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Why Did Shiva Cut Ganesha’s Head?

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Overview

Lord Shiva is the axis of everything in the material universe. All living beings in this Maya (illusion) are going in circles around him. Hence the symbolic circling of Lord Shiva in temples. Following are the takeaway points from this topic:

  • Why Did Shiva cut Ganesha's Head

  • Did Shiva Know Ganesh was his Son

Introduction to the Tale about Shiva and Ganesha

It is said that, unknown to her husband, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati created an idol of a boy out of turmeric powder and gave it life. As a result, Lord Shiva became enraged and decapitated Ganesha's head when Ganesha refused to let him enter his home because Goddess Parvati was taking a bath there.


Shiva Cuts Ganesha’s Head


Shiva Cuts Ganesha’s Head


Why Did Shiva Cut Ganesha's Head Story

Lord Shiva Cut Ganesha's Head Story is a very interesting story as the mind, which is where the aham feeds, is located in the head. Ganesha in the Shiva Purana exhibits extreme violence while carrying out his mother's commands. He is impossible for even Shiva and Vishnu to beat in a fair duel. Finally, Ganesha is diverted by Vishnu while Shiva cuts off his head. In order to defeat the son of Parvati, they must fall victim to trickery.


It always has to do with Prakriti, the Goddess' representation of Nature. Shiva, a Hindu deity, is a representation of the Purusha (mind/consciousness).


And the beheading occurs whenever Prakriti is mistreated in any way! Nature is impervious to manipulation or control. It is always sovereign and has no favourites.


The twist this time, though, is that Parvati chooses Ganapati to be her protector. He is not blocking Asura in any way!


When Nandi was manning Parvati's door earlier, Shiva simply entered without deferring to her wife's wishes. At this aspect of Shiva, Parvati is upset. Simply put, he can't barge in on her every time. Not all of nature's secrets are understandable to the human mind. Prakriti does not want to be considered a given. She needs some room because consciousness cannot occupy every available space. Devi wonders why is Shiva showing such impatience to meet her?


And the anger comes out of her when she sees her son being beheaded. Elephants have long represented material wealth. They reside in a region that is abundant in water, vegetation, and other forms of abundance. So, they are seen standing on either side of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune. Even her husband, Vishnu, is seen rescuing and saving the elephant in the Gajendra Moksha episode.


Note to Parents

Religion is largely based on the idea that God can reveal the deeper meanings of life. Every story has something to teach us about God, ourselves, and how God wants us to live.


Conclusion

We have seen that as Goddess Parvati was taking bath in home and  Ganesha refused to let Lord Shiva enter, Lord Shiva later became enraged and severed Ganesha's head from his body.

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FAQs on Why Did Shiva Cut Ganesha’s Head?

1. Where is the original head of Ganesha?

The Chandra Mandal is thought to be the location of Shri Ganesh's actual head.

2. Who gave birth to Ganpati?

Karthikeya (also known as Subrahmanya), the god of war, is the brother of Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. His mother formed the earth into the form of a boy and used that to create him. Parvati assigned her new son to serve as guard while she took a bath while Shiva was away on his stillness world travels.

3. Has Ganpati got three eyes?

The third eye of Ganesh, according to the local priests, symbolises intelligence. In front of Shri Ganesh is a Shri Vishnu idol. The idol is animated and exhibits the spiritual emotions of saviour and destroyer.


Overview

Lord Shiva is the axis of everything in the material universe. All living beings in this Maya (illusion) are going in circles around him. Hence the symbolic circling of Lord Shiva in temples. Following are the takeaway points from this topic:

  • Why Did Shiva cut Ganesha's Head

  • Did Shiva Know Ganesh was his Son