The Story of Lord Ganesha

Have you ever seen a god with a big, round tummy and the head of an elephant? That is Lord Ganesha! He is one of the most loved gods in all of Hinduism. Children and grown-ups all around the world pray to him. Let us learn his wonderful story!

A long, long time ago, there lived a beautiful goddess named Parvati. She was the mother of the universe and the wife of Lord Shiva, the great god of the mountains. One day, Parvati wanted a little boy of her very own. So she took some special sandalwood paste and, with her own hands, she made a little boy! She breathed life into him, and he opened his eyes and smiled. Parvati was so happy. She named him Ganesha.

Parvati loved Ganesha very much. One day, she wanted to take a bath. She said to little Ganesha, "My dear son, please stand by the door. Do not let anyone come inside." Ganesha nodded. He was a very good and brave boy. He stood by the door like a strong guard.

Soon, Lord Shiva came home. He wanted to go inside, but little Ganesha stood in his way. "You cannot come in," said Ganesha. "My mother told me to guard the door." Shiva did not know that this boy was his son! They had a big argument. Shiva got very angry and, in his anger, he hurt little Ganesha very badly.

When Parvati came out and saw what happened, she was very, very sad. She cried and told Shiva, "This is our son! I made him with my own hands!" Shiva felt terrible. He wanted to fix everything right away.

Shiva sent his helpers to find a new head for the boy. They looked and looked. The first living being they found sleeping with its head facing north was a baby elephant. They brought back the elephant's head, and Shiva placed it on Ganesha's body. Then, with his great power, Shiva brought Ganesha back to life!

Ganesha opened his eyes. He had a cute elephant head with big, floppy ears and a long trunk. Parvati hugged him tight. Shiva said, "From now on, Ganesha will be worshipped first, before all other gods. He will be the Remover of Obstacles. Anyone who prays to him before starting something new will have good luck."

And that is why, even today, we pray to Lord Ganesha before we start anything new — before school, before a trip, before a festival, or before learning something. He helps us get past all our troubles.

Ganesha loves sweets, especially round laddoos! His favorite ride is a little mouse named Mushika. Can you imagine a big elephant god riding on a tiny mouse? It is very funny and very sweet!

Ganesha teaches us many things. He teaches us to listen more than we talk — that is why he has big ears and a small mouth. He teaches us to be brave and to always listen to our parents. He teaches us that even when bad things happen, good things can come after.

So the next time you see a picture of Lord Ganesha with his elephant head, round tummy, and a laddoo in his hand, remember his story. Say a little prayer: "Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha." It means, "I bow to you, Lord Ganesha." He will smile at you and help you on your way!

Jai Ganesha!