~ganesha~

[Peace]

Ganesha is one of the primary Hindu Gods and the most appropriate for those travelling to India. Here's why.

The story of the birth of Ganesha goes like this. While bathing, goddess Parvati created a boy out of the dirt of her body, and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom.

When Shiva (her husband) returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his army to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north.

The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader of his troops. Shiva also bestowed a blessing, that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.

Almost all Hindus worship him, because he is seen as the destroyer of obstacles.

~k, so my question is: if he could just re-attatch a head to the boy, why not use his OWN head?~

[veggiechef]

aaahh, Ganesh..He is one of my favorites. He pops into my meditations from time to time.

Perhaps Shiva felt he needed to use a head of something that was actually living?

[♥Starlene]

My neighbor is Hindu, and she loves Ganesh,,, she gave me this pretty little insense burner with Ganesh on it, she said that he is one of the God's of prosperity.... I didn't know the story of the elephant head though, I know the Hindu religion has so many cool stories like that, I love learning about them
Thanks for sharing Faery!
(((hugs)))

[Sloan]

Thanks my dear, great info.

[saffy]

I had heard of Ganesh, but didn't know the background. Thanks