The child stationed himself obediently at the door to their house, determined that he would let no one in until his mother said so.

Meanwhile Shiva returned, his work in the world outside done. He saw a little boy sitting at the entrance to his house. He wondered who this child could be - he had never seen him before. But Shiva was tired, and longing for some rest and his wife's company. So he thought no more of the child, and made to enter his house.

But the little child stood up, and barred his way into the house. 'Stop!' said the child. 'You cannot enter my mother's house!'

Shiva stepped back in amazement. 'Do you not know who I am?' he asked the child. 'I am Shiva, and no one may stop me from going where I will!'

'I don't care who you are!' replied the child. 'I cannot let you enter. My mother said I was to let nobody in till she said so!' The child stood resolutely in front of Shiva, barring his way into the house.

'Move out of my way, child!' cried Shiva in anger. 'No one stops me from entering my own house!' But the child was adamant. 'You cannot enter until my mother says so,' he said again. Shiva was furious, and without another thought, he cut off the child's head.

Just then Parvati returned. 'What have you done?' she cried in grief. 'Oh Shiva, that was our son, our very own child whom I created from my body's sweat! How could you kill him?'

Ganesh, Parvati's son cont'd... 
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