Hindi → English transcript

A supreme devotee of Mahadev who

swallowed Mahadev himself into his stomach. And do you know that later,

this very demon's head was joined to Lord Ganesha's torso? Let's learn

about this hair- raising story.

This amazing story is from the Shiva Purana,

which took place in ancient times. This dreaded demon was Gajasura,

who was the son of the demon king Mahishasura. When Mother Durga killed Mahishasura,

then to take revenge for his father's death, Gajasura without eating or drinking

anything for many years, performed severe penance for Mahadev.

Pleased with his penance, Mahadev appeared.

But this clever demon did not ask for immortality; he said to Mahadev," O Lord,

reside in my stomach forever." Mahadev, being the innocent Bholenath,

said' Tathastu' and entered his stomach. As soon as Mahadev left,

darkness enveloped the entire world.

Mother Parvati became extremely sad and anxious.

Then, she sought help from Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the protector of the universe.

The Lord created an extremely beautiful and divine play. He adorned Nandi,

Mahadev's ultimate devotee,

as a highly attractive dancing bull and, disguising Himself as a cowherd,

reached Gajasura's kingdom. Upon reaching Gajasura's court, that cowherd,

with his flute,

played such a divine and sweet melody that the entire kingdom was mesmerized.

To that divine music,

Nandi, who was yearning in separation from his beloved Shiva,

performed such a wonderful and devotional dance that Gajasura lost all his senses.

Filled with arrogance and immense joy, he said," Ask, cowherd, what boon do

you desire?" The cowherd immediately smiled and said, " If you must give,

then release Mahadev from your stomach."

Hearing this, Gajasura was completely stunned. He understood that this was no

ordinary cowherd, but Lord Hari Vishnu himself.

Even knowing his end was certain, he kept his word and tore open his

stomach to bring Mahadev out. Seeing this immense devotion and commitment

of Gajasur as he gave up his life, Mahadev was extremely pleased. As he lay dying,

Gajasur said, " Lord, my body has become extremely pure because of your presence.

Please wear my body's hide as your garment and grant my head the boon of being

worshipped first." The Lord granted him both these boons. And this is the secret:

ages later, when Mahadev in anger severed the head of his own son, Lord Ganesh,

Shiva's attendants brought the preserved head

of this very Gajasur from the forests of the north and attached it to Lord

Ganesh's body. For that most merciful Bholenath, who is bound by his devotees,

do write" Har Har Mahadev" in the comments.