Where Ganesha is Worshipped Without His Head
A small, secluded shrine… yet carrying a profound episode of obedience, divine anger, motherhood and ultimately Ganesha’s rebirth.
Deep in the sacred Kedara Valley of Uttarakhand, near Sonprayag in Rudraprayag district, stands the mysterious Mundkatiya Temple, associated with one of the most poignant episodes of Ganesha.
The name Mundkatiya comes from “Mund” (head) and “Katiya” (severed). According to the Shiva Purana, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste of her body and entrusted him with guarding her while she bathed at Gaurikund. When Lord Shiva arrived and Ganesha refused him entry, Shiva severed his head.
A small, secluded shrine… yet carrying a profound story of obedience, divine anger, motherhood and ultimately Ganesha’s rebirth.