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English Translation of Varkratunda Prayer dedicated to Lord Ganesha

Varkratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Sama Prabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mein Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada

O Lord, with a twisted trunk and immense body,
Radiant with the effulgence of a million suns:
O Lord, may all our endeavors
Always be accomplished without obstacles.

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How Ganesha Was Born?

The birth of Ganesha, one of the most beloved Hindu deities, is a fascinating tale from Hindu tradition. According to the legend, Ganesha was created by the goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva.

The story goes that Parvati, while taking a bath, wanted someone to guard the entrance to her chamber. She crafted a figure from the turmeric paste she used for bathing and breathed life into it, creating Ganesha. According to some Puranas, she crafted him from the skin she shed while rubbing her body. She instructed him to guard the entrance and not to allow anyone to enter while she bathed.

Meanwhile, Lord Shiva, Parvati's husband, returned from his meditative trance and attempted to enter the chamber. Ganesha, obeying his mother's orders, stopped Shiva from entering. Enraged by this, Shiva, who was known for his temper, engaged in a fierce battle with the young boy, ultimately beheading him.

Upon realizing what had happened, Parvati was filled with grief. To appease her, Shiva promised to restore Ganesha's life. He sent his followers, the ganas, to find the head of the first living being they encountered with its head facing north. They found an elephant and brought back its head, which Shiva affixed onto Ganesha's body, bringing him back to life. Thus, Ganesha is often depicted with the head of an elephant and is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings in Hindu tradition.