There is yet another tale about Ganesha and his elephant’s head. According to a legend, there once lived a demon who had the head of an elephant and the body of a demon since birth. His name was Gajmukhasur who lived like a monk and ardently worshipped Shiva. He prayed devotedly for years. Finally, Shiva appeared before him and promised to grant him his wish. Gajmukhasur asked Shiva to grant him the boon to stay unconquered forever and that no human, celestial being or animal could kill him. He also wished that no weapon of any kind could ever kill him. He was granted both these boons. Gajmukhasur continued to pray even more rigorously to Shiva who appeared before him again. This time, Gajmukhasur wanted Shiva to reside in his stomach! Shiva, widely known to grant any wish of his fervent devotees, fulfilled Gajmukhasur’s this wish too and started living in the demon’s stomach.
Gajmukhasur and Shiva
