Ganesh Chaturthi: Here’s how Vinayaka was born

Lal Baug Ganesha. Pic for representation purpose only. Photo credit - IANS

The birth date of Lord Vinayaka or Ganesha is popularly referred to as Ganesh Chaturthi. The tale of the birth of Ganesha is extremely interesting. How he came into being and how he went on to become the first God to be worshipped is quite fascinating.

Once, Parvati assigned the task of guarding the door to Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) before going inside to take bath. Nandi stood guard as per Parvati’s order but on seeing Shiva, let him inside without the Goddess’ consent. This angered Parvati nd she felt the need to have someone loyal like Nandi who would obey her orders. Thus she created an idol out of the turmeric paste she had applied to her body and infused life into it.

Thus, with her divine powers, she gave birth to Vinayak or Ganesha.

Next day, she entrusted the responsibility of guarding the door to Vinayak and asked him not to let anyone enter the house. Lord Shiva, who was oblivious of Vinayak’s existence, reached home and was at the door. But just when he was about to step in, he was stopped by the little boy.

An enraged Shiva, after a bitter altercation with Vinayak decided to teach the ‘arrogant’ boy a lesson by severing his head with his trident. The little boy lay dead on the floor with his head cut off. On seeing her son lying lifeless, a fuming Parvati took a ferocious avatar and decided to destroy the entire universe.

Realising that Parvati’s anger could lead to a complete destruction, Brahma, Vishnu and the other Devtas appeared before her to pacify her.

They pleaded her to calm down. Parvati agreed but on two conditions. She demanded that Vinayak had to be brought back to life and that he would be the first one to be worshipped.

Soon, Shiva realised his folly and instructed his Ganas (followers) to go in search of a living being with its head facing north. The Ganas returned with the head of an elephant and it was fixed to the body of Vinayak by Shiva’s powers.

Soon after the head was attached to the body, Vinayak breathed life once again but in a new avatar. Thus, Ganesha was re-born.