15. The Birth of Vinayak

Lord Shiva was an ascetic by his true nature. He practiced meditation and maintained strict self-discipline. He devoted himself to severe penance in the deep forests.

Goddess Parvati was aware of Shiva's stern temperament and disposition, yet she choose Him to be her husband. After their celestial wedding, Shiva and Parvati came to live together on the Mount Kailash. Shiva continued to dedicate himself to deep meditation in the forest, while Goddess Parvati stayed back in their home on Mount Kailash with the family of Ganas and Nandi.

Though the Ganas and Nandi were very respectful and referred Parvati to her as mother, Goddess Parvati felt the space for a child in her life. Sitting alone she often dreamt of baby in her lap, who would grow up and play around, filling the silent space in Kalisha with its laughter and jiggles.

One day when Goddess Parvati was sitting alone when she saw wet mud around due to the melting of snow. She dug sizable amount of mud and purified it by mixing saffron, clay, tumeric from her divine body. She moulded the mud and shaped it into a pretty idol of a boy. Then she meditated upon the name of Shiva and fused her powers with those of Shiva. She divulged this energy and infused life in the idol. The boy was Parvati's son and she named him Vinayak.

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