His Story

Each Purana reports a different story to narrate the birth of the god Ganesha. This version follows the Shiva- Purana.
Goddess Parvathi wanted to take a bath. Having no attendants to guard her and to stop anyone from accidentally entering her abode, she decided to create a boy out of tumeric paste, which she had prepared for her bath. She infused life into her creation and hence Ganesha was born.
Parvathi ordered Ganesha not to allow anyone to enter the house, and Ganesha obediently followed his mother’s orders. The Goddess then proceeded to take her bath.
In this time, Lord Shiva returned and as he tried to enter the house, Ganesha stopped him. Shiva was infuriated at this strange little boy who dared to challenge him. He told Ganesha that he was Parvati’s husband, and demanded that Ganesha let him go in. But Ganesha would not hear of it, saying that he will follow only his mother’s orders.Shiva lost his patience and had a fierce battle with Ganesha.
In his anger, Lord Shiva severed Ganesha’s head. When Parvati came out and saw her son’s lifeless body, she was furious. She demanded that Shiva restore Ganesha’s life at once.
The revenge of Pârvatî was terrible : she created innumerable Shaktis (forms of herself) and ordered them to devour all the Gana (celestial armies) and Devâ (Gods) .
Absolutely terrified, Brahmâ and Vishnu begged for her; in exchange, Pârvatî demanded that her son be revived, She also asks that her son be worshipped first, before all other gods.
Hence, in all Hindu prayers, offerings are done for Lord Ganesha before other gods.
Shiva sends his ganas (celestial troops), ordering them to bring back the head of the first living being lying north - this direction is known to be auspicious and synonymous with wisdom. The first living being with its head turned to the north is an elephant. They bring back its head and Shiva replaces it on the child’s body and he gives him life. Pârvatî is joyous and embraces her son. Lord Shiva then names the boy, Ganapathi- or commander of His troops.