Mumbai: Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles, is known by many names, and one of the most intriguing among them is Ekadanta – meaning “the one with a single tusk.” Ancient texts and folklore contain fascinating stories that explain why Ganesha is called by this name. The central reason lies in his broken tusk, which features prominently in his images and idols.
If you look closely at depictions of Lord Ganesha, you will notice that one of his tusks is broken, often shown in his hand. But how did this divine figure lose his tusks? Hindu mythology offers multiple explanations, each rich with symbolism and meaning. Let’s explore the popular legends behind Ganesha’s broken tusk and his title as Ekadanta.
The story of Parashurama and Ganesha
According to one legend, Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, once arrived at Mount Kailash to meet Lord Shiva. Ganesha, fulfilling his duty as gatekeeper, stopped him from entering. Angered, Parashurama struck Ganesha with his axe (a weapon gifted by Shiva himself), which broke one of Ganesha’s tusks.
Vyasa and the writing of the Mahabharata
Another well-known tale links the broken tusk to the epic Mahabharata. Sage Vyasa requested Ganesha to write down the verses as he dictated them. Ganesha agreed, but on the condition that he would write without pausing. During the process, when his writing instrument broke, Ganesha snapped off one of his own tusks to continue writing without interruption. Thus, the Mahabharata was completed without delay.
The battle with Gajmukhasura
Some accounts mention that Ganesha used his tusks as a weapon in his battle against the demon Gajmukhasura. Since the demon could not be defeated by any conventional weapon, Ganesha used his broken tusk to slay him.
Symbolism of Ekadanta
Religious traditions believe that these stories together explain why Lord Ganesha is called Ekadanta. The name signifies not only the physical broken tusk but also deeper spiritual meanings—sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of wisdom over ego.
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