The story behind Ganesha’s tusk
One may remember the Kamdhenu story. The one where Raja Kartavirya killed Rishi Jamadagni in greed for acquiring Kamdhenu. Rishi Jamadagni’s son, Parshuram, avenged his father’s death by killing all the Kshatriyas from earth. Parshuram was known to be aggressive and hasty.
God Shiva had bestowed upon Pharsa weapon to Parshuram for this battle. Once the battle was over, he wanted to return the weapon to his guru and seek his blessings.
Once upon a time, God Shiva and Goddess Parvati were resting in their rooms. Lord Ganesha was guarding the door. Parshuram arrived at their abode in the Himalayas and noticed Ganesha at the door.
Parshuram told Ganesha to make way for him to enter inside. Just then Ganesha said, “Respected Rishi, kindly have some patience and wait at the door, for I will check if God Shiva and Goddess Parvati are ready to meet you.” Parshuram hesitated and laughed, “No one can stop me from meeting my Guru as it is my right. Move aside at once!”
Ganesha Vs. Parshuram
Ganesha tried in many ways to explain and remind Parshuram how it is not wise to enter anyone’s room without their permission. Parshuram was persistent.
In between, God Kartikeya arrived and tried to give his two cents in this matter. He reminded Parshuram, “Remember, oh Rishi, Ganesha is your Guru’s son and holds a respectful position. It is only wise to understand what he has to propose.”
But, to his vain, Prashuram angrily forced himself through the door. Calm Ganesha held Parshuram with his trunk and tried to move him away by swaying him through the universe hoping for him to cool down in the process. However, Parshuram used his Pharsa weapon and threw it towards Ganesha.
To honor his father’s weapon, he rerouted Pharsa to his tusk – Ganesha’s tusk broke! The entire universe shook!!
After Ganesha’s tusk broke
Ganesha’s parents arrived to find him lying on the ground with blood coming out of his mouth. As Kartikey had witnessed this entire debacle, he told his mother what happened. Goddess Parvati, the Shiva Shakti, turned to God Shiva and asked him to judge this situation, to punish the one who is at wrong.
God Shiva said, “Dear Shakti, you are Ganesha’s mother and you are mother to all living beings in this universe. With that reference both Ganesha and Parshuram are your children. So, you are the right one to make the judgement.”
Goddess Parvati was about to make the judgement, a rather harsh one. Just then God Wamana arrived (He is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, more on that in other story). He consoled Goddess Parvati and explained, ”Ganesha’s tusk broke, as it was destined; although there is no single person to be blamed here. Out of the 8 names that Ganesha would be known with, Ekadant will be one of them.”
Read more Ganesha short stories here
