How Gaṇeśa Got His Elephant Head

How Ganesha Got His Special Head

For ages 4+ · free

One day, Mother Pārvatī made a little boy out of soft clay and gave him life.

One day, Mother Pārvatī made a little boy out of soft clay and gave him life. “Please guard the door while I take my bath,” she said. The boy stood proudly and kept watch. Soon Lord Śiva came home, but the boy had never met him before. “You may not come in!” said the boy, doing his job well. Oh dear — there was a big mix-up, and the boy got hurt! When Pārvatī saw, she was very sad. So loving Śiva said, “Don’t worry, I will make him well again.” He gently gave the boy the wise head of a gentle elephant, and the boy woke up, happy and healthy! Everyone cheered. Now he is Ganesha, and everyone loves him very much.