the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi were wandering in Mahakal forest. Lord Ganesha was playing there with his friends. Lord Shiva said that the boy who is playing with flowers is beloved to him. Lord Shiva offered that boy to Goddess Parvathi. Overjoyed by getting that child, Goddess Parvathi ordered her friend Vijaya to bring Lord Ganesha back. Vijaya went near the group of children and brought Lord Ganesha to Kailash. Then she decorated him with ornaments, flowers and sandal powder and dropped him among the followers of Lord Shiva. Even there, the boy played with flowers. Then, Goddess Parvathi said to Lord Shiva that he is her son and asked a boon that he should be the best among Lord Shiva's followers. As he was among the flowers, he came to be known as Kusumeshwar. Whoever worships this Linga will be freed from his sins and whoever worships with flowers, will reach Heaven after death. Due to Lord Shiva's boon, Kusumeshwar Mahadev was established at Mahakal forest.