Read on Twitter
THREAD
32 Forms of Ganesha:
Ganas are the companions of Adiyogi Shiva. Pati or Eesha means a Chief or a Master.
Ganapati means the Chief of Ganas.
On the occasion of Bādrapada Shukla Chaturthi or Ganesha Chaturthi let us educate ourselves about the different forms of Ganesha.
32 Forms of Ganesha:
Ganas are the companions of Adiyogi Shiva. Pati or Eesha means a Chief or a Master.
Ganapati means the Chief of Ganas.
On the occasion of Bādrapada Shukla Chaturthi or Ganesha Chaturthi let us educate ourselves about the different forms of Ganesha.
Mudgala Purāna is the first of the texts that mention these 32 Forms of Ganapati.
It is one of the Upa-purānas that centrally focuses on Ganesha and his worship.
It is a very important texts for the worshippers of Ganesha as their Ishta Devata (Gānpatyas).
It is one of the Upa-purānas that centrally focuses on Ganesha and his worship.
It is a very important texts for the worshippers of Ganesha as their Ishta Devata (Gānpatyas).
1. Bāla Ganesha
This is the child-form of Ganesha.
You must've seen an animated movie depicting this form as well.
This form is often depicted in a crawling posture in South Indian temples fondly called Pillaiyar.
He bestows children with etiquettes and good manners.
This is the child-form of Ganesha.
You must've seen an animated movie depicting this form as well.
This form is often depicted in a crawling posture in South Indian temples fondly called Pillaiyar.
He bestows children with etiquettes and good manners.
2. Taruna Ganapati
Or, the Youthful Ganesha
This form removes diseases, weakness and bestows youthfulness and vigour.
He possesses a red aura and has Ashtabhujā or 8 arms.
Or, the Youthful Ganesha
This form removes diseases, weakness and bestows youthfulness and vigour.
He possesses a red aura and has Ashtabhujā or 8 arms.
3. Bhakt Ganesha
or, the embodiment of devotion.
This form is regarded as exceptionally benevolent. This aspect of Vinayak caters to his devotees with outpouring of love and compassion.
He has a milky white aura and possess 4 hands. His worship gives coolness & relief to mind.
or, the embodiment of devotion.
This form is regarded as exceptionally benevolent. This aspect of Vinayak caters to his devotees with outpouring of love and compassion.
He has a milky white aura and possess 4 hands. His worship gives coolness & relief to mind.
4. Veer Ganesha
or, the valiant form.
This form invokes Veeratva or Bravery.
He holds various weapons such as sword hammer, club, spear, axe, etc in his hands and commands evil spirits.
He ends all obstacles by bestowing courage and strength.
Depicted with a light reddish aura.
or, the valiant form.
This form invokes Veeratva or Bravery.
He holds various weapons such as sword hammer, club, spear, axe, etc in his hands and commands evil spirits.
He ends all obstacles by bestowing courage and strength.
Depicted with a light reddish aura.
5. Shakti Ganesha
or, the one who holds energy
This form is seen with the consort of Ganesha or his Shakti. This form represents the potentiality of Ganesha. It's not a fierce form yet bestows charisma and electrifying presence to its devotees.
or, the one who holds energy
This form is seen with the consort of Ganesha or his Shakti. This form represents the potentiality of Ganesha. It's not a fierce form yet bestows charisma and electrifying presence to its devotees.
6. Dvija Ganesha
or, the twice born
Depicted with four heads and four arms. He possesses a white aura and represents enlightenment or spiritual awakening.
This form is specially conducive for spiritual seekers and acts as a Guru by guiding them on the path of Moksha.
or, the twice born
Depicted with four heads and four arms. He possesses a white aura and represents enlightenment or spiritual awakening.
This form is specially conducive for spiritual seekers and acts as a Guru by guiding them on the path of Moksha.
7. Siddhi Ganesha
or, the established one who helps on accomplishments.
This form is known to be worshipped at the famous Siddhi Vinayak Temple of Mumbai.
He bestows spiritual and material Siddhis or powers/accomplishments to it's sadhakas.
or, the established one who helps on accomplishments.
This form is known to be worshipped at the famous Siddhi Vinayak Temple of Mumbai.
He bestows spiritual and material Siddhis or powers/accomplishments to it's sadhakas.
8. Uchhishta Ganesha
or, the one who eats leftovers.
This is a tamasic 6 armed form of Ganapati with a blue aura. He is seen in sexual contact with the his consort representing the sexual energy and fertility.
or, the one who eats leftovers.
This is a tamasic 6 armed form of Ganapati with a blue aura. He is seen in sexual contact with the his consort representing the sexual energy and fertility.
9. Vighna Harata Ganesha
or, the problem solving one
This is an 8 armed Ganesha with a light golden aura which specialises in removing obstacles from your path.
He also represents rational and intellectual prowess.
or, the problem solving one
This is an 8 armed Ganesha with a light golden aura which specialises in removing obstacles from your path.
He also represents rational and intellectual prowess.
10. Kshipra Ganesha
or, the quick one.
He is the go-to-form because he is easily appeased. He is just like his father - Bhola. And is ever-eager to help his devotees. He is the embodiment of speed and efficiency.
or, the quick one.
He is the go-to-form because he is easily appeased. He is just like his father - Bhola. And is ever-eager to help his devotees. He is the embodiment of speed and efficiency.
11. Heramba Ganesha
or, the love of mother
This form emphasises on Ganesha being the son of Adi Shakti Parvati.
A 5 headed form which rides a Lion with Abhaya Mudra just like Durga.
He is an expression of Adi Shakti herself.
This form is very popular in Nepalese traditions.
or, the love of mother
This form emphasises on Ganesha being the son of Adi Shakti Parvati.
A 5 headed form which rides a Lion with Abhaya Mudra just like Durga.
He is an expression of Adi Shakti herself.
This form is very popular in Nepalese traditions.
12. Sri Ganesha
or, the one with Lakshmi
This form is accompanied by the two Devis - Siddhi and Buddhi.
It represents capability and intellect as its powers which are essentially important for prosperity on all levels.
or, the one with Lakshmi
This form is accompanied by the two Devis - Siddhi and Buddhi.
It represents capability and intellect as its powers which are essentially important for prosperity on all levels.
13. Mahaganapati
or, the great Ganapati
With a shakti, He has ten hands and a bright red aura. It is the all powerful form of Ganesha which is a representation of the ultimate reality - Parabrahman.
or, the great Ganapati
With a shakti, He has ten hands and a bright red aura. It is the all powerful form of Ganesha which is a representation of the ultimate reality - Parabrahman.
14. Vijay Ganesha
or, the ever victorious one
He rides on a rat, having four arms and a red aura. Symbolising victory over mind and matter as these phenomena are ever changing and restless just like a rat.
He also stands for complete control over the senses.
or, the ever victorious one
He rides on a rat, having four arms and a red aura. Symbolising victory over mind and matter as these phenomena are ever changing and restless just like a rat.
He also stands for complete control over the senses.
Nrtya Ganesha
or, the dancing one.
This is the creative form representing the formation of the universe through dance just like Natarajan.
He has four arms and dances under a Kalpataru or wish fulfilling tree.
or, the dancing one.
This is the creative form representing the formation of the universe through dance just like Natarajan.
He has four arms and dances under a Kalpataru or wish fulfilling tree.
16. Urdhva Ganesha
or, the elevated one
8-handed, golden hued Ganapati with his Shakti on his left lap. He sits on an elevated pedestal symbolising the rise over mediocrity and mundane. He is an authoritative form.
or, the elevated one
8-handed, golden hued Ganapati with his Shakti on his left lap. He sits on an elevated pedestal symbolising the rise over mediocrity and mundane. He is an authoritative form.
17. Ekaakshar Ganesha
or, the single syllable one
This is a Mantrik form. It represents the Beejakshara - "Gam".
Also with 4 arms and red aura, he has a Cresent moon on his head.
or, the single syllable one
This is a Mantrik form. It represents the Beejakshara - "Gam".
Also with 4 arms and red aura, he has a Cresent moon on his head.
18. Vara Ganesha
or, the embodiment of boons.
Shakti seated on his left thigh, has four arms, is red in colour. His first three hands hold the elephant goad, the skull filled with liquor (madhumatkapâla) and the noose. The 4th hand is placed between the thighs of the goddess.
or, the embodiment of boons.
Shakti seated on his left thigh, has four arms, is red in colour. His first three hands hold the elephant goad, the skull filled with liquor (madhumatkapâla) and the noose. The 4th hand is placed between the thighs of the goddess.
19. Trayaakshara Ganesha
or, the representative of Aumkaar
AUM is said to be the Trayakshara. This form is a Mantrik form as well which symbolises the triguna, trimurti, and tripuras - three qualities, three stages of existence, three states of consciousness through AUM.
or, the representative of Aumkaar
AUM is said to be the Trayakshara. This form is a Mantrik form as well which symbolises the triguna, trimurti, and tripuras - three qualities, three stages of existence, three states of consciousness through AUM.
20. Kshirpra Prasāda Gaṇapati
or, the quick rewarded
Here he is, once again, said to be an eager bestower of boons but not long term rewards. It is a yantra that works for immediate results.
Holds a single tusk, elephant goad, lotus, creeper of votive tree, noose, and lemon.
or, the quick rewarded
Here he is, once again, said to be an eager bestower of boons but not long term rewards. It is a yantra that works for immediate results.
Holds a single tusk, elephant goad, lotus, creeper of votive tree, noose, and lemon.
21. Haridra Ganesha
or, the turmeric one.
This form is also known as Ratri Ganesha. He is clad in tumeric paste singifying auspiciousness & has a third eye signifying opening of perception.
He displayed both Abhaya Mudra & Varada Mudra for assuring protection & bestowing boons.
or, the turmeric one.
This form is also known as Ratri Ganesha. He is clad in tumeric paste singifying auspiciousness & has a third eye signifying opening of perception.
He displayed both Abhaya Mudra & Varada Mudra for assuring protection & bestowing boons.
22. Ekdanta Ganesha
or, single tusk one.
Four armed and with a blue aura, he holds a large single tusk, a rosary, a hatchet (kuthâra) and the small ball of sweets (laddu).
He uses that tusk as a scribe. It means that he is the embodiment of scholarship and literary prowess.
or, single tusk one.
Four armed and with a blue aura, he holds a large single tusk, a rosary, a hatchet (kuthâra) and the small ball of sweets (laddu).
He uses that tusk as a scribe. It means that he is the embodiment of scholarship and literary prowess.
23. Srishti Ganesha
or, the creator.
Srishti Ganapati is a kind form, appears in a crimson-red complexion. He has a single face, and four hands holding his own broken tusk in his principal right hand and having an elephant goad, noose, and mango fruit, in the others.
or, the creator.
Srishti Ganapati is a kind form, appears in a crimson-red complexion. He has a single face, and four hands holding his own broken tusk in his principal right hand and having an elephant goad, noose, and mango fruit, in the others.
24. Uddanda Ganapati
or, the unchained punisher.
This is a angry form of Ganesha that he takes to specially punish the evil. He has twelve arms, all holding items including weapons, flowers, plants and a pot of gemstones.
He comes with his Shakti on his left thigh.
or, the unchained punisher.
This is a angry form of Ganesha that he takes to specially punish the evil. He has twelve arms, all holding items including weapons, flowers, plants and a pot of gemstones.
He comes with his Shakti on his left thigh.
25. Runamochana Ganesha
or, the liberator of debts - Runas
As the name suggests, this form liberates one from his due debts including karmic debts. He us seated on a large lotus with his Shakti. He removes the impediment. He has four arms and has a white aura.
or, the liberator of debts - Runas
As the name suggests, this form liberates one from his due debts including karmic debts. He us seated on a large lotus with his Shakti. He removes the impediment. He has four arms and has a white aura.
26. Dhundhi Ganesha
or, the sought after one.
This is the form that holds Rudraksha beads. Rudrakshas are the abode of Shiva and hence this form signifies the dawn of Vairagya in one's life.
or, the sought after one.
This is the form that holds Rudraksha beads. Rudrakshas are the abode of Shiva and hence this form signifies the dawn of Vairagya in one's life.
27. Dwimukha Ganesha
or, two faced one.
As the name suggests, he has 2 faces.
His body complexion is greenish blue and he is wearing a red colored robe. A gem studded crown embellishes his head.
Bestows a long life and peace.
2 faces signify of being in the world but not of it.
or, two faced one.
As the name suggests, he has 2 faces.
His body complexion is greenish blue and he is wearing a red colored robe. A gem studded crown embellishes his head.
Bestows a long life and peace.
2 faces signify of being in the world but not of it.
28. Trimukha Ganesha
or, the three faced one.
Three faces, six arms, red aura, with an urn full of celestial nectar (amruta) - ambrosia pot (amritakumbha) and is holding another hand in gesture of bestowing fearlessness (abhaya).
Seats on a golden throne with a lotus in centre.
or, the three faced one.
Three faces, six arms, red aura, with an urn full of celestial nectar (amruta) - ambrosia pot (amritakumbha) and is holding another hand in gesture of bestowing fearlessness (abhaya).
Seats on a golden throne with a lotus in centre.
29. Simha Ganesha
or, the lion Ganesha
Eight arms that hold a Veena, Chakra, Kalpavriksha Branch, flower bunch, Abhaya Mudra, and a gem pot.
He is lion faced with an elephant trunk and shining.
or, the lion Ganesha
Eight arms that hold a Veena, Chakra, Kalpavriksha Branch, flower bunch, Abhaya Mudra, and a gem pot.
He is lion faced with an elephant trunk and shining.
30. Yoga Ganesha
or, the yogic Ganapati.
This form is very dear to me. He is a saffron clad ascetic or a sannyasi sitting in a yogasana with red aura and 4 arms.
or, the yogic Ganapati.
This form is very dear to me. He is a saffron clad ascetic or a sannyasi sitting in a yogasana with red aura and 4 arms.
31. Durga Ganapati
or, impossible to defeat.
Glows like burnished gold. He has 8 hands and massive body. He is holding a shining hook (Ankush), Arrow, rosary and tusk with the four hands on the right side. He is holding a noose, a bow, a wish bestowing creeper and Rose Apple
or, impossible to defeat.
Glows like burnished gold. He has 8 hands and massive body. He is holding a shining hook (Ankush), Arrow, rosary and tusk with the four hands on the right side. He is holding a noose, a bow, a wish bestowing creeper and Rose Apple
32. SankataHaari Ganesha
or, the destroyer of problems.
Is carrying in one of his left hand a rope(noose) and with the other a vessel brimming with sweet soup (Payasam). He is seated on a Red Lotus and wearing a blue robe with his Shakti.
He destroys all problems with his grace
or, the destroyer of problems.
Is carrying in one of his left hand a rope(noose) and with the other a vessel brimming with sweet soup (Payasam). He is seated on a Red Lotus and wearing a blue robe with his Shakti.
He destroys all problems with his grace
