GANESHA - from Gana Isha : Lord of Ganas, (Vighnahartaa - or obstacle averter in the Lingana purana). Lord Shiva's consort, Goddess Parvati bathed and created a son by breathing life into sandalwood paste. He was set the task of guarding her modesty while his mother bathed. Lord Shiva returned - Ganesha not knowing his father did not allow him to return. Shiva ordered his follower (Ganas) to overcome him; not even Indra could so do. Ultimately Shiva killed him, bringing the wrath of Parvati. Shiva promised his son would be alive again, and ordered his followers to find a head - only the head of a dead elephant was found.
