Myths and Legends of Hindustan (Ganesha)

Slonogolovy god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, patron of trade and travelers. Genealogy. In the epics and Puranas - the son of Shiva and Parvati, brother of scandium. Wives - Buddhi (intellect) and Siddhi ( "success"). According to the "Varaha Purana, he arose from the radiance of Shiva. Names. Ganapati - Lord of Ghana "(a title previously belonged to Ganapathi Siva or Rudra); Ghatodara - "Tolstobryuhy"; Vighnesha - "Lord of obstacles"; Ekadanta - "Odnozub".

Iconography. Depicted with a human torso red or yellow, large spherical abdomen, four arms and the head of an elephant, which protrudes from the jaws of a mammoth (right tusk, he lost a battle with Parashurama).

Godhead constituting the retinue of Shiva. In the Hindu pantheon appears relatively late, in the early Middle Ages, but soon took it an honorary position and is among the most popular and revered Indian gods. His call to help by taking an important matter.

Images and temples are particularly prevalent in the south.

Versions of birth Ganesha.

1. "Varaha Purana. The gods appealed to Shiva with a request to create a god, which would impede the accomplishment of evil deeds, and Ganesha emerged from the glow of greatness of Shiva.

2. "Brihaddharma Purana?» (II book.). After the birth of Scandia, Shiva refused "to indulge in amorous caresses" for the appearance of the offspring, but Parvati longed son. Enraged Shiva turned sex goddess dress and gave her hand: "Here son, Parvati." - "How can this piece of fabric to replace my son?" - She replied. But when she spoke, she accidentally pressed the bundle to her breast. Once the parcel touched the breast of the goddess, he revived and Parvati ordered priests to perform rituals, relied upon the birth of a son.

Versions of "appearance" of the head of an elephant.

1. At Celebration in honor of the birth of Lord Ganesha forget to invite the god Shani and the revenge of the baby's head look ashes. Brahma advised Parvati fasten his head the first being that it meet. They turned out to an elephant.

2. According to one legend's son cut off his head himself Shiva, angered by the fact that Ganesh would not let him in chambers Parvati. Then, to comfort his wife, put his head to the torso of a nearby elephant.

3. "Varaha Purana. Ganesh lost his head because of the curse of Parvati, displeased by his appearance in the world.

4. "Brihaddharma Purana?» (II book.). After the birth of Lord Ganesha all the gods were invited to a feast, where everyone can look at the baby. Honors Parvati and her son gave not only Shani, because he was cursed by his wife for neglecting her and from his eyes perished all that fell gaze of God. Parvati ignored warning Shani and asked him to look at her son.

As soon as Shani looked at Ganesha, the baby's head was separated from the body and fell to the ground. Resuscitate the baby could not even Shiva. Then came a voice from heaven, velevshy "stick the" Lord Ganesha's head to the shoulders of those who "sleeps face north. In search of the head was sent to a servant of Shiva Nandini, who after long wanderings came to the capital of the heavenly kingdom Amaravati. At the gates of the city, he saw Ayravatu, the elephant of Indra, lying head to the north.

By winning the battle with Indra, Nandini bay head of an elephant and returned to Shiva. Young God alive and at the command of Lord Shiva became the head of Gan (hosts of the servants of Lord Shiva), received from the name of Brahma Ganesh, "Lord of Hosts." Indra came to repentance to Shiva and a sign of forgiveness, Shiva ordered to quit the beheaded body of an elephant in the ocean, so that he has found a new head, after which the resurrected Ayravata returned to Indra.

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