Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.19

v1.c9.19

In the *Brahmavaivarta-purāṇa* it is stated that Gaṇēśa was Kṛishṇa himself originally in the human form. Śani went to him while a child. The head of the child in consequence separated and went away to Gōlōka. The elephant Airāvata had then a son in the forest. His head was removed and fixed on the body of the child.