Curse & boon. Indian Mythological tale for kids & youngetsrtes. Mythological stories in English. Lord Ganesha & Parshuram's battle story. When lord Parshuram encounters lord Ganesha
Once, after fulfilling his vow of ridding the Earth of Kshatriyas, Parashurama—the valiant son of Sage Jamadagni—set out on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. His heart longed to bow before his revered Guru Bhootanath (Shiva), to pay respects to his Guru-mother Ambika (Parvati), and to behold his Guru-brothers—Lord Kartikeya and the Commander of Ganas, Lord Ganesha.
As he arrived at Kailash, he witnessed the breathtaking splendor of that divine city. The streets of Kailash were vast, paved with gold and inlaid with sparkling crystal-like gems. Beautiful pavilions made of cinnabar-red jewels adorned all corners of the city. The divine city dazzled with canopies of pearls and magnificent gem-studded mandapas (temples).
Surrounding Lord Neelkantha's celestial city were a billion divine palaces made of gold and precious stones. These structures had gem-encrusted doors, pillars, and staircases. The golden domes sparkled under the radiant sky, while silver-white chauris (royal fans) adorned with jeweled handles gently swayed in the breeze. Blossoming Parijat trees lined the banks of the celestial Ganga, and the streets echoed with the innocent laughter of divine children playing freely.
Thousands of towers belonging to Siddhas rose into the sky, made entirely of radiant gems and pearls. Serene lakes brimmed with crystal-clear water, and fragrant gardens flourished with thousands of exotic flowers. Eternal banyan trees stood tall, filled with birds of enchanting hues, chirping melodious tunes. A cool, fragrant breeze wafted through the divine city, filling the heart with peace.
Filled with joy, Parashurama approached the grand ashram of Lord Shiva, which spanned fifteen yojanas in height and four yojanas in width. This wondrous abode was built by the celestial architect Vishwakarma using rare, radiant golden gems. The ashram glowed with gem-studded fortifications, pillared mandapas, and jewel-strewn altars. Its majestic gateway, adorned with artistic engravings and jewel-inlaid designs, captivated the eyes.
At the entrance, Parashurama saw the mighty bull Nandi standing on the right. To the left were fearsome guardians: lions, Nandishwara, Mahakaal, Pingalaksha, Baan, the formidable Virupaksha, Vikataksha, Bhaskarasksha, Raktaaksha, Vikataudara, Sanharabhairava, Kalabhairava, Rurubhairava, Mahabhairava with the aura of Ishwara, and many other fierce forms. He also saw Siddhas, Rudraganas, Vidyadharas, Yakshas, ghosts, pretas, pishachas, kinnaras, brahmarakshasas, vetalas, and yogis with matted locks.
Parashurama greeted them all with reverence. After obtaining permission from Nandikeshwara, he joyfully entered the ashram.
As he walked further, Parashurama beheld hundreds of temples crafted with rare gems, topped with magnificent kalashas (pinnacles) of inestimable value. The temple doors were studded with diamonds and pearls, their interiors supported by thousands of golden-hued "Gorochana" gem pillars. The steps too, were made of radiant stones. The inner sanctum was a marvel, decorated with fine carvings and festooned with garlands of diamonds and pearls.
Parashurama’s Encounter with Ganesha
To the left of the gate stood Lord Kartikeya, and on the right, Parashurama saw Ganesha—the elephant-headed son of Parvati—and the valiant Veerabhadra. Adorned with resplendent jewels, they sat on gem-encrusted thrones.
But Parashurama replied earnestly, "O beloved of devotees, I seek only to pay homage to my Guru and Mother Parvati at their lotus feet. This is my natural right."
Ganesha, with gentle humility, tried to dissuade him, explaining that both Shiva and Parvati were currently in the inner sanctum and could not be disturbed. But Parashurama insisted forcefully. As he attempted to proceed, Ganesha barred his way. Enraged by this obstruction, Parashurama engaged in a heated exchange with the lord of obstacles, which soon escalated into a physical conflict.
Kartikeya intervened to mediate, but the furious Parashurama, overcome with ego and wrath, pushed him aside. Ganesha stood firm. Parashurama, in a fit of rage, raised his divine axe (parashu). At that moment, the mighty Ganesha extended his trunk, wrapped it around Parashurama, and began to spin him in the air with immense yogic force.
Parashurama became completely helpless, bound by Ganesha’s divine power. The elephant-headed lord transported him through the cosmic realms—across the seven continents, seven oceans, and fourteen lokas—including Goloka and Vaikuntha. There, Parashurama witnessed the divine Rasaleela of Lord Krishna and Radha, and bowed again and again at their lotus feet.
This divine vision washed away the sins accumulated from lifetimes. Ganesha, the healer of karmic wounds, blessed Parashurama with spiritual cleansing. Finally, exhausted and transformed, Parashurama fell to the Earth, free from ego but still holding onto his divine axe.
The Breaking of the Tusk
As he regained consciousness, Parashurama remembered the divine stotra and kavacha bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva. Overcome again with fervor, he lifted his axe and struck at Ganesha. Out of reverence for the weapon of his father, Ganesha caught the axe with his left tusk. The blow severed the tusk completely, and it fell to the ground, covered in blood.
The Earth trembled. The skies roared. The devas cried out in fear. All of Kailash was thrown into panic. Goddess Parvati, rushing to the scene, saw her beloved son bleeding, his tusk broken, standing silently with his head bowed.
Horrified and heartbroken, she cradled her son and demanded to know what had happened. Upon learning the full story from Kartikeya, the enraged Goddess was ready to destroy Parashurama in her grief and fury.
Calling Parashurama to her presence, Parvati reminded him of his lineage and noble heritage—born of Sage Jamadagni and Queen Renuka, nephew of the mighty Vishnuyasha. Yet, despite such noble origins, he had raised his weapon against his Guru’s son.
"With Shiva’s divine axe, even a jackal can kill a lion," she said. "What glory is there in severing the tusk of a humble, obedient, pure-hearted deity like Ganesha?"
She declared:
"Lord Ganesha, born of Krishna’s essence, could destroy a million warriors like you, yet he will not harm even a fly. Such is his restraint and power. That is why all gods honor him with first worship."
As Parvati’s rage grew fierce, Parashurama, terrified and remorseful, mentally surrendered to his Guru, Shiva, and invoked Lord Krishna for protection. In response, Parvati beheld a radiant dwarf Brahmin boy with brilliant teeth and a divine glow—a sign that divine intervention had come to restore peace.
