One day Parvati wanted to take a bath, but there was no one to guard her. So she created a young boy, and asked him not to allow anyone to enter while she bathed. She named the little boy, Ganesha. Soon Lord Shiva returned and surprised to see Ganesha. Ganesha refused to allow Lord Shiva to enter the house since Parvati  had asked him not to allow  anyone. Lord Shiva was furious and sent his bull, Nandi to fight the boy but Ganesha defeated Nandi. In a fit of range, Lord Shiva cut off Ganesha's head.

When Parvati came out and saw her son dead, she was furious. Shiva tried to console her but she couldn't stop crying. She ordered Shiva to bring him back to life. Shiva asked Nandi to bring the head of the first creature he found. Nandi went to obey his command and returned with the head of an elephant. Lord Shiva placed the head of the elephant on Ganesha's body and brought him back to life.