One day, Parvati was getting ready for her bath. She told Ganesha, “Son, do not let anyone come inside while I am bathing.” Parvati also gave him a spear for his safety. Ganesha started guarding Parvati’s bathing chamber. A little later, Shiva reached his cave. To his surprise, he saw a young boy guarding the entrance of the cave. As Shiva was about to enter the cave, Ganesha stopped him and said, “My mother is bathing; nobody is allowed to go inside now.” Shiva was amused, “My wife, Parvati, is your mother! That makes you my son. But then, I have never seen you before, so I am not your father!” The boy raised his spear and said, “I have not seen you either. I will not allow you to enter, you strange man with matted hair and crawling snakes. It is my duty to make sure no one enters the cave without my mother’s permission!” Shiva was furious, but Ganesha did not move.
Ganesha Stops Shiva
