Ganesha: Difference between revisions

Ganesha is the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune in Hinduism, and is one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. According to the Rig Veda, the goddess [[Parvati]], Lord [[Shiva]]'s consort, shaped Ganesha from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath and endowed him with life. As Parvati prepared to bathe, she instructed her creation to guard the bathhouse entrance and forbid anyone from entering. Just then, Lord Shiva returned, unaware Parvati had created Ganesha, and was denied access to the bathhouse. Angered by Ganesha's adamance, Shiva beheaded the guardian with his trident, in turn greatly upsetting Parvati. Shiva quickly apologized and ordered his followers to bring him the head of a living being, which ended up being an elephant's head, and Ganesha was resurrected as it was placed on his shoulders.