The story of Lord Ganesh’s elephant head is a well-known episode in Hindu mythology. According to popular mythology, Ganesh was created by Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiv.
Lord Ganesh is depicted with an elephant head in Hindu mythology due to a unique and iconic tale.
Once, while Goddess Parvati was bathing, she decided to create a son to guard her chamber. She used the turmeric paste from her body and breathed life into it, creating a handsome boy. The boy, named Ganesh, was appointed by Parvati as the guardian of her chamber. She instructed him not to allow anyone to enter while she was bathing.
One day, Lord Shiv returned to Mount Kailash, where Parvati resided. Ganesh, loyal to his mother’s command, blocked Shiv’s entry and prevented him from entering Parvati’s chamber. A misunderstanding ensued, and Shiv, unaware that Ganesh was his son, was angered by the obstruction. In a fit of rage, Shiv beheaded Ganesh.
Witnessing the tragedy, Parvati was devastated. To console her, Lord Shiv promised to bring Ganesh back to life. He instructed his followers to find the head of the first living being they encountered and bring it to him. The followers found an elephant, and its head was brought to Lord Shiv. He placed the elephant head on Ganesh’s body, bringing him back to life. While attaching the head, one of Ganesh’s tusks broke off and till date all the images of his are shown with him having a broken tusk.
