Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of death and destruction was away at a war. His wife Pavarti, who was a goddess in her own right, wished to bathe. Having no-one to guard the door to her apartments she conceived of the idea of giving birth to a son who could provide this service for her. Thus Ganesh was created, since goddesses have the power to do such things.
Pavarti gave Ganesh instructions that he was to stand guard at the entrance of her apartments and that he was to admit no-one until she gave word that it was OK to do so. Ganesh took up his post and undertook his assignment enthusiastically.
In due course the Lord Shiva returned from his war and went to enter. Ganesh, according to his instructions, forbade him entry. Shiva was enraged by Ganesh%u2019s impudence and drew his sword and cut off Ganesh's head.
Pavarti emerged to find Ganesh decapitated and flew into a rage. Even though he was immensely powerful Shiva was upset with Pavarti%u2019s rage. He swore to make amends by taking the head of the first living thing he found to replace Ganesh%u2019s head. The first animal he came across was an elephant. Accordingly he took the head from the elephant an placed it on Ganesh%u2019s body.
Thus Ganesh is depicted with an elephant%u2019s head. Because of his role as protector of Parvarti's door he is associated, in Hindu culture, with protecting entrances.
When I read such material, I feel I am geater than God Shiva. I will not kill innocent little beautiful boy just not allowing me to enter home. The power God should do something miraclous, that becoming invisible and entering home. Parvati so much powerful Goddess can creat could not know who was outside. Listening all but did know. A layman think that the God and Goddess they could not help themselves when they were active and life and how can they help when they are no where.
