Ganesha
Indian mythology · deity · wisdom, beginnings, removal of obstacles
The elephant-headed son of Parvati and Shiva, invoked at the start of every undertaking. Beheaded by Shiva in a tragic misunderstanding and restored with an elephant's head, he became the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings.
Stories
How Ganesha Got His Elephant Head
Parvati fashions a boy from turmeric paste to guard her door. When he bars Shiva, who does not know his own son, Shiva strikes off his head in fury, then, to console Parvati, restores him to life with the head of an elephant.
The Race Around the World
Offered a prize for whichever son first circles the world, Kartikeya launches himself around the oceans on his peacock. Ganesha walks a slow circle around Shiva and Parvati and sits down: his parents are the world. The wit wins, and Narada, who proposed the contest, enjoys it immensely.