The story of Shiva’s Trident and Gajanan
Remember, how Goddess Parvati created her son Ganesh in desire to have her own dedicated and loyal Gan? Read about this in the previous post, if you haven’t already! Parvati had instructed Ganesh then to guard her private quarters and to not let anyone inside without her permission. Do you also know about Shiva’s Trident? The famous Trishul, which can never miss any target and is released only when Lord Shiva is furious – Rudra form.
As he was about to start his service, God Shiva hastily walked towards Parvati’s room. Ignoring the guard at door, Shivji was about to enter when Ganesh stopped him. Amused by this boy’s confidence, Shivji said, “Who are you? I am the owner of these quarters and how can you stop me?”
Ganesh said, “That could be the truth, but let my mother finish her bath and get dressed. I will seek her permission, post then and only then you can get in.”
Looking at the young and determined boy, Shivji decided to take a step back. He then sent his Gan to investigate further about the boy guarding door with just one stick.
The battle of determination against the Gods
When the Shivgans arrived, Ganesh told them that he is ‘Parvati-putra’. Nandi mentioned, “You are beautiful and must be intelligent as well. So, it is only wise to obey elder’s orders. You have to let Shivji enter this room, for he is the God supreme and none should deny him anything.”
This led to a heated argument. Ganesh said, “I am just a kid and unaware of war tactics. But, I understand this wouldn’t be a win or loss for you or me, it will be for Jagadamba and Jagadeeshwar.” Ganesh was full of wisdom.
Shiva’s Trident and the battle
Thence followed a unique battle of one kid against all the mighty elders. Shivgans, Devgans, Kartikeya and Dev Indra, went to put down Ganesh. Ganesh with his wit and just one stick fought bravely with them all. God Vishnu saw this and praised the boy, but at the same time he was worried that this might anger his father and Ganesh would not be able to escape Shiva’s trident. Just then Ganesh blew his stick on Lord Vishnu. This was a great dishonor to the almighty and that did it. After which, God Shiva got angry and he summoned his Trishul (Trident). Lord Shiva’s trident slit Ganesh’s throat and beheaded him.
Mahashakti Jagadamba’s angst and pain
Ma Parvati, aka Jagadamba, learned that her beloved son is killed by her own husband, Shiva’s trident. There was no amount of pain and anger that could describe her state. Ma Shakti didn’t know how she would survive without her son, who was her heart and soul. She called all the Mahashaktis and asked them to destroy the universe, “…for it is now futile for anyone else to live in such a bad and unlawful place“.
Sensing that this untimely Pralay could lead to massive destruction and nothing would be able to bring it back, everyone sought the 3 supreme God’s help, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh. On seeking their advice, all the people, Gods, Rishis, etc. started praying to Ma Jagadamba for mercy on the universe.
She didn’t calm down and roared, “My son, the piece of my heart was fighting you all alone and now he is dead. If only he can be given life again, shall I stop this Pralay.”
Rebirth of Gajanan
This was a peculiar ask and something that was against the rule of the nature. Yet, God Shiv ordered his Gan, “you must not waste anymore time and head towards the north direction. Find the first living creature that you come across and bring their head. Then clean Ganesh’s body with pious procedures and to put it on.”
And thus, Ganesh became Gajanan – the elephant-headed-God. All the Devi-Devatas, Rishis, etc. who witnessed this unique moment bestowed powers and blessings upon Gajanan.
