The mythological tale of how Ganesha lost a tooth in battle with Parashurama

Every part of Ganesha's form is linked to a deeper meaning, be it his large ears, his trunk, his big belly or his mount, the mouse. His "Ekdant" form too is tied to a fascinating mythological episode, the story of a battle between Lord Parashurama and Ganesha.

The story goes back to when Lord Parashurama arrived at Mount Kailash to see his most revered deity, Lord Shiva. Parashurama is considered a great devotee of Shiva, and at the time he carried the divine axe that Shiva himself had given him. On reaching Kailash, Parashurama tried to enter the inner chambers to meet Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. But Ganesha was standing guard at the door. Shiva and Parvati were resting at the time, so Ganesha stopped Parashurama from going in.

Parashurama said he was a devotee of Shiva and insisted he be allowed inside. But Ganesha too would not budge from his duty and refused to let him pass.

Parashurama took Ganesha's refusal as an insult, which set off his fiery temper. Ganesha, for his part, was not going to disobey his parents' orders either. The argument between the two grew and eventually turned into a fight. Both were extremely powerful. Ganesha blocked Parashurama's path, and Parashurama picked up his divine weapon. In the fight, Parashurama struck Ganesha with the very axe Lord Shiva had given him.

The most notable part of this story is that Ganesha did not strike back. This was because Ganesha knew the weapon had been given to Parashurama by his own father, Lord Shiva. So that the weapon given by his father would not be dishonoured, and to preserve its honour, Ganesha took the blow on his tooth. The strike of the axe broke one of his teeth. It is believed this is how Ganesha came to be known as "Ekdant". The most significant part of the story is that despite having great strength himself, Ganesha upheld the honour of Parashurama's weapon.

Ganesha lost a tooth, but he did not give up on dharma, his duty, or respect for his father's weapon. That is why "Ekdant" is seen not merely as a description of his physical form, but as a symbol of sacrifice, restraint and devotion to duty.