Goddess Lakshmi in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses is personified as the goddess of fortune and also as the embodiment of loveliness, grace and charm.

There is a Vedic verse by name ‘SRISUKTA’. It comprises invocation and prayer to Lakshmi. This is recited while worshipping. If we understand the meaning of a few expressions in Srisukta, we will know Lakshmi’s appearance, nature and greatness.

‘HIRANYAVARNAM’ - Lakshmi is of the color of gold
‘PADMAVARNAM’ - of the color of a lotus
‘ADITYAVARNE’ - Lakshmi is brilliant like the sun
‘PADMAVARNE’ - face is beautiful like a lotus.
‘PADMADALAYATAKSHI’ - her eyes are broad and beautiful as petals of a lotus
‘PADMAMALINEEM’ - one wearing a garland of lotus flowers
‘SARASIJANILAYE’ - one residing on a lotus flower
‘SARASIJAHASTE’ - one holding a lotus in her hand

It is evident that Lakshmi loves a lotus flower. Therefore ‘PADMAPRIYE’ (one who loves the lotus flower) is stated in Srisukta.

She is depicted seated on a lotus flower though sometimes she is also seen as standing on a lotus. In her pictures gold coins are seen dropping down from the palms of this goddess of prosperity. The story of the birth of goddess presents an interesting reading.

Her emergence in the world is connected with a famous Hindu myth called SAMUDRA MANTHAN - CHURNING OF THE OCEAN.

After churning the ocean for quite sometime, the Devas and Danavas saw a spectacular scene. In the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her hand. Her appearance was most attractive. She, who was radiantly smiling, was Lakshmi herself.

The sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang. Apsaras danced. The elephants on either side sprinkled sacred holy Ganga water on the goddess and bathed her. Because the elephants sprinkled holy water on her, she acquired the name of GAJALAKSHMI. Because she was born in the sea of milk, she was called SAMUDRATANAYA. The king of the sea appeared in his natural form and comforted Lakshmi as a daughter. He presented her with attractive clothes and jewels. He handed to her a garland of lotus flowers. While everybody was looking in surprise, Lakshmi put the garland around the neck of Vishnu and occupied his chest. When she looked at Indra kindly, he acquired an extraordinary radiance.

Lakshmi’s greatness has been well expressed in books like VISHNUPURANA. She, the wife of Vishnu, is herself representative of Vishnu’s power. Indra praised Lakshmi thus:

"We bow to you, O Mother of the Universe. You are the means for the fulfillment of all work. You purify the universe. You bestow wealth and intelligence. You are also Saraswati the embodiment of all knowledge. You are the self-education, which results in salvation. O Mahadevi, disciples acquire all - wife, children, house, friend, money and corn - by a glance from you. O Mother, you and your husband Narayana have encompassed the world. People have health of body and happiness by your kindness. You are the mother of the universe; Vishnu is the father. Bereft of your kindness people will lose strength, cleanliness, virtue and the good characteristics. All these are obtained by your grace. Mother, never abandon us."

Then Lakshmi said: "Indra, I am pleased at your devotion. Seek any boon you desire." Said Indra, "Goddess, if I have deserved your kindness, do not go away abandoning me. Apart from that, bless those who recite devotedly every day the prayer I just recited." Lakshmi said, "Be it so," and disappeared.

Lakshmi’s influence covers many branches of knowledge. Speech, morality, wisdom, satisfaction, music, religious offering, brilliance, wealth, strength, creation, river, and cattle - all these have their source in Lakshmi. The legends state that all women of the world are forms of Lakshmi. At the time of marriage, our people honor the bride and the bridegroom as having the appearance of Lakshmi-Narayana.

Born seated on the lotus flower, she is also called PADMA. She as the most faithful companion of life has always appeared as Vishnu’s partner in every incarnation of his. She is the pinnacle of chastity. When Vishnu came on earth as Vamana (the Dwarf), Lakshmi came to earth as a Lotus (PADMA or KAMLA); when he came here as Parashurama, Lakshmi followed him as his wife DHARNI; when Vishnu appeared incarnated as Rama, she came here as Sita; and when Vishnu appeared as Krishna, Lakshmi came in two shapes, earlier as Radha and later as his wife Rukmini. According to ancient legends, she resides in the chest of Vishnu. Therefore, Vishnu is called Srinivasa. One in whom ‘Sri’ (Lakshmi) resides is Srinivasa.

Lakshmi has other names like LOKA MATA (World’s mother), CHANCHALA (the fickle fortune), JALADHI-JA (the ocean-born) and HARI PRIYA (beloved of Vishnu). Lakshmi is worshipped with the names of MAHALAKSHMI, VARAMAHALAKSHMI, DHANALAKSHMI and AMRITALAKSHMI during observance of religious rites.

In mythology she, whenever associated with some part of the body of a person signifies different gifts. When she is staying at the feet, she bestows the gift of a house; when on the thigh, she gives wealth; when in the bosom, she gives a lucky child; when in the genitals, a very lucky wife; when on the heart, she gifts the fulfillment of wishes; when around the neck, the result is meeting with loved ones or with some lost relatives; and when in the face, the goddess bestows beauty and grace.

This goddess is sometimes represented with four arms but more often only with two. She has no temple exclusively set apart for her but always appears only as a consort of Vishnu. Still she is regularly worshipped in every shop and home specially on the day of Diwali festival she is worshipped along with Ganesha in almost all Hindu business houses. Many people indulge in gambling too on that night, apparently to find out how their fortunes shall work in the coming year.

In some pictures goddess Lakshmi is also shown seated with Vishnu on the divine eagle, named Garuda holding a snake in its claws. Whatever the representation, this goddess is invoked to bless the devotee with good things of life and if somebody suffers any loss in business, it is said that the goddess Lakshmi has left his house. Her figure is sometimes depicted on the doors of homes to bring good luck and to drive away evil influences. Interestingly enough bad luck is personified as ALAKSHMI, the sister of Lakshmi.

When this goddess is shown as being one with Vishnu, they are known as LAKSHMINARAYANA. This conjoined deity denotes that in his supreme state Vishnu is one with his consort, who represents his power and energy.

In Hinduism, Durga (Sanskrit: “the inaccessible” or “the invincible”) or Maa Durga (Mother Durga) is a form of Devi, the supreme goddess. Goddess Durga is considered by Hindus to be the mother of Ganesha, and Kartikeya. She is thus considered the fiercer, demon-fighting form of Shiva’s wife, goddess Parvati.

Durga is depicted as a warrior aspect of Devi Parvati with 10 arms who rides a lion or a tiger, carries weapons and assumes mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy (Shakti).

Legend

The Great Goddess Durga is said to be exquisitely beautiful. Her form is blindingly bright (devi), with three lotus-like eyes, ten powerful hands, lush hair with beautiful curls, a red-golden glow from her skin and a quarter moon on her forehead. She wears a shiny oceanic blue attire emitting fierce rays. Her ornaments were carved beautifully of gold, with ocean pearls and precious stones embedded in it. Each god also gave her their own most powerful weapons: Rudra’s trident, Vishnu’s discus, Indra’s thunderbolt, Brahma’s kamandalu, Kuber’s gada, etc. Himalayas gifted her a fierce white and gold lion. On the end of the eighth and beginning of the ninth day of waxing moon, Chanda and Munda came to fight the goddess. She turned blue with anger and the goddess Chamunda leaped out of her third eye. Her form was the most powerful one with three red eyes, blood-filled tongue and dark skin; she finally killed the twin demons with her sword. This form of the divine goddess is worshiped during the sandhikshan of Durga Puja festival, as sandhi/chandi puja. Finally, on the tenth day of waxing moon, Durga killed Mahishasura with her trident.

The word Shakti, meaning sacred feminine force, and Durga reflects the warrior aspect of the goddess, embodying a traditional male role. She is also strikingly beautiful, and initially Mahishasura tries to marry her. Other incarnations include Annapurna and Karunamayi (karuna = kindness).

According to the narrative from the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, the form of Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight a demon. The demon’s father Rambha, king of the demons, once fell in love with a water buffalo, and Mahish Asur (the demon Mahish) was born out of this union. He is therefore able to change between human and buffalo form at will (mahish means “buffalo”). Through intense prayers to Brahma, Mahishasur had the boon that he could not be defeated by any man or god. He unleashed a reign of terror on earth, heaven and the nether worlds.

Eventually, since only a woman could kill him, the Holy Male Trinity went down to the river Ganges and prayed the mantra, “Om Namo Devaye”, imploring of the great goddess Devi to save their realm from ruin. They were blessed with her compassion when the goddess Durga was born out of the river.

The four day long Durga Puja is the biggest annual festival in Bengal and Bihar. It is celebrated likewise with much fervour in other parts of India, especially the Himalayan region, but is celebrated in various forms throughout the Hindu universe.

The day of Durga’s victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi, Dashain or Dussehra - these words literally mean “the Victorious Tenth” (day). In Kashmir she is worshipped as shaarika (the main temple is in Hari Parbat in Srinagar).

The actual period of the worship however may be on the preceding nine days (Navaratri) followed by the last day called Vijayadashami in North India or five days in Bengal (from the sixth to tenth day of the waxing-moon fortnight). Nine aspects of Durga known as Navadurga are meditated upon, one by one during the nine-day festival by devout Shakti worshippers.

In North India, the tenth day, signifying Rama’s victory in his battle against the demon Ravana, is celebrated as Dussehra - gigantic straw effigies of Ravana are burnt in designated open spaces (e.g. Delhi’s Ram Lila grounds), watched by thousands of families and little children.

In Gujarat it is celebrated as the last day of Navaratri, during which the Garba dance is performed to celebrate the vigorous victory of Mahishasura-mardini Durga.

The Goddess Durga is worshiped in her peaceful form as MahaGauri, The Fair Lady, Shree Shantadurga also known as santeri, is the patron Goddess of Goa. She is worshiped by all Goan Hindus irrespective of caste and even by some Christians in Goa.

Goddess Durga is worshiped in many temples of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka .

Another important text on Durga is the 21-verse long Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (Prayer to the Goddess who killed Mahishasura) written by Sri Sri Sri Shankara Bhagavatpadacharya.

Ganesha and Ravana (the Asura king of Lanka):

Ravana was the king of Lanka. He was very strong. Once there were indications that the gods would suffer at the hands of Ravana. Ravana was a devotee of Shiva. Once he performed strict tapas. Pleased with his tapas Shiva appeared before him and said, "What boon do you desire?" Ravana begged for Shiva’s Atmalinga (Shiva’s Atmalinga was the reflection of Shiva in the form of the Linga. The presence of this Linga is as good as that of Shiva Himself). It was Ravana’s conviction that nobody could defeat him, once he acquired the very power of Shiva.

Shiva had said, "Ask for whatever boon you choose." Therefore he was bound by his words and had to give away his Atmalinga. He, however, cautioned Ravana: "Don’t put this Atmalinga on the ground even for a moment; once you put it on the ground you cannot get it back." He then disappeared.

The gods trembled seeing Shiva’s Atmalinga in the hands of Ravana. Ravana was their bitter enemy and a menace to the world; and with the Shivalinga itself in his possession, they were in great danger. They were troubled not knowing who could protect them. Then they remembered Ganesha. They went straight to him and explained to him their troubles. The kind Ganesha consoled them. He put courage into them saying, "I shall not allow Ravana to get Shiva’s Atmalinga Have no fears." The gods went away and Ganesha followed Ravana to carry out his mission.

Ravana was on his way to Lanka carrying Shiva’s Atmalinga in his palms. He came to the west coast. By then it was evening. It was time for Ravana to perform to sandhyavandana (the evening prayers). Ravana was in a fix. Shiva himself had told him that the Linga should not touch the ground. How was he to perform sandhyavandana, with the Atmalinga in his hands? There was no one in that deserted place that could help him. He stood there, thinking, ‘I must perform sandhyavandana. What shall I do?’

Ganesha was following Ravana and was waiting for a chance. He understood Ravana’s difficulty. He appeared before him in the guise of a small boy. When Ravana saw him he was as happy as if he had found water in a desert. Ravana called him and said, "Little boy, will you hold this Linga till I perform sandhyavandana and return?" Ganesha, in the guise of a boy, said, "It appears to be very heavy. Please put it on the ground and go." Ravana said, "No, I cannot do that. It should not be put on the ground. Please keep it in your hands, till I return."

The boy said, "Suppose it becomes too heavy for me?" Ravana spoke softly, "I will return quickly, my boy. You are a clever fellow, aren’t you? Please hold it in your hands, my good boy." The boy agreed.

Ravana gave him the Atmalinga and said; "Don’t forget. This should never be put on the ground." And then he went towards the sea to perform sandhyavandana.

Hardly had Ravana started when Ganesha cried out, "Alas, it’s too heavy! Too heavy!" Ravana was afraid. But, he could not return without completing sandhyavandana. Therefore, he cried out, "Boy, I shall be back soon. Don’t put the Linga on the ground whatever may happen." By the time Ravana was offering holy water to the gods Ganesha cried aloud, "Oh, Ravana, I can no longer bear the weight of this Linga; I shall put it down here." So saying Ganesha put the Linga on the ground and ran away. Ravana completed sandhyavandana in haste and ran back in fear. But Shiva’s Atmalinga was firm in the earth. No matter how hard he tried, Ravana could not take it out.

Ganesha and curse on the moon:

One day while traveling round the universe on his rat, Ganesha came to Chandraloka (the realm of the Moon). The Moon saw him. The Moon, very handsome, was proud of his appearance. On seeing the elephant faced, big-bellied Ganapati riding on a rat, he laughed at Ganesha with contempt.

This was an insult and Ganesha was very angry about the Moon. His eyes grew red. He pronounced a curse "Oh Moon, your handsome appearance has made you too vain. Fool, I am worshipped in all the worlds, but you laugh at me. Receive now the fruits of your foolish pride. Let your beauty, which is the cause for your arrogance and ignorance vanish. From now on, whoever sees you on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month, the day of my birth, will suffer because of unjust accusations."

The curse shattered the Moon’s pride. He realized his mistake, and felt sorry. Standing devotedly with folded hands before Ganesha he prayed to him. "Sir, forgive me and my ignorance. Take back the curse and protect me."

Then the kind Ganesha grew calm. He consoled the unhappy Moon. He said, "Moon, you have realized your fault. What is important is the destruction of your pride. Anyhow, my curse cannot be in vain. But those who are subjected to false accusations will be saved and regain their good name if they see you on the second day of the bright fortnight also or listen to the story of the Syamantaka gem." The Moon was satisfied.

The story of the Syamantaka shows the power of the curse.

Satrajita of Dwaraka had a gem called Syamantaka. It was dazzling. If it was worshipped with devotion it used to give plenty of gold every day. Once Prasena, Satrajita’s brother, went out hunting. He was wearing the Syamantaka. A lion killed him and went to a cave, carrying the gem. A bear by name Jambavanta killed the lion and gave the Syamantaka to his child to play with. This Jambavanta was not an ordinary bear; he was the heroic follower of Shri Rama.

Prasena did not return to Dwaraka. Satrajita suspected that Krishna himself had killed him for the sake of the Syamantaka. The rumor soon spread. Krishna had not done anything wrong. So when he heard about Satrajita’s suspicions he was unhappy. He went in search of Prasena. He found the corpse of Prasena. There were footprints of a lion nearby. Following these footprints, Krishna entered the cave of Jambavanta. He fought with Jambavanta for twenty-eight days. At last, Jambavanta understood that Shri Krishna was Shri Rama himself. Then he offered him the Syamantaka.

Krishna gave the Syamantaka to Satrajita and put an end to the evil rumors. However, he was surprised at what had happened. He asked the sages, "how could such things be said of me even when I had not done anything wrong". Great sages told him the story of Ganesha’s curse and said, "You saw the Moon on the fourth day."

Then Krishna worshipped Ganesha. Siddhi-Vinayaka Vrata, the worship of Ganesha is performed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. The devotees believe that those who see the Moon on that day will not suffer, if they listen to the story of the Syamantaka.

Ganesha - The Ekadanta:

The mythical explanations of Ganesha’ s solitary tusk (EKADANTA) also make an interesting study. The most popular legend represents Parashurama (incarnation of Vishnu with an axe as his weapon) as once coming to Mount Kailasa, the abode of Shiva, the father of Ganesha. He was on a friendly visit to Shiva, who was sound asleep at the time. Ganesha opposed the entrance of the visitor to the inner apartments. A hot worded wrangle ensued, which culminated in a fight. Initially Ganesha had the advantage in the duel. He seized Parashurama with his trunk and gave him a swift twirl, which left him sick and senseless. After recovering, Parashurama threw his axe at Ganesha. As it happened Shiva gave this axe to Parashurama as a gift, recognizing this as his own father’s weapon, Ganesha received it with all humility on one of his tusks, which was immediately severed. Hence Ganesha has but one tusk and is known as the single-tusked. The other story is that on one occasion, the moon and the twenty-seven asterisms (naksatras) laughed at Ganesha’s potbelly. In great rage he broke off one of his tusks and threw it at the moon, which gradually became dark due to the wound.

Ganesha and Talasura:

The Asuras (demons) used to trouble the gods often. Some of them used to grow strong by obtaining boons from Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva or Lord Brahma after doing severe tapas (intense meditation and prayer). And because of the boons they used to become arrogant. They used to delight in torturing men and gods. Talasura was one such wicked asura. One day Ganesha humbled him. Here is the story:

Talasura was the King of Ramanaka. He was very strong but wicked. He was a haughty and obstinate asura. The gods shivered at the very mention of his name. Talasura had an eye on Devendra (Indra), the king of the gods for a long time. His greatest
desire was to defeat Devendra in the battle and become the Lord of all his wealth and splendor.

Indra’s assembly was in progress. The hall was filled with melodious music and lovely nymphs were dancing. Indra and the other gods had forgotten themselves in the music and the dance. Seizing this opportunity Talasura ordered his demon force to enter heaven, and attacked Indra’s palace. This unexpected attack caused great confusion in the assembly of the gods. They were totally unprepared for war. In the end, Talasura won the battle. The defeated Devendra and the other gods ran away like deer at the sight of the hunters. After the battle Talasura became the master of all the wealth of the gods. He became Lord of Kalpavriksha (the tree that fulfils all desires), Kamadhenu (the divine cow which can give whatever a man seeks), Airavata (the white elephant of Indra), and many other unique treasures. Devendra lost everything and became miserable. He went into
hiding lest Talasura should see him - he was so terrified. He also began to plan how to regain his wealth and kingdom from the wicked asura.

Once Talasura performed strict tapas because he wished to get boons from Brahma. Brahma appreciated his devotion. He appeared before him and said, "Talasura, I am pleased with your devotion. You can ask whatever you want." Talasura said, "Lord, grant that I may not be feared by any body." Brahma thought for a while and said, "How can I grant such an absolute boon? You have to fear some species of living beings. Remember this and ask for a boon. There are four species - the gods, human beings, animals and birds. Whom would you fear?"

Talasura thought over the question of Brahma. Then he said to him, "Father, my desire is to rule over gods and men with pride of power. Therefore I should not have fear of death from them. But let me fear the elephant, the strongest of animals." Brahma granted the boon and disappeared.

Talasura was already a wicked fellow. Once he secured the boon from Brahma his arrogance knew no limits. Indra and the gods were in hiding. He began to search for them and to torture those whom he found.

One day Devendra, who could no longer bear the torture of Talasura, went to Brahma along with other gods. He explained to him the injustice and wicked deeds of Talasura. He begged Brahma to show a way to destroy Talasura.

Brahma said, "Devendra, that wicked asura has grown strong because of my boon. No one can overcome him except an elephant. If you approach Shiva, he can help you through his son Ganesha. Ganesha can easily subdue that asura as he has the head of an elephant."

Accordingly Devendra went to Kailasa. He explained the havoc caused by Talasura and the suggestion of Brahma. He prayed, "Lord Parameshwara, please save us from this trouble soon."

Shiva was moved at the plight of Indra and other gods. Immediately he called Ganesha and said, "Ganesha, go at once to the city of Ramanaka and conquer Talasura, the wicked enemy of the gods."

Ganesha was all-powerful and the enemy of the Asuras. So, as his father had commanded, he rushed to Ramanaka. He destroyed all the wealth of Talasura. He smashed his huge army. He challenged Talasura and waged a fierce fight with him. The great warrior Talasura also fought with great valor. However, he could do nothing against Ganesha. In the end, Ganesha lifted him bodily in his trunk and dashed him to the ground. The fierce blow made Talasura unconscious, and he vomited blood. When he regained consciousness he saw the angry Ganesha before him, with the shining Parighayudha in his hand. Talasura looked at him for a moment, his eyes filled with fear. Then he remembered that, according to the boon granted by Brahma, his life could be in danger from an elephant. At once his arrogance and strength melted away like butter melting before fire. He caught hold of the feet of the elephant faced Ganesha and begged him for mercy, "Vighneshwara, please excuse me and spare my life."

Ganapati is as kind as he is strong. He said to Talasura, "Talas you were proud of your strength Brahma’s boon. You troubled all. You drove away Indra from the heaven. Only if you are going to learn lesson will I pardon you and let live."

Talasura replied, "Vinayaka, I have done wrong. I will not trouble the gods. You have taught me a lesson. The pride that I am the strongest has now vanished. Pardon me." The kind Ganesha forgave him.

Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara because the devotees believe that Ganesha roots out obstacles and difficulties. There are many stories, which narrate how he saved even the gods.

Parvati was full of grief when she heard the news of the death of her beloved son. Her anger rose as she remembered how all the gods had together attacked her son, fighting all alone. She thundered, "My son was killed by unfair means. For this the ganas and Devas shall all die."

Immediately with fury, using her divine power she created thousands of goddesses like Lambasheersha, Kubjaka, Khanja and Karali. She ordered them to go and destroy all those gods who were enemies of her son. Obeying their mistress, the goddesses attacked the gods with dreadful weapons in their hands. They chopped off the heads of all they met. Some were butchered and some were swallowed by the shaktis. The assembly of the gods trembled at the menace of these powerful deities.

Brahma and Vishnu were terrified. The great sage Narada and gods like Brahma, Vishnu and Indra came to Parvati and saluted her with devotion. They propitiated Parvati and pleaded for mercy. They prayed to her saying, "Mother Parvati, we beg of you, calm down. First withdraw your deities. Save the gods who are being destroyed. We shall accomplish whatever you ask of us. Please forgive us." Parvati replied, "I will, but I have lost my darling son. If he is brought back to life and given an honorable status among you I will withdraw the deities. "

Now Narada, Brahma and others went to Shiva. They prayed to him saying, "Please revive Gowriputra. Otherwise this menace will not end. Heaven cannot survive." Shiva said, "It shall be done. Go north and bring the head of the first creature that crosses your path. Fit that head to the boy’s body and it will come to life." Immediately the gods went, it was an elephant that met them. Vishnu using his discus chopped the elephant’s head and they brought the head back and fitted it to the body of the boy. The boy sat up.

Delighted the Devas showed him to Parvati. But she was only partially appeased. She asked, "What about his status?" At that moment Indra, Vishnu, Brahma and the other gods led Shiva to her. Shiva bowed before Parvati and said, "Forgive me Parvati, arrogance is the characteristic of the male. This valiant youth shall be another son of mine." He placed his hand on the boy’s head and said, "Even as mere boy you showed great valor. You shall be GANESHA, the presiding officer of all my ganas. You shall also be called VIGNESHWARA, the remover of all obstacles. Henceforth let gods and worship you before they worship gods. The person who worships you with devotion will be free trouble. Blessed will be the and men who worship you on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month" Parvati was very happy to see her son alive once again and was happy with the status conferred on him. Embracing her son she caressed him. She called back the deities she had sent and saved the gods.

Another legend accounting for Ganesha’ s elephant-head is that one-day Parvati, proud of the handsome face of her son, asked Shani (Saturn) to have a look at the child. She completely forgot about the disastrous effects of Shani’s glance. When Shani looked, the child’s head was burnt to ashes. Brahma (the creator of the universe) advised Parvati in distress to replace the head with the first she could find and the child would come to life. The first one to be found was an elephant, and this way Ganesha acquired the head of an elephant.

Another myth is that once Shiva slew Aditya, the son of a sage, though later restored him to life again. At this outrage, Kashyap, one of the seven great Rishis, doomed Shiva’s son to lose his head. When he did lose it, the head of lndra’s elephant was used to replace it. Still another version states that on one occasion after Parvati had bathed the water was thrown into the Ganges and drunk by the elephant -headed goddess Malini who gave birth to a baby with four arms and five elephant heads. The river-goddess Ganga claimed him, but Shiva declared him to be Parvati’s son, reduced his five heads to one and enthroned him as the ‘Controller of obstacles’ (Vigneshwara).

There are innumerable legends about Ganesha. Some of the interesting legends are regarding his marriage, his solitary tusk, humbling of TALASURA (an ASURA), his hand in writing the epic Mahabharata, his curse on the moon and many others.

Ganesha’s Marriage:

Shanmukha and Ganesha, the sons of Shiva and Parvati, grew up. The parents were thinking of celebrating the marriage of their sons. One day they said to sons: "Boys, you should go the round world once. We shall celebrate the marriage of who first completes. Do you agree?" The sons agreed.

Shanmukha wanted to win. So at once he started on his vehicle, the peacock, at great speed to win the competition. But the huge-bellied Ganesha found the task quite difficult. But he, too, wished to win. He thought for a moment. An idea struck him. At once he went and had a bath. Then, he went round his parents seven times with the utmost devotion and bowed to them.

Shiva and Parvati were amazed at his behavior. They looked at each other, smiling. Then Shiva called Ganesha and asked, "Ganesha, won’t you start on your journey?"

Ganesha was very intelligent. He said, "Father, all the worlds are within you two. The Vedas and the Puranas are the authority for this. By going around both of you I have completed the task of going round the world. Thus, I have defeated Shanmukha."

Ganesha’s words were true. Shiva and Parvati were very happy that he was so shrewd and intelligent. They celebrated Ganesha’s marriage with Siddhi (success) and Buddhi (knowledge), the two beautiful daughters of Vishwabrahma. It is said in some stories that Ganesha had two sons, Kshema and Labha. One who pleases the Lord automatically comes in the good books of his two wives.