Lord Ganesha is the son of Goddess Parvati and lord Shiva, although Parvati didn’t conceive him in her womb. Legend goes that Shiva was out on his penance when Parvati had to go for a bath. With no one to guard the door, she decided to create a boy from sandal paste off her own body. She breathed life into the boy and instructed him that no one should enter inside till she was presentable. In the meanwhile, Shiva reached home only to be stopped at the doorstep by an unknown lad. Known for his fervent temper, the irate god beheaded the boy. When Parvati saw the twitching body of her son, she was inconsolable and upset with her husband. Apologizing for his folly, he set out to get the head of the first creature he came across. He met an elephant, and that is how Ganesha ended up with an elephant head. However that’s not how the story ends. Parvati was yet vary of her husband’s temperaments and asked him to grant one boon to her son. Shiva granted him the boon of being vignaharta, remover of obstacles and hindrances and a god who spreads love and a sense of security.
About the picture: There is a place right next to my house where idols of Ganesha created in Plaster-of-Paris come to be painted. Gifted artisian was gracious enough to let me take pictures, though since I wasn’t feeling too well back then (I was on my way back from the doctor’s place), i didnt hang around for too long!
Snapshots of my World 
You always post interesting photos and facts. I enjoy getting to know your culture through your posts. Thanks for sharing.
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You know cecelia, I just read about your jewish customs, and I realised how these stories help us understand our decisions better as they stem from our religious and cultural background…these seemingly illogical tales of gods and mysteries are out gateway to adulthood and a passage to our childhood all at once its quite fascinating really, don’t you agree?
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First grandmother story I have never heard before — thank you! And for your explanation and comment to Cecilia, which makes me realize I have a lot more thinking to do about these stories.
Passage to childhood–
Gateway to adulthood —
Hmmmmmmm
More to think about.
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I am actually discoving an adult perspective thanks to some amazing literature that I recently discovered, and realised that there is so much i didnt know, yet its so obvious to accept, as these are so much a part of my growing up and hence a way tht my decisions and judgements are based..and Judith its a very pleasing discovery to make 🙂 thanks for your lovely words like always!
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Toxic paint and plaster of paris ??. why doesnt the government ban this ??
http://mugill.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/pillayar-chathurthi-the-festival-of-elephant-god/
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i agree the festival is starting to loose its sheen!
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