Hindu
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 According to legend, Ganesha was
born while his father Shiva was away on a hunting trip. Ganesha
was born
full-grown, and he was protecting his mother when his father
returned. Finding this stranger near his wife's bath, Shiva
promptly beheaded him. When Shiva discovered that he had in fact
beheaded his own son, Shiva promised Parvati to restore his head
with the first head he encountered. Unfortunately, the first creature
Shiva beheld was an elephant. In addition to his elephant's head, Ganesha is depicted with four hands in which he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments to wordly things), and a sweet dessert (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people. His elephant-like head and the quick moving tiny mouse vehicle suggest his tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and acumen. Genesh is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities. |
