Paryalī Mahāvana, “the great forest of Paryalī”, is the sacred forest on the bank of the Kṛshṇā river. Here Gajānana, the Dvāpara-yuga avatāra of Gaṇeśa, was born to Pārvatī. After the birth, Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī stayed in Paryalī vana while Nandī carried the divine child to safety at Māhishmatī.

The birth of Gajānana

Gaṇeśa had promised to come down as Gajānana in the Dvāpara yuga. The birth took place here in Paryalī Mahāvana, on the Kṛshṇā river. Pārvatī gave birth to the divine child at this spot. He had four arms, a red body and the face of an elephant. A voice from the sky (ākāśavāṇī) announced the birth, and Bhagavān Śiva himself was present. The child at once made himself known to Pārvatī and told her his purpose, which was to slay Sindūra.

Nandī then arrived and carried the child away to Māhishmatī. Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī stayed on at Paryalī vana. They remained close to the place of the birth while the child was kept safe at a distance.

The source for this section is the Gaṇeśa Purāṇa, Krīḍā Khaṇḍa, chapters 130–131.

Sindūra’s visit

Sindūra began to search for the child, meaning to destroy him. He came to Paryalī vana looking for him. He did not find the child there, because Nandī had already taken him away. Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī were present, but the child was safe in another place.

The source for this section is the Gaṇeśa Purāṇa, Krīḍā Khaṇḍa, chapter 131.

Sacred status

Paryalī Mahāvana is the birthplace of the Dvāpara avatāra of Gaṇeśa, and so it has the holiness of a kshetra (sacred place) of divine birth. The Gaṇeśa Purāṇa gives its name, Paryalī, and says it lies on the Kṛshṇā river. It is thus a tīrtha (sacred place) named in the text.

Sources

Gaṇeśa Purāṇa, Krīḍā Khaṇḍa, chapters 130–131