How Ganesh Got his Head

The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.


In keeping with the underlying theme of “Icons”, Ganesh is depicted in the following images as a child’s plaything. The “Gingham Ganesh” or the “Ganesh Whoosit” is meant to bring awareness on the distinction of the supreme reality and earthly existence – simply…universally. An unassuming toy form is meant to penetrate the fragmentation and defenses imposed by religion.

In keeping with the underlying theme of “Icons”, Ganesh is depicted in the following images as a child’s plaything. The “Gingham Ganesh” or the “Ganesh Whoosit” are meantto bring awareness on the distinction of the supreme reality and earthly existence – simply…universally. An unassuming toy form is meant to penetrate the fragmentation and defenses imposed by religion.

Significance of the Ganesh Form: Ganesh's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. In his upper right hand Ganesh holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesh's left hand is a gentle implement
to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesh holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest ofcreatures, a mouse.