Legends Of Lord Ganesh Part 3
June 27, 2007
Parashuram Meets Lord Ganesh:
According to Padma Purana, one day Parashuram, the favourite disciple of Lord Shiva came to see him at Mount Kailash. He was stopped at the door by Lord Ganesh.
“My father is sleeping. Come back later.” “I won’t wake him. I will pay my respects and leave quietly.”
Lord Ganesh, the caring son, was not going to let His father’s sleep get interrupted and refused to budge. Parashuram tried to push his way in, but failed. Soon the situation turned to blows. Their fight shook heaven. Sage Narada went to Kailash to find out what was the cause of this sudden turmoil. The gods who had assembled in the court of Indra wondered that was this a sign that the end was near? Sage Narada informed the gods that it was young Lord Ganesh fighting the mighty Parashuram. This shocked them and they all went to see this to believe it. They wondered that what Lila (Sport) Lord Shiva had in mind.
Meanwhile, the fight between the two valiant beings continued. Lord Ganesh used His mace and hit Parashuram, who toppled to the ground. No matter what weapons Lord Shiva’s disciple used, he was unable to match Lord Ganesh’s power. Then he pulled out the axe called Parshu. Lord Shiva had given him this weapon pleased with his penance. Parashuram closed his eyes and chanted the mantra of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, then aimed his weapon at Lord Ganesh. Our Lord heard the divine chants and with humility accepted the blow. The force of this blow broke His tusk into two pieces and Lord Ganesh shrieked in pain.
Goddess Parvati’s maternal instincts knew that her son was in danger and came out to see what had happened. She was seething with anger at the sight of his broken tusk. She questioned all the gathered gods that who had the audacity to hurt her young son. When she found out who the culprit was, she decided to cut off Parashuram’s arms.
Lord Shiva intervened. He tried to calm the Goddess and said that she was the universal mother. She should forgive Parashuram as he was also her son. But she was still upset and accused Shiva of favoring his disciple over his son. Lord Brahma explained that the person who is initiated by a guru, he reveres his guru just as he would revere god. Parvati asked that how Parashuram could then hurt his guru’s son?
Lord Ganesh broke His silence. He said that He had taken the blow on purpose. Everyone was stunned. He said that when Parashuram silently chanted and sought the blessings of His father and Lord Krishna, He could not fight him, as He was a part of Lord Krishna too. So He took the blow on His tusk. Parvati hugged her son and said that among the many names that her son had, the name Ekadanta would be added to it. But she still felt that her son had suffered.
Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu was also present. She said that henceforth, prayers to her would be incomplete until everyone first prayed to Ekadanta. Everyone gathered cheered and accepted Goddess Laxmi’s proclamation.
This story helps us understand that we should have reverence towards our parents, elders and the learned. The virtue of humility should be incorporated in our dealings, even if we have to go an extra mile or endure physical hardships.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
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