Sons of Siva and Parvati- Ganesha

Ganesha is usually regarded as the elder son of Siva and Parvati . All sacrifices and religious ceremonies, all serious compositions in writing, and all worldly affairs of importance are begun by pious Hindus with an invocation to Ganesa, a word composed to Isa, the governor of leader, and gana, a company. Instances of opening business auspiciously by an ejaculation to him might be multiplied with ease. Ganesh is the Hindu god of Prudence and policy. He is the reputed eldest son of Siva and parvati alone declares that he was the actual child of these deities, and is represented with a elephant head- an emblem of sagacity- and is frequently attended by, or is riding upon a rat. He has generally four hands, but sometime six, or eight, or only two. He is always described as being very corpulent, and pictures or images of him are seen over the doors of many shopkeepers. It is not easy to see why Ganesa has become so universally worshipped, as there are few legends attesting his divine power. Ganesa has only one tusk, and hence is called Ekdanta. The reason of this is – Parasurama who was a favorite disciple of Siva, went to visit his master. On arriving at the inner apartment, his entrance was opposed by Ganesa, as his father was asleep Parasurama never the less urged his way, and, after a long dialogue, the two came to blows. Ganesa had at first the advantage, seizing in his trunk, and giving him a twirl that left him sick and senseless. On recovering, threw his axe at Ganesa, who , recognizing it as his father’s weapon. Hence  Ganesa has one tusk.