Ganesh is one of the most widely
revered deities in the Hindu
pantheon. First emerging as a
distinct deity in India during the
Gupta Period, his image began to
proliferate from the sixth century
AD. There are several traditions
regarding his parentage and the
events that caused him to acquire
the head of an elephant. One of
the most widely accepted theories
is that he was the son of Shiva
and Parvati and was born with
fully human features. On one
occasion, angered by Ganesh’s
closeness to Parvati, Shiva
beheaded him in a fit of rage. He
then replaced his original head
with that of an elephant. Ganesh
is venerated as a ‘remover of
obstacles’ and a bestower of
wealth, wisdom and success.
- (CB.3417)
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