One day, Parvati wanted someone to guard her entrance while she bathed. She created a handsome boy from the turmeric paste of her body and breathed life into him. When Shiva tried to enter, the boy bravely stopped Him. Not knowing this was Parvati's son, Shiva's Ganas fought him but failed. Finally, Shiva cut off the boy's head in anger.

Parvati's grief was immense. To pacify her, Shiva ordered His followers to bring the head of the first living being found facing North. They brought an elephant's head, which Shiva placed on the boy. He blessed Ganesha to be worshipped first in all rituals. This story symbolizes that the ego (the human head) must be replaced by wisdom (the elephant head) to reach the Divine.