Ganesha is the god of salvation, wisdom and prudence. He is represented as a short, pot-bellied man with four arms, yellow skin, and an elephant's head with one tusk.
On the remote peak of Mt. Kailash amidst the snowclad vastness of the Himalayan ranges, Lord Shiva the divine ascetic sat in deep meditation. Days slipped into years as he remained entranced, oblivious to the passage of time. Waiting in resigned patience his lonesome consort the Goddess Parvati willed the creation of a son, Ganesh, in the image of herself and her lord from the sandalwood fragranced particles of her skin.
Ganesh grew up devoted to his mother as years passed by without a glimpse of his father. Whilst Lord Shiva lost in deepest trance, remained unaware of the existence of his son. When at last he returned from his meditative exile Shiva found himself barred from his own home by an unknown boy claiming to be the son of Goddess Parvati who had commanded him not to allow anyone enter her home without her permission. No amount of explanations, entreaties, commands of paternal authority or threats could induce Ganesh to abdicate his post and finally Shiva's fearsome rage flared. A battle royale raged between the almighty father and the unique son endowed with the qualities both parents; Lord Shiva, the Creator and Destroyer of the Universe and Shakti Parvati, the Divine Energy. Heavens trembled with fear as various gods and celestial beings gathered to witness this incredible scene and attempted to pacify the two protagonists of the divine drama, but to no avail. Irresistible force met immovable object; in a blazing fury Shiva cut off Ganesh's head, flinging it into distant space. Only when he turned to face the awesome wrath of Goddess Parvati did he realize the devastating truth that he had destroyed his own son. Distraught with grief Shiva ordered his attendants to bring him the head of the first living creature they saw. Obeying his command to the letter they brought back the head of an elephant.
Ganesh was brought back to life with an elephant's head from whose serene eyes his divine qualities shone through. A contrite Shiva ennobled his son with the foremost place in the pantheon of gods as the Most Auspicious of all Deities, the Remover of all Obstacles, the One whose benediction ensures success in all ventures.
