Harish Johari (1934–1999)

I know next to nothing about traditional Hindu mythology, so I was very excited to read this book and learn about one of its beloved figures. The book is exciting, detailed, and feels very authentic to the culture it is portraying. I love traditional mythology, and while I found this book to have a slightly terrifying twist (beheadings all), I still learned more about Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesh than I would have imagined. I will be adding this book to the traditional lit. section of my show more classroom library, and may use it for a unit on world mythologies and religions. show less

Unlike other books in the field, this one provides the tools to activate the centers of transformative energy and elevate one's intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth. Valuable information for the Western reader on this ancient tradition; for scholars and spiritual aspirants at every level.

How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head is a fantastic adaption of Hindu Indian folklore on the story that leads to exactly what you'd expect from the title. Gods and goddesses struggle and battle over the loyalty and courage of a small boy, whose only wish is to be true to his promises to his mother. I learned much about the mythology of Hindu gods and goddesses, and their places within the heavens and Earth. This is a great story to have children learn more about the values of other religions and show more cultures, or simply learn about the myth of Ganesh. I was delighted by the adaption of the story by Vatsala Sperling and illustrations by Pieter Weltevrede. show less

How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head is a story about a child’s devotion and
loyalty to his mother, Parvati has created her son to look out for her.
The creation of the boy initiated an unattended war. The war led to her
son beheaded by her husband. In apology the gods who were part of this
destruction begged for Parvati not to destroy the Heavens and the
Earth, which she summoned because of her anger. They promised to find
a suitable head for her son. The gods approached mother elephant who
agreed show more to give up her baby to prevent a disastrous war. In the mean time
the Shivaganas had stirred up trouble and all the gods had been too busy
to help their people. The gods decided a new god needed to be created
and given the role to help people with morals and day to day questions.
The gods decided one of Parvati’s sons should take the role. A rave was
arranges between her new elephant headed son and her first son
Kartikeya. The race began and the goal was to circle the entire universe
and the first to return would be chosen as Shiva’s representative to lead
the Shivaganas on Earth. Kartikeya too off on his peacock to fly around
the world, and the elephant headed son jumped on his mouse and circled
his parents. He was told to keep going that the race had only just begun.
His response was that his parents are his entire universe. “You have given
me life.” With his wise and intelligent insight he was chosen and given the
name of Ganesh, which means, leader of the Shivaganas. His job is now to
help people on Earth whenever they are in trouble or in need. show less