Top eight incarnations of Ganesha

Incarnations of Ganesha

There are two dedicated scriptures for Lord Ganesha, the Mudgala Purana and the Ganesha Purana. Both the scriptures contain stories of Lord Ganesha’s childhood, his marriage and his various avatars. In Hinduism an avatar is a direct descent of a deity which is born for a purpose. Apart from Hinduism, only Sikhism and Ayyavazhi religions believe in the concept of avatar or incarnations. Thus, Hinduism believes in the principle of Avatarvada.

As per the Ganesha Purana, there are four incarnations of Ganesha, one for each “yuga” (cycle of life). The Mudgala Purana describes eight incarnations of Ganesha which are popular. This article talks about the eight incarnations of Lord Ganesha.

All the avatars of Ganesha have specific attributes. They differ in physical qualities like colour of the skin or the vehicle they use. However the purpose of all the avatars was one, to slay demons. All the avatars symbolize abstract qualities but have similar purpose of existence. The Mudgala Purana preaches that the importance of the stories of the eight incarnations of Ganesha is not in their literal recitation but it is in the understanding of their purpose.

The first of Lord Ganesha’s manifestation is called Vakratunda. The name is derived from the physical attributes of this manifestation of Lord Ganesha. Since the avatar has a twisted trunk it is called “Vakratunda”. The reason this avatar was born was to defeat the demon Matsaryasura. Symbolically Matsaryasura is the demon of envy and his defeat by Lord Ganesha is a testimony to triumph over envy.

The second incarnation was Ekdanta. The incarnation got the name because of Lord Ganesha being single tusked. This avatar was born to defeat the demon Madasura. The demon Madasura represents intoxication.

The third manifestation of Lord Ganesha is Mahodara or the big bellied one. He was born to kill the demon of delusion, Mohasura. This incarnation of Lord Ganesha also destroyed Durbuddhi (negative thought) and Jnanaari (Ignorance). Mohasura was born out of momentary confusion of Lord Shiva.

Gajanana, was the fourth incarnation of Ganesha. The name of the avatar is coined after the “elephant face” of Lord Ganesha. He was born to slay the demon of greed, Lobha.

The fifth incarnation of Ganesha is Lambodara who killed Krodha, the demon of anger. The name Lambodara means “potbellied God”.

Vikata, “the misshaped one”, defeated Kama, the demon of desire. Vikata is the sixth incarnation of Ganesha.

The seventh incarnation, Vighnaraja destroyed Mama, the demon of ego.  In Sanskrit, Vighnaraja means the king of obstacles.

The last or the eighth incarnation of Ganesha is Dhumravarna (smoke colour). The incarnation got victory over the demon Ahamkara (narcissism).

The purpose of the incarnations was to gain victory over vices. Lord Ganesha helps his devotees to overcome bad qualities and walk the path of righteousness.

Siddhi Vinayaka Temple

Siddhi Vinayaka Temple

The Siddhi Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai,Maharashtra. It was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on November 19, 1801. Though it is one of the richest temples in Mumbai, the current generation of Patil is staying in state of despair near the temple.

Siddhi Vinayaka Temple has a small mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesh who grants your wish"). The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the central statue is of Ganesha. In the periphery, there is a Hanuman temple as well.

The Siddhi Vinayaka Temple evolved from a small, tiny place of worship to the Grand Temple that stands today in the later half of the twentieth century. Temple glory was bought not only by the politicians who frequented the temple but also Bollywood film stars who continuously visit to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Here, Ganpati is shown with four arms holding a lotus flower, an axe, plate of modakas and a garland of beads, in each of his hands respectively. The two consorts of the Lord, Riddhi and Siddhi, adorn the site being placed on the either side of Ganesha. The temple complex also comprises image of Lord Hanuman near the main entrance. 

On Tuesdays, people come to the Siddhi Vinayaka Temple in large number as it is regarded as the ruling day of Lord Ganesha. Devotees come here long before the opening timings (before dawn) of the Temple, just to ensure that they will get the glimpse of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Ganesha fulfills all the desires and wishes of his true devotees. 

Ganesha Kavacham

Ganesha Kavacham

A Kavach is the armour that a soldier wears for protection. Ganesha kavacham is also known as the Ganapathi Kavacham, Vinayakar Kavacham or Vinayaka Kavacham. The Ganesha Kavacham asks Lord Ganesha to act like a shield or armour and keep away the evils of the world. It is a devotional song that is sung to praise the Lord and his exceptional powers. When one recites this prayer they ask Lord Ganesha to protect them and also to remove all obstacles from their path so that they may have success and prosperity. Lord Ganesha is known to be the supreme symbol of wisdom, prosperity and success and when one recites this prayer and remembers Lord Ganesha with a mind clear of all negativity, Ganesha is said to be appeased and showers his unconditional love upon his followers. The extent to which the mantra shall help you depends totally on the strength of faith. It is through absolute faith and conviction that one can get the maximum benefits.

The Ganesha Kavacham recital explicitly requests Lord Ganesha to protect the body, home, assets and overall existence. The chant is for both one’s-self and one’s loved-ones. And since it is a chant, it is available in many languages. The main ones are English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Oriya and Bengali.

In Ganesha Kavacham Lord Ganesha is asked to protect each and every body part ranging from eyes, forehead, skin, tongue, ears, nose, face, speech, smile, heart, legs, fingers, arms nails, etc. Ganesha is asked to protect from all directions namely north, south, east and west. He also askedto protect all loved ones, wealth, property, intellect and spiritual life.

Choose the language that you want or listen to the enchanting hymns and let your soul take a plunge into the divine world of wisdom of Ganpati.

Ganesha Kavacham Salutations to the Lord
Let the ever pleasing remover of obstacles protect my head,
Let the God who is as great as the sea protect my eyes,
Let he who killed the elephant asura protect my hair,
And let the leader of Shiva’s army protect my eyes.

Mudgala Purana

The Mudgala Purana is a Hindu religious text dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha (Gaṇeśa). It is an upapurāṇa that includes many stories and ritualistic elements relating to Ganesha. The Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana are core scriptures for devotees of Ganesha, known as Ganapatyas (Gāṇapatya). These are the only two Purana that are exclusively dedicated to Ganesha.

The Mudgala Purana considers Ganesha to represent the ultimate reality of being. As such, Ganesha's manifestations are endless but eight of his incarnations are of most importance. The eight incarnations are introduced in MudP 1.17.24-28. The text is organized into sections for each of these incarnations. These are not the same as the four incarnations of Ganesha that are described in the Ganesha Purana.

The incarnation described in the Mudgala Purana took place in different cosmic ages. The Mudgala Purana uses these incarnations to express complex philosophical concepts associated with the progressive creation of the world. Each incarnation represents a stage of the absolute as it unfolds into creation. Granoff provides a summary of the philosophical meaning of each incarnation within the framework of the Mudgala Purana: Along with the philosophy, typical Puranic themes of battles with demons provide much of the story line.

The incarnations appear in the following order:

1. Vakratunda, first in the series, represents the absolute as the aggregate of all bodies, an embodiment of the form of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Matsaryāsura (envy, jealousy). His mount is a lion.

1. Ekadanta represents the aggregate of all individual souls, an embodiment of the essential nature of Brahman. the purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Madāsura (arrogance, conceit). His mount is a mouse.

1. Mahodara is a synthesis of both Vakratuṇḍa and Ekadanta. It is the absolute as it enters into the creative process. It is an embodiment of the wisdom of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Mohāsura. His mount is a mouse.

1. Gajavaktra is a counterpart to Mahodara. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Lobhāsura (greed). His mount is a mouse.

1. Lambodara is the first of four incarnations that correspond to the stage where the Purāṇic gods are created. Lambodara corresponds to Śakti, the pure power of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Krodhāsura. His mount is a mouse.

1. Vikata corresponds to Sūrya. He is an embodiment of the illuminating nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Kāmāsura (lust). His mount is a peacock.

1. Vighnaraja, corresponds to Viṣṇu. He is an embodiment of the preserving nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Mamāsura. His mount is the celestial serpent Shesha.

1. Dhumravarna corresponds to Śiva. He is an embodiment of the destructive nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Abhimanāsura. His mount is a mouse.

Ganesha Purana

Ganesha Purana is a Hindu religious text dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is an upapurāṇa that includes many stories and ritualistic elements relating to Ganesha. 

The Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana are core scriptures for devotees of Ganesha, known as Ganapatyas. These are the only two Purana that are exclusively dedicated to Ganesha. Ganesha Purana asserts its status as one of the eighteen upapuranas in its opening lines. 

The Purana specifies many methods of worship, key beliefs, and philosophical positions of the Ganapatya sect. The contents of the Ganesha Purana are difficult to summarize because they include a variety of stories and devotional material.

The general purpose of the work can be inferred from this set of questions that Vyāsa puts to Brahmā in the tenth chapter of the first Book Ganesha Purana four Ganesh incarnations came on earth during the different yuga’s, in order to fight the demons.They are : 

Mahotkata with ten arms, seated on a lion, shining like the sun, came during the Krita Yuga to kill the demons Narântak and Devântak White-colored Shri Mayureshvar with six arms, riding the peacock, faced the demon Sindhu during the Treta Yuga

Red-colored Shri Gajânana with four arms, mounted on his rat, destroyed the demon Sindur during the Dwapara Yuga Dhûmraketu is the form of Ganesh who will come in the future; we are now living in the Kali Yuga. 

Two-arms and smoke-colored Dhûmraketu will ride on a blue horse; he will fight all the devils to restore peace and harmony in the world. 

Ganesha Purana is divided into two sections. 
1. The Upasanakhanda or “section on devotion” has 92 chapters 
2. The Kridakhanda or”section on the divine play” has 155 chapters

Green Jade Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is the epitome of wisdom, knowledge and eternal intelligence. The precious stone Green Jade is a well-known stone

 in Feng Shui for its goodness and properties. When the two combine their effect on the level of prosperity that an individual can attain is enormous

Precious stone green jade is known to bring prosperity.A green jade statue of Ganpati is believed to be helpful in improving the Vaastu of a structure and attaining harmony and peace in their lives. 

> Green Jade Ganesh

Wisdom Leads to Glory

The literal meaning of the word Wisdom is poise and brains.  A person who has exceptional intelligence is not always considered wise.

Read the complete story about Ravana and Astavakara and get to know the literal meaning of Wisdom. Learn more about Ganesha and how to transform your personal, professional and spiritual life at theganeshaexperience.



> Wisdom Leads to Glory

Quintessence of all Ganesha Mantras

Uchishtha Ganesh Sadhna is often called as the “Quintessence of all Ganesha Mantras”. We can pray to the Auspicious deity any time, no particular Lunar day or propitious time is needed.

Meditate and increase your mental skills by chanting the ganesh ucchishtha sadhna. Learn how to pray, know more about Ganesha and transform your personal, professional and spiritual life.

> Quintessence of all Ganesh Mantras

Ganesh Sarvabhishta Siddhi Mantram

Ganesha is the Lord of wisdom and prosperity. He gives boons to his devotees and fulfill their desires. He is also known as the remover of all obstacles. Ganesha is the Lord who can be easily pleased with devotion and love.

Ganesh sarvabhishta siddhi mantram reflects the idea of a perfect relationship. Know more about the relationship between Ganesh and Siddhi through prayers and transform your personal, professional and spiritual life.

> Ganesh Sarvabhishta Siddhi Mantram

The Journey across Borders

Ganesha is one of the Hindu deities who landed in foreign land and became a popular figure. 

In the modern era it is the exchange of ideas through migration that has resulted in spread of Lord Ganesha’s affluence in places other then the Indian subcontinent and East Asia. Southern and Central America, Mexico, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and even parts of the Malay peninsula have seen a rise in Hindu population.

Ganesha's teachings have now become universal because of globalization, check it out

> The Journey across Borders

What are the Incarnations of Ganesha?

There are exclusive texts in the Hindu mythology that are dedicated to Ganesha. Apart from the mention of Lord Ganesha in the Shiva Purana the religious texts that are solely dedicated to him are Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana. 

A detailed description of Lord Ganesha’s incarnations can be found in The Ganesha Purana. 
The Ganesha Purana describes four incarnations of Ganesha that have appeared over four eras.

Get to know more about Ganesh and transform your personal, professional and spiritual life

> Incarnations of Ganesh

What is the Origin and meaning of Ganesha’s artefacts?

Many stories float about the origin of Ganesha’s head but little is known about the artefacts that Lord Ganesha carries.They are an important part of Ganesha's symbolism. Some of the most common artefacts he is seen with are four hands,a lotus,an axe, a modak and a rope.

Ganesha carries artefacts each of which holds a symbolic meaning. Take a look of the origin of the main artefacts that tell the story of Ganesha’s triumph on vices and also his humility.

> Origin and meaning of Ganesh’s artefacts

What's the Importance of the Ganapati Mantra?

Mantra has significant importance in a devotee’s life.The Ganapati mantra is recited not just in honour of Lord Ganesha but also for overcoming obstacles, attaining prosperity, wealth and knowledge. 

Overcoming obstacles, attaining prosperity, wealth and knowledge through this mantra

> Ganapati mantra

How people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi around the world?

The Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world. It is marked as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. 

The date of Lord Ganesha's birthday usually falls between 19th August and 20th September. 

The universal celebration of Lord Ganesha's birthday illustrates the popularity of this deity the world over. 

Take a look of the way people celebrate it in different parts of the country, like in France 

> Ganesh Chaturthi

What are the philosophies of Lord Ganesha to over comes obstacles?

Lord Ganesha is known as the The remover of obstacles, the Lord of wisdom and knowledge. The teachings advocated by Lord Ganesha are not just preached to act upon but also attained with rigorous meditation. Lord Ganesha embodies wisdom and over comes obstacles. Learn his philosophies.

> Philosophies of Lord Ganesh

Skanda and Ganesha

Skanda or Kartikeyan is an extremely popular Hindu deity among south Indians. He is the brother of Lord Ganesha. In south he is also known as Murugan. Riding the peacock, popularity of Skanda has spread across the globe like his family members. In places with Tamil population his reputation is that of an important deity. He is also worshiped by Buddhists.

Continue reading this article here > Skanda and Ganesh

What are the Positions of Ganesha?

World, as we know it, is a collection of organism made from a compilation of molecules. These molecules in Sanskrit are known as “Ganas”. The name Ganesh hence means the Lord of all Ganas.

Several idols of Ganesha exist all over the world. These depictions may vary in different countries but each one holds a meaning. Many craftsmen have worked meticulously on the details of the idols. The details not just lie in the artifacts or the features of Lord Ganesha, but also the positions he rests in. Every position of rest has a symbolic meaning associated to it.

Continue reading this article here> Positions of Ganesh

Story of Ganesh Pooja on Deepawali

Deepawali is one of the most popular festivals of the Hindus. It is also called the festival of lights. The word Deepawaliliterally means Deep meaning  oil lamps and Awali meaning long rows. Deepawaliis celebrated to commemorate the win of the good (Lord Rama) over the bad (the demon Ravana).

To continue reading go here >
Story of Ganesh Pooja on Deepawali

Be aware of your actions- Learn from Ganesha

Several stories of Ganesha’s childhood and adulthood are depicted in the scriptures. These help in learning important lessons in life that may be implemented. One of the stories that goes back to the childhood of Lord Ganesha teaches us to take onus of our action and try to control them lest the actions cause harm to someone.

To Continue Reading go here > Be aware of your actions- Learn from Ganesha

Lord Vinayagar Mantram

Lord Vinaygar is the name by which South Indians lovingly call Lord Ganesha. According to the South Indians Lord Vinaygar is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is the elder brother of Lord Murugan (Skanda or Kartikeya). Lord Vinaygar was created by his mother Goddess Parvati.

To continue reading this article go here > Lord Vinayagar Mantram