14. Story of Vakradhundra Vinayagar

Once a demon named asmasuran was killed by Lord Shiva and Mohini, the enchanting feminine guise of Lord Vishnu. His son - Duraasadan was greatly upset by the untimely death of his father. He was frustrated by the way Vishnu who had tricked his father and pulled him to death.

To avenge his father's death, Duraasadan performed severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. Once Shiva was pleased, Duraasadan asked him for a boon, "Grant me that I supersede all Gods in their power. All Gods should come under my control".

The merciful Shiva granted Duraasadan the boon he asked for. Soon as he received the boon, Duraasadan proceeded towards the Heaven. He attacked the Gods and threw them out of Heaven. Thereafter he attacked Vaikundam and Brahma Logam. The Gods along with Vishnu and Brahma came to Earth and took refuge in the city of Kashi. However, Duraasadan learned about them and attacked them in Kashi. The Gods rushed to Kedaram. They were filled with fear and anxiety. Thus they all called upon Goddess Uma in unison to rescue them from the situation. 

Goddess Uma appeared before the Gods and said, "The story of Duraasadan shall end soon". With this an incarnation of Ganesha appeared from her furry filled face - Five faced, ten handed and carried maha magudam with moon. This form of Ganesha was a fierce form and acquired Simha (lion) from Uma as his vechile. Hence his name is Vakradhundar.

Vakradhundar attacked Duraasadan and a fierce war took place between them. However, due to the effect of boon from Shiva, Duraasadan continued to fightly tirelessly. Finally Ganesha assumed the gigantic form (Viswa roopam) and placed his foot on Duraasandan's head. Due to placement of His divine feet, Duraasadan was liberated from evil thinking and wrongdoing.

Duraasadan gained the power to think and act virtuously. He asked Ganesha to forgive him and bless him. Ganesha was pleased as Duraasadan turned humble. He surrendered himself to service of Vakradhundar. Lord Vakradhundar liberated all Gods. The Gods, including Lord Brahma and Vishnu returned to their respective abodes.

Vakradhundar gave Duraasadan the task of eliminating all evil from the city of Kashi.  Even today it is believed that Duraasadan remains under the pious feet of Vakradhundar doing his duty in the pious city of Kashi.