Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.7

v1.c9.7

Quite a different story is given about the origin of Vighnēśvara in some of the other Purāṇas. Kennedy in his *Hindu Mythology* has given the following summary of the story as found in the *Varāha-purāṇa*, the *Matsya-purāṇa* and also the *Skānda-purāṇa* :—"The immortals and holy sages observing that, whether the actions, which they or others commenced, were good or bad, no difficulty occurred in accomplishing them, consulted together respecting the means by which obstacles might be opposed to the commission of bad actions, and determined to have recourse to Rudra. They accordingly proceeded to Kailāsa, and thus with reverence addressed him: ‘O, Mahādeva, god of gods, three-eyed, bearer of the trident, it is thou alone who canst create a being capable of opposing obstacles to the commission of improper acts.’ On hearing these words, Śiva looked at Pārvatī and began to consider in what manner he could effect the wishes of the gods; and, as he was immersed in thought, from the splendour of his countenance (which represents the ākāśic portion of his body) sprang into existence a youth, shedding radiance around, endowed with the qualities of Śiva, and evidently another Rudra, and captivating by his beauty the female inhabitants of heaven. Umā regarded him, and when she saw him thus lovely, her natural disposition was excited, and incensed with anger uttered this curse:—‘Thou shalt not offend my sight with the form of a beautiful youth, therefore assume an elephant’s head and a large belly, and