of the remover of obstacles.

Spiritual Significance

The legend of Ganesha’s birth symbolizes the importance of duty, devotion, and the balance between creation and destruction. Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi honors the god who grants prosperity and removes life’s difficulties.