Hindus all around the world are celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesha today.
Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati -- and has an elephant head and pot-bellied human body. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles.
My neighbors were doing their pooja this morning to Ganesha -- they had their door open ... so I watched (discretely) for a little bit -- wish I could have taken a picture, but that seemed a bit rude.
Have seen Ganesha idols for sale in Bangalore for the past couple of weeks --- quite the sight.
Story of the birth of Ganesha as depicted in Shiva Purana: One goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her boy 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 soother her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being was was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to teh body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Shiva also bstowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.
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