One of the most beloved gods within the Hindu pantheon is Lord Ganesha. Also referred to as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) and Ganadhipati (leader of the ganas), he is routinely worshipped by Hindus prior to commencing new endeavours. But, among enthusiastic devotees and children alike, one of life’s biggest mysteries is: “Why did Ganesha have an elephant head?" Along with that mysterious aspect of life is how Ganesha was created.

The answers to those two questions are steeped in a story within Hindu scriptures: the creation of Ganesha was a special event, with much symbolism connected to it that may help one understand and experience the depth of love a mother has for her child, as well as devotion, discipline and wisdom.

According to Hindu scriptures, one day, Goddess Parvati created a child because she wanted a loving child. While Lord Shiva was meditating on the mountains, Goddess Parvati shaped the child with turmeric (from her body) and breathed into him. After doing so, Ganesha was created pure and innocent with unconditional love from his mother.

Goddess Parvati assigned him as her doorkeeper and instructed him not to let anyone enter while she bathed. At that point, Ganesha only knew his mother’s instructions and was very obedient to them, even though he did not know the world outside the door.

Why Did Shiva Behead Ganesha?

Soon after, Lord Shiva got home and tried to enter, but Ganesha (the son of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati) stopped him based on what his mother had told him. Shiva didn’t recognise Ganesha, blew up from not being allowed to enter his home, and in his rage, Ganesha stood firm while warning Shiva’s bodyguard; Shiva killed Ganesha with his staff and cut off Ganesha's head.

Later, Goddess Parvati came outside, saw what happened, was devastated, and furious; she told Shiva it was her son, that she had made him from her own divine power, and that she was so upset that it could kill her in that moment.

The story of how Ganesha got his elephant head describes the way his father, Lord Shiva, calmed down the goddess, Parvati and that is when harmony returned to the world. In order to make up for losing Ganesha, the father also promised the Mother god, Parvati, that he would bring Ganesha back to life; he instructed his attendants to find the head of the first living creature that was facing north when they arrived, so that they could attach it to Ganesha, and in this way return Ganesha to life through divine means.

Shiva said:

  • Ganesha should be the one who is always the first to receive respect from a god

  • Ganesha will always remove the obstacles in the way of his worshippers.

  • Ganesha gives followers wisdom, success, and protection from harm.

  • Ganesha has been given an elephant head to signify the "spiritual aspects of himself".

1. Wisdom

Elephants are very intelligent and have excellent memories. The elephant head of Ganesha represents "wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to learn from experiences".

2. Ganesha's Large Ears = Power of Listening

Ganesha’s large ears show us the importance of listening to others instead of talking all the time, so we can learn and grow in life.

3. Ganesha's Small Eyes = Focus and Concentration

Ganesha's small eyes remind us of how important it is to stay focused on our dreams/goals and avoid distractions that hold us back.

4. Ganesha's Trunk = The Ability to Adapt

Ganesha's trunk can pick something very heavy or something very small, showing us strength with sensitivity, which is "the balance we should have in our lives".

5. Large Head, Small Mouth

This teaches us to think more and speak wisely.

Why is Ganesha worshipped first?

After Lord Shiva created Ganesha, he gave Ganesha the title of Pratham Pujya (the first to be worshipped). This means that before any ritual, puja, or any auspicious event, Ganesha must be invoked.

The purpose of this invocation is to ask Ganesha to remove obstacles from our outer world and also from:

  • our minds

  • our egos

  • our fears

  • our confusion

Lessons to Learn from the Story of Ganesha's Birth

There are several valuable lessons we can learn from the story of Ganesha's birth:

  • To be obedient to our parents (Ganesha was obedient to Parvati, who was his mother).

  • To protect and love our mothers.

  • To transform our lives through wisdom.

  • To have both power and compassion in balance.

The story of Ganesha's resurrection represents that true living cannot begin until we have removed the ego and embraced wisdom.

How can the Utsav app help you?

In today’s fast-paced, busy life, everyone can't visit temples or perform lengthy rituals. And in that case, the Utsav app is the best way to connect with this divine world. With our app, you can book puja services online.

  • You can use the app for online pooja booking or a special prayer for things like strength and protection.

  • You can read stories or learn various things, like ganesha birth story in english, in the app’s Gyan Section.

  • You can also book a puja on special days from the comfort of your own home.

In summary, the story of Ganesha's elephant head and the way he was born represents not only mythology but also a guide to spiritual growth and development.