The Complete Story of Lord Ganesha: Curse & Boon Stories. Indian mythological stories in English. Lord Ganesha's full story in English. Ganesha ki story in English. Mythology English Ganesha story.
Table of Contents
The Divine Glory of Lord Ganesha
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Prostration to the Divine MotherGanesha bows to Parvati and respectfully greets the gods and sages.
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Repentance and HumilityGanesha seeks forgiveness for any offense committed out of ego.
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Blessings from the TrinityBrahma, Vishnu, and Shiva grant divine status and honors to Ganesha.
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The Divine Decree of WorshipGanesha is established as the first deity to be worshipped before any other.
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Title of Sarvadhyaksha (Supreme Overseer)The gods confer the highest title upon Ganesha for the joy of Goddess Uma.
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Shiva’s Boons to GaneshaLord Shiva blesses Ganesha with invincibility and universal admiration.
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Significance of Ganesha ChaturthiDeclaration of Ganesha’s birth date and the benefits of observing his fast.
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Universal Celebration in Heaven and EarthGods, sages, apsaras, and nature itself rejoice in Ganesha’s honor.
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The Cosmic Dance of JoyUma, Shiva, and all beings dance in ecstasy, making the cosmos resonate with bliss.
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Return of the GodsThe celestial beings return to their abodes after the celebration.
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The Fruits of Listening to Ganesha’s StoryFinal verse emphasizing the power of this story to bestow all auspiciousness
Goddess Parvati had two close companions: Jaya and Vijaya. Both were exceptionally beautiful, virtuous, wise, and sweet-natured. Parvati held them in high regard. One day, the two companions humbly suggested, “Dear friend, you don’t have a personal attendant (Gana). You must certainly have one of your own.”
Parvati replied in surprise, “What are you saying, dear friends? I have millions of Ganas who are always ready to follow my commands instantly. Why would I need another Gana?”
The companions responded, “All those Ganas belong to Lord Shiva. His command is their priority. Even Nandi, Bhringi, and others who are considered your attendants, ultimately regard Shiva’s order as supreme. If you give a command and Lord Shiva disregards it, none of the Ganas would dare to follow your instruction. If you inquire, they will surely come up with some excuse.”
Parvati thought for a moment and asked, “And what about these countless Pramatha Ganas? Would any of them dare disobey me?”
The companions answered, “None of the Pramatha Ganas are personally yours. They are Lord Rudra’s soldiers. Because of their exclusive devotion to Shiva, they only protect you and oversee your activities on his behalf. Therefore, we humbly request that you create a personal Gana of your own.”
Parvati accepted their suggestion, though she did not act upon it immediately. The matter was left unresolved and, with time, she forgot about it.
One morning, as Parvati was going to bathe, she instructed Nandi, “If anyone comes, do not let them enter.” Then she went inside. Just then, Lord Shiva arrived and attempted to enter. Nandi tried to stop him, saying respectfully, “Mother is currently bathing; please wait here.”
Shiva responded, “Let her bathe! I have urgent work. How can I just wait here?” Saying this, Lord Shiva, in his divine playful form, ignored Nandi’s words and entered the bathing area.
The Manifestation of Lord Ganesha:
Seeing Lord Shiva suddenly enter, Parvati, the Mother of the Universe, was overwhelmed with embarrassment and withdrew shyly. Shiva, too, quietly left without saying a word.
After her bath, Parvati, while getting dressed, began reflecting: Jaya and Vijaya’s suggestion was indeed right. I ignored it in vain. If a personal attendant had been stationed at the door, Shiva would not have entered so easily. Nandi disregarded my command, which shows that I do not have full authority over these Ganas.
She concluded, I must have my own personal Gana—one who will obey only my orders. The existing Ganas follow me only because of Shiva’s command. But my personal Gana should obey Shiva only because of me.
With this thought, Parvati removed the sacred grime from her body and, using it, created a living being:
"Sarvāvayava-nirdoṣaṁ sarvāvayava-sundaramViśālaṁ sarvaśobhāḍhyaṁ mahābala-parākramam"
—“He was endowed with all auspicious marks, flawless limbs, a beautiful physique, immense size, unmatched radiance, great strength, and valor.”
Parvati dressed him in divine clothes and ornaments and, blessing him, said, “My child, you are born of me and are part of my own being. You are my very heart. None shall be dearer to me than you.”
The boy respectfully bowed at her feet and, folding his hands, said, “Mother, I am yours and will always remain so. I will obey your every command. Please instruct me on what you wish me to do.”
Parvati said, “Son, you must obey no one’s orders but mine. You shall guard the entrance to my inner chambers. Do not allow anyone—regardless of who they are—to enter without my explicit permission. You must remain ever vigilant in this matter.”
Chapter Two: The Battle Between Ganesha and Shiva’s Ganas
Having said this, Parvati blessed her son by placing her hand on his head and gave him a divine staff. The boy looked resplendent and full of glory, and Parvati was filled with joy and affection. She lovingly stationed him at the entrance as her gatekeeper.
Armed with his staff, young Ganesha stood guard. Parvati, now free from concern, entered the bathing area along with her companions. She felt secure, knowing that her personal guardian stood watch outside.
Just then, Lord Shiva, the Lord of all beings, arrived at the gate and attempted to enter without delay. He was unaware that the one standing guard was not a usual Gana but Parvati’s own son. Unfamiliar with him, Shiva assumed he was just another of his attendants.
As Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha stopped him and asked, “O Lord, this is the private chamber of Goddess Parvati. Her permission is required to enter. How can you proceed without it?”
Now paying attention, Shiva turned to him and said, “Fool! Who are you to stop me? Step aside and let me in!”
Ganesha replied, “Mother is bathing. Only after she dresses can her permission be sought. Until then, please wait or return later.”
Lord Shiva, displeased by this interruption, said, “You don’t know who I am! I am Shiva, the Lord of Parvati and ruler of all three worlds. Step aside immediately!”
But Ganesha blocked the path completely and replied, “Lord, whoever you may be, I will not allow you to enter without my mother’s consent.” With this, he raised his staff defensively.
Astonished by the boy’s determination, Shiva said, “You seem utterly foolish! Who are you to stop me from entering my own home? Move at once!”
Again, Shiva attempted to enter, but Ganesha stood firm and stopped him with his staff. His unwavering devotion to his mother was clear.
Upon seeing this, Lord Shiva became extremely angry. However, controlling his rage, he stepped aside and began to think, “Who is this that dares to block my path?” To learn more, he decided to send his attendants and ordered them:
“Go and ask this child—who is he? Where has he come from, and under whose authority is he standing guard at my doorway?”
Shiva’s attendants approached the son of Parvati and repeated the same questions. They added:
“You appear to be a beautiful and delicate child. A child’s welfare lies in obeying elders. Therefore, step aside immediately.”
The son of Parvati replied with a similar question:
“Who are you all? Where have you come from, and why are you provoking me without reason? Obedience to one’s rightful authority is the duty of a true servant. So kindly leave this place at once.”
Hearing this, Shiva’s attendants laughed and said:
“You are a strange one—you simply repeated exactly what we said.”
Becoming stern, they continued:
“It is in your best interest to leave this place. That is the command of Lord Shankar, consort of Parvati. So far, we have treated you gently, assuming you are one of us. But if you continue this stubbornness, we will be forced to use violence.”
Lord Ganesha also smiled and replied:
“I am the son of Mother Parvati. She herself has appointed me here with strict orders not to let anyone enter without her permission. If you want to remove me based on your master's orders, I cannot oblige, because I follow only my mother’s command. You and your master may stand outside if you wish, but you cannot go inside.”
Realizing that the boy was an extremely powerful son of the Great Goddess, Shiva’s attendants understood he wouldn’t move. So they returned to Lord Shiva and bowed respectfully, saying:
“Lord of Ghosts! This boy is none other than Parvati’s son. He stands at the gate by her command. When we tried to reason, he appeared ready for battle.”
Hearing this, Shiva became angry:
“What! A mere boy, and you—my mighty attendants—couldn’t deal with him? If he is so stubborn, remove him by force. If war is necessary, then so be it.”
The attendants saluted Lord Shiva and proceeded toward the gateway, this time armed with various weapons. Seeing them approach, Lord Ganesha stood firm.
They warned him again:
“Child, whoever you may be, you must move immediately, or you will die needlessly. We are bound to obey Lord Shiva’s command.”
But Ganapati fearlessly replied:
“You are many, and I am alone, yet I stand here in obedience to Mother Shiva’s command. Let Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati themselves witness the strength of their respective followers. This battle is not between us, but between the Divine Mother and the Divine Father.”
He continued:
“You may be seasoned warriors with vast experience in battle. I, however, am untrained in the art of war. Yet in this conflict between Shiva and Shiva’s consort, you shall be defeated. Know this—the outcome of this battle will not belong to either of us, but to Jagadamba (the World-Mother) and Jagadishwar (the World-Lord).”
Hearing this, Shiva’s attendants were enraged. Nandi, Bhringi, and others began their assault. Ganapati, too, became furious and struck back with his staff. A fierce battle broke out—on one side, the lone child Ganesh; on the other, the many formidable attendants of Shiva.
But soon, Shiva’s attendants became restless. The mighty son of the Supreme Shakti had now become terrifying.
“Just as Time at the end of creation appears fearsome and destructive, so did Parvati’s son appear to all the attendants—as the very agent of destruction.”
Defeated, the attendants fled to save their lives. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva was seated, observing everything. At that moment, hearing of the conflict between Shiva’s son and his attendants, Sage Narada informed the gods. Brahma, Vishnu, and others arrived and bowed before Shiva, saying:
“Lord of Beings! What kind of divine play is this? If there is anything we can do, please command us.”
Shiva replied:
“What can I say? A child stands at my door with a staff in hand, refusing to let me enter my own house. My attendants, wounded by his blows, have fled. Many of them lie broken or bleeding. You yourselves decide what should be done now.”
As Lord Vishnu approached the scene, Shiva’s attendants bowed and said:
“O Lotus-Born One! The mighty son of Goddess Uma has brought this misery upon us. It is not easy to overpower him.”
Vishnu, adopting the form of a peaceful Brahmin, approached Ganapati along with Brahma. As they neared, Ganapati lifted his staff. Vishnu said:
“I am but a peaceful Brahmin, and I carry no weapons. Understand that I do not come to fight.”
Brahma added:
“I am born from the lotus. You should treat me with kindness.”
Ganapati replied:
“Indeed, it is mercy that I am letting you go quietly. You peace-loving beings should leave this battlefield at once.”
Brahma and Vishnu silently departed. Then, Shiva’s attendants bowed and reported to Lord Shiva:
“O Lord! That boy seems like the fire of apocalypse, ready to consume us all. Fighting him is no easy task.”
Shiva’s eyes turned red with fury. He summoned Indra, Kartikeya, and other gods, as well as ghosts, spirits, and fiends, and gave them a stern command:
“Do whatever it takes—bring that boy under control!”
“How can I tolerate that a mere child should sit at the very door of my own house and rule over me?” With this resentment, and upon receiving Lord Shiva’s command, all the deities, the mighty warrior Kartikeya, the entire Shiva’s attendants (Shivganas), and hosts of spirits, ghosts, and demons, armed themselves with various sharp and terrible weapons. They surrounded Parvati's son from all directions. Around him stood formidable and divinely powerful gods and heroic warriors, but Ganesha stood alone among them. However, he was the son of the Great Divine Power—no other force could match him.
Despite attacks coming at him from all directions, he did not waver. Watching carefully, he rendered all enemy assaults ineffective. No weapon could harm him. The great and valorous Ganesha repelled all the gods, Shivganas, ghosts, and demons with his counterattacks, throwing them into disarray. The entire enemy army fled in terror. They suffered the same fate as the earlier group of Shivganas.
Wherever Ganesha struck, the earth split like moss, rivers of blood flowed, and severed limbs drifted in the stream of gore. Indra’s thunderbolt proved useless, and Kartikeya’s weapons, the very ones that had slain Tarakasura, were now ineffective. That a lone child could cause such destruction was an unimaginable event! All the gods were astonished.
Chapter 3: The Manifestation of the Mahashaktis by Shiva
When Mahahaktimayi Shiva (Parvati) heard that her son was facing countless warriors alone, enduring all their assaults with unwavering resolve, she became extremely enraged. She thought, “Such cruelty upon a small child? I must aid this devoted and valiant son of mine.”
With this determination, she immediately manifested two great divine powers. One was colossal, with a terrifying gaping mouth like a mountain of black kohl. The other radiated with the brilliance of lightning. Both had multiple arms. Parvati ordered them, “Go, assist Ganesha at the gate.”
The Mahashaktis set forth. By then, the gods had regrouped and stood ready for another attack. Upon seeing this, the two powers leaped into action. The first Mahashakti swallowed the weapons thrown by the gods and showered them in return with fierce celestial weapons. The second inflicted torment upon the enemies with relentless attacks.
With their unstoppable blows and terrible might, the two Mahashaktis displayed a divine spectacle. Sometimes visible, sometimes invisible, they wrought havoc, while Ganesha, alone and steady, continued to trample the enemy forces. Just as Mount Mandara churned the ocean, so did the lone son of Shiva churn through the vast and formidable army of Shiva himself.
All the gods and Shivganas, including Indra, became battered, disoriented, and began to question among themselves:
“What should be done? Where should we go?No direction is visible.This child whirls his club with such ease,Both left and right, it brings ruin.”
No one could see a way out. Everyone was looking for a direction to flee. At that moment, the sages like Narada and the celestial nymphs (apsaras), holding flowers and sandal paste in their hands, watched the terrible war in amazement. They had never seen such a battle before.
The opposing forces could no longer hold their ground. The warriors fled in all directions, each trying to save their life. Yet, even in this dire state, Lord Kartikeya did not retreat. He stood firm in the battlefield with determination, though his weapons were being cut down one by one. At last, seeing all his arms rendered useless, he too realized the futility of standing there and withdrew.
All the wounded and terrified gods and celestial beings took refuge in Lord Shiva. Bowing at his feet, they pleaded:
“O Trilochana (Three-eyed One)!O Serpent-adorned Lord! Save us.We’ve witnessed countless battles,But never has a single child defeatedLegions of gods, spirits, and Shivganas.His valor is beyond comprehension.Only you can find a way to overcome him.”
Shiva Goes to Battle Against Ganesha
Hearing the anguished cries of the gods and his attendants, Shiva was filled with rage. His eyes turned red, his brows raised, and his arms began to tremble. Without delay, he set off toward Ganesha. Seeing this, all the gods and Shivganas followed him.
As the gods watched, Lord Shiva ready himself for battle, they bowed at his holy feet and re-entered the fight. This time, even Lord Vishnu appeared before Ganesha to engage in battle. But as soon as the fight began, even Vishnu had to withdraw under the pressure of Ganesha’s mighty club.
When Shiva saw that even Lord Vishnu was defeated and Indra had already lost courage, he began pondering how to defeat this child. He realized that Ganesha could not be subdued through righteous warfare. “Only deception can work here; there is no other way,” he concluded.
Thus resolved, Shiva stood among his vast army. At his signal, Vishnu also joined him. A festive atmosphere was created with music, and the Shivganas began to dance. Then Vishnu said:
“O Neelkantha! You agree that he cannot be killed without trickery.Let me enchant him, and in that moment, you can strike him down.”
Shiva agreed to Vishnu’s suggestion. But Parvati’s two Mahashaktis, sensing Vishnu’s intention, infused Ganesha with their divine strength and then vanished.
Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu began to enchant Ganesha, invoking Shiva in his mind. Just then, Shiva lifted his trident to strike. But Ganesha, remembering his divine mother Parvati, launched a power attack. That force struck with such might that Shiva’s trident flew from his hand and fell far away on the ground.
Shiva’s Trishula (Trident) Disarmed and Ganesha’s Decapitation
Seeing the wretched state of his Trishula, the ten-armed Lord Shiva was filled with immense rage. As he attempted to ready his bow and string an arrow, Lord Ganesha struck swiftly with his weapon—the Parigha (mace). As a result, Shiva’s bow too was hurled far away.
While Shiva stood thus, pondering, Ganesha once again unleashed a powerful attack that scattered both the divine army and the Shiva-ganas, forcing them to flee in all directions for their lives.
As Lord Vishnu spoke these words, Ganesha raised his Parigha and attacked him. Enraged, Vishnu hurled his Sudarshan Chakra and shattered the Parigha into two. In response, Ganesha picked up the broken pieces and struck again, but Garuda intercepted and neutralized the blow.
When Vishnu attacked again, Ganesha blocked it and struck back using a divine staff gifted by his mother Parvati. But again, Garuda nullified the attack. Seizing the moment, Lord Shiva launched his sharpest Trident at Ganesha.
At that moment, Ganesha was distracted and could not evade the strike. The Trident struck his neck, and his head was severed and fell to the ground.
The moment Ganesha’s head fell, the gods erupted in joy. The Shiva-ganas rejoiced and danced in celebration. Praises of Lord Shiva echoed everywhere. Musical instruments played, and singing and dancing commenced upon the earth.
Chapter 4: Parvati’s Wrath and Manifestation of the Mahashaktis
When Goddess Parvati learned that her own beloved husband had severed her dearest son's head, and that the gods and Shiva’s attendants were celebrating this so-called victory with song and dance, she was stricken with grief and fury.
At her command, the thousands of fierce Shaktis with terrifying forms departed, chanting "Victory to Mother Parvati!" As they moved, they devoured whoever they saw—be it god, demon, human, or Shiva’s attendants. None were spared. Their sheer radiance was so hypnotic that even those at a distance were drawn toward them and consumed.
The entire universe plunged into panic. Everyone believed the time of dissolution (Pralaya) had arrived. Gods, sages, and beings alike abandoned all hope of survival. Fear engulfed the cosmos.
Lord Brahma entered into deep meditation. When he emerged from his trance, the eager gods surrounded him.
In that very battle, Uma's consort, Lord Shiva himself, severed the head of her son Ganesha. From that moment, the terrible wrath of Goddess Uma was unleashed.
All the gods looked at one another, bewildered. Who could possibly pacify or restrain the enraged Mahashakti?
At that time, Brahma said, “Without pleasing the Daughter of the Mountain, this world cannot be saved. Therefore, we must go to Lord Vishnu and seek his counsel.”
All the gods went to Lord Vishnu and informed him about the catastrophic destruction that resembled the apocalypse, explaining that it was caused by the wrath of Goddess Parvati. They said, “O Lord of the Three Worlds, only you can rescue us from this dire crisis. Please devise a solution quickly, or the entire universe will be swallowed by death.”
Lord Vishnu replied, “O gods, for this, we must approach Lord Uma-nath (Shiva) himself. Only he, the one who consumed poison during the churning of the ocean, can resolve this disaster.”
The Anguish of Rudra Upon Witnessing Rudrani’s Wrath
Then, all the gods, along with Vishnu, went to Lord Shiva and pleaded with folded hands, “O Lord of Girija! You have severed the head of her son Ganesha, and because of that, Mahashakti is filled with fury and now seeks to bring about a universal destruction. The entire world is terrified of this dreadful calamity. Only you can protect us now.”
Shiva replied, “O gods, what you say is true. I believe the only way forward is to try to pacify the Goddess together. Let us all go and plead with her.”
The gods led the way, with Shiva following behind. But even before reaching Bhavani’s gate, countless deities had already been seized and devoured by the goddesses. Among those taken were gods, demons, sages, yakshas, kinnaras, and even the guardians of the directions. All were fleeing in panic, trying to save their lives. No one dared to go any further.
Even Brahma and Vishnu were hesitant, and Rudra himself was distressed and began to retreat due to Rudrani’s fearsome energy.
Again, the gods gathered to deliberate, “What now? Who has the courage to face the wrathful Rudrani?” Each time someone was named, they refused out of helplessness.
Arrival of Sage Narada
Just then, the divine sage Narada arrived. The gods welcomed him with great reverence and explained everything about Rudrani’s fury and the resulting destruction.
They said, “O great sage, you are all-knowing and wise. Unless Goddess Girija is pleased, this annihilation will not cease—rather, it will only grow worse. Please suggest a solution.”
Narada smiled and said, “Even the mighty cannot withstand the power of Mahashakti? There is only one way. All of you must go to her and offer praises. Only through sincere devotion and supplication can she be appeased.”
The gods found this advice beneficial and immediately proceeded toward Parvati’s abode, placing Sage Narada at the front.
Though Rudrani was deeply enraged, upon seeing Narada in front, she became silent.
Then the gods began their earnest and reverent prayers:
Despite their repeated bows and various forms of praise, the Goddess did not calm down. Though silent, she stared at them with eyes full of fury, from which sparks seemed to fly. Terrified, the gods averted their eyes and stepped back.
Sage Narada Leads the Rishis in Prayer
Seeing this, Narada and all the sages stepped forward and bowed at her feet. They began to chant prayers:
As the sages repeatedly bowed and prayed thus, the Goddess’s anger gradually began to subside. Softening, she spoke:
“O sages, I understand your suffering. But my only son was unjustly slain. This injustice must be addressed.”
"If my son is brought back to life and you all accept him as worthy of worship, then this calamity can be averted. Only if he is given the position of Sarvadhyaksha (Supreme Leader), will there be peace in the world; otherwise, no one will find happiness anywhere."
The sages again bowed before the Divine Mother and said, “Compassionate One! You have shown a simple path for the protection of the world. Your words are indeed just. We will convey this message to the gods.”
Saying this, the sages approached the gods and conveyed the wish of the Mother to them. Taking the sages along, they all went to Lord Shankar. They bowed to him and delivered the message of the Goddess, saying:
“O Lord! The Divine Mother has said that if the world is to be made happy, her son must be revived and granted the position of Sarvadhyaksha. Otherwise, peace will not be possible.”
Chapter 5: The Resurrection of Gajanan
Shiva said, “O gods! We must accept Uma’s words. By obeying her, the welfare of the world and all of us is ensured. Therefore, it is right to follow her.”
The gods said, “O Lord! How can Parvati's son be brought back to life? His head is completely destroyed. Now only you can find a proper solution.”
At the gods’ request, Shiva thought for a while and then said:
“Gods! Go towards the north. Whichever living being you see first on the way, cut off its head and attach it to Ganesh’s torso. But first, cleanse the torso properly and worship it. Then immediately attach the severed head. There must be no delay in this task.”
As per Shiva’s command, the gods thoroughly cleansed Parvati’s son’s torso, dried it, and worshipped it. Then they proceeded northwards and encountered a one-tusked elephant. They severed its head and placed it on Ganesh’s torso.
Then they said to Shiva, “O Tripurari! We have placed the elephant’s head on Shiva's son’s body. Now it is up to Brahma, Vishnu, and yourself to breathe life into him.”
Hearing this, all those present were filled with joy. The gods bowed at Shiva’s feet and said, “O Lord of the Universe! With the same divine energy from which we all were created, please let that energy enter this child through Vedic mantras.”
Shiva agreed, and the gods consecrated water with Vedic chants and sprinkled it upon the child. As soon as the sanctified water touched him, life began to return. In a few moments, he came back to life. Like one awakening from deep sleep, he opened his eyes.
Now, the beautiful child had the face of an elephant. His body was red, and great joy radiated from his face. His form was charming. Seeing the son of Parvati revived, all the gods and Shiva’s attendants were overjoyed. Everyone felt assured that the cosmic crisis was now averted.
Some gods ran to Goddess Uma and bowed at her feet, announcing, “O Mother of Ganesha! Your son has been revived. Now, O Goddess of the gods, please be fully appeased.”
Hearing of her son’s revival, Parvati ran to the spot, and upon seeing him alive, she was overwhelmed with joy. She took him in both arms, embraced him tightly, and held him close to her heart. Lord Shiva too was filled with happiness; such was his joy that his eyes remained closed in bliss.
The Consecration of Gajanan and Bestowal of Boons
To celebrate the revival of Uma’s son in the form of Gajanan, a grand joyous festival was held. All the gods and leaders of the divine hosts performed his consecration (abhisheka). All the siddhis (spiritual powers) worshipped him properly, and the benevolent Goddess Parvati lovingly touched his limbs with her blessing-filled hands.
Then, showering affection on him repeatedly, she said, “My son! You caused great suffering. But now, everyone has learned a valuable lesson.”
She continued, “My heart! Forget that pain now. You are now truly blessed. From now on, all gods, sages, and beings will worship you first. You shall be the foremost in all auspicious rites. No one will ever again have the courage to harm you.”
Then, the Divine Mother granted him an unfailing boon, saying:
“My son! Your face now appears tinged with vermilion. Therefore, you shall be worshipped with sindoor (vermilion) in the world. Those who worship you with flowers, sandalwood, fragrance, offerings, lights, betel, donations, and salutations will attain all siddhis (powers), and all obstacles in their path will be undoubtedly removed.”
She then honored him with various gifts. Feeling safe and assured, the gods brought Parvati’s son to Lord Shiva and placed him on his lap. Shiva placed his blessing-giving hand on his head and declared, “This is my second son.”
Then Gajanan also rose from Shiva’s lap and bowed respectfully at his father’s lotus feet.
At this, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, filled with joy, blessed Gajanana, saying:
Hearing this proclamation from the Trimurti, all present were overjoyed. To further please the glorious Goddess Uma, the three gods and all other deities conferred upon Ganesh the title of Sarvadhyaksha (Supreme Overseer).
Thereafter, Lord Shiva, the consort of Uma, granted many boons to Gajanana that would ensure his eternal happiness. Neelkantha said:
"Son of Girija! I am immensely pleased with you. Consider the whole universe to be pleased as well, for my joy is the world's joy, and my wrath brings calamity to the world. Now, no god, demon, yaksha, kinnara, serpent, or human will dare oppose you. You are the son of Mahashakti herself, and thus possess immense divine power. You have displayed great valor in battle, proving that none can withstand you. In destroying obstacles, you shall be supreme. Because you are worthy of universal worship, I appoint you as the chief of all my Ganas."
After a moment, Shiva further said:
"Ganaadhipa! You were born on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada, at the auspicious time of moonrise. Therefore, observing a fast and worship on that day will bring great fortune. People of all castes and even women should observe this Chaturthi fast. Kings and others who desire prosperity can also fulfill their wishes through this worship. Whatever a person desires while observing your fast, they shall surely attain it."
Upon this divine declaration by Lord Shiva, all the gods, sages, and attendants expressed their approval and performed the ceremonial worship of Ganapati with full devotion and rituals. Then even Shiva's attendants honored him, chanting:
"Victory to Lord Gajanana, the Chief of the Ganas!"
This joyful chorus echoed throughout the three worlds. Seeing her beloved son thus honored, Devi Parvati was overwhelmed with happiness.
A Grand Celebration Begins
A grand celebration began. The gods beat celestial drums, the apsaras danced, the gandharvas sang melodious songs, and divine flowers showered down from the heavens. All of nature seemed to rejoice. Forests and cities brimmed with glory. Trees blossomed with beautiful flowers and sweet fruits. The earth, adorned with green grasses and plants, looked like it was covered with a green silk cloth embroidered with vines and floral patterns.
The entire animate and inanimate universe became absorbed in the music and dance of the gods and apsaras. Whoever heard it was compelled to dance. Even Shiva’s attendants, Uma’s companions, and others joined in. Then Devi Uma herself, filled with bliss, began to dance. Seeing her, how could Lord Shankar remain still? Always immersed in cosmic rhythm, he took up his damaru (drum) and began to dance.
As he danced, the whole universe seemed to dance with him. All beings in every direction, embodied in form, danced in divine ecstasy. It appeared as if the entire cosmos was dancing.
In this way, the whole world was filled with joy. All sorrows had vanished, and peace and happiness prevailed everywhere.
When the grand celebration came to a close, Brahma, Vishnu, and the other deities worshipped Lord Ganapati, the embodiment of bliss, again and again. They also praised Lord Shiva.
Then, seeking permission from Shiva, Parvati, and Ganapati, all the gods returned to their celestial abodes.
The Fruit of This Sacred Story
This sacred tale of Lord Ganapati has the power to fulfill all desires:
"One who listens to this supremely auspicious narrative with a disciplined and devoted mind becomes endowed with all forms of auspiciousness and becomes himself a source of blessings for others."
