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[SS91]

[SS91]

Shree Ganesha Slokham

Pranamya sirasa devam gauri putram vinayakam
Bhaktavasam smarennityam-ayuh kamartha-siddhaye (1)

Prathamam vakra-tundam ca ekadantam dvitiyakam
Trtiyam krsna-pingaksam gaja-vaktram catuthakam (2)

Lambodaram pancamam ca sastham vikatam-eva ch
Saptamam vighna-rajam ca dhumra-varnam tathastamam (3)

Navamam bhala-candram ca dasamam tu vinayakam
Ekadasam ganapatim dvadasam tu gajananam (4)

Dvadasaitani namani tri-sandhyam yah pathen-narah
Na ca vighna-bhayam tasya sarva-siddhi-karam prabho (5)
 


I respectfully offer my daily prayers

to Lord Ganesa for a meaningful life and right guidance.

I invoke Sri Ganesa with the following description:

curved mouth, single tusk, black eyes, elephant face, big stomach, giant structure, savior of all, grey colored, moon like forehead, protector, ganapati, and Gajanana.
 
JaiSaiRam 

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108 NAMES OF  GANESHA
1. Akhuratha

One With Mouse As His Charioteer

Lord Ganesha, with a huge body, has a small mouse as his charioteer. The hugeness matters little when the study of life principles is considered. The soul may be the greatest or the smallest. This represents life in its totality and Lord Ganesha is suggestive of these cosmic aspects.

2. Alampata

The Eternal

By whose puissance this world of illusion is mainfest, whose creation is this universe, who is the Lord of all gods and creation, he is the Eternal, Lord Ganesha.

3. Amit

One Who Has No Comparison

Ganesha is the embodiment of 'OM', the symbol of the Great God. He is the Eternal Spirit, the Beginning of all beginnings, beyond comparison.

4. Anantachidrupamayam

Infinite And Consciousness Personified

He who is the root cause of the worlds, who is uniquely manifest in the hearts of all, can be realised only by concentrated meditation. Lord Ganesha, the Infinite, is beyond distinctions and beginning.

5. Avaneesh

Master Of The Whole Earth

As a rotund, elephant-faced figure, Lord Ganesha is the Lord and Master of the whole earth.

He is the protector of the visible world and leader of the helpless, destroying all evil and obstacles.

6. Avighna

Without Obstacles

The mighty, massive Ganesha, mounted on his vehicle, bestows everything desired if his devotees chant his name with fervour and devotion; He is also responsible in keeping away all obstacles from their path.

7. Balaganapati

The Beloved Child

Lord Ganesha is adored by all the gods, even by the four-faced Brahma, and Lord Indra. As the elephantfaced child, he is the colour of the rays of the rising sun.

8. Bhalchandra

Sporting The Moon Crest

A moon crest adorns the forchead of Lord Ganesha. It denotes a pot of nectar, providing divine coolness to the wearer. It also denotes intelligence and mental, enlightenment, the moon being the symbol of mind and peace.

9. Bheema

Gigantic

The massive Lord Ganesha reposes on the jewelled throne with the snare, the hamulus and the lotus flower in his hands. On his forehead r poses the moon. He is four-armed, has a single tusk, a trunk askew, a potbelly and he is gigantic.



10. Bhoopati

Lord Of The Lords

Bhoopati, also called Ganapati, is the Lord of the lords, the Master of the ganas or celestial hordes. He is worshipped by Brahma himself and is worshipped in all the three worlds.

11. Bhoovanpati

Lord Of The Lords

Bhoovanpati is the Great God Himself to whom even the Trinity - Vishnu the Protector, Shiva the Destroyer and Brahma the Creator - pay obeisance and propitiate Him to save the world from evil.

12. Buddhinath

Lord Of Wisdom

Lord Ganesha, the Lord of wisdom is the repository of all knowledge. His illimitable erudition makes even Goddess Saraswati and Sage Narada bow their heads in awe.

13. Buddhipriya

Bestower Of Knowledge

Buddhipriya, the repository of knowledge, bestows guileless discretion to the worshipper. As ruler of the Mooladhara Chakra or plexus, he arouses a person's latent energy or fife force to take him to the Divine Light.

14. Buddhividhata

God Of Wisdom

By chanting Lord Ganesha's name day in and day out, one gets richer by imbibing all knowledge and wisdom from him, who is of enlightened heart and unwavering wisdom.

15. Chaturbhujeti

Four-Armed

The four-armed Ganesha is an embodiment of truth, discretion, having control over money power and bondage. These four arms represent the four castes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, symbolically indicating his divinity.

16. Devadeva

Lord of All Lords

Lord Ganesha is the Master of all. He is always worshipped in the three worlds by all, and is the first to be reverenced among the celestials.

17. Devantakanashakarin

Destroyer Of Demons

Lord Ganesha, the Destroyer of evils slew the powerful demons, re-establishing righteousness and peace in the three worlds.

18. Devavrata

Accepter of All Penances

The elephant-faced Ganesha is propitiated by all as He is Auspiciousness personified. He is the granter of boons and -responds to penances of his devotees.



19. Devendrashika

Protector Of the Gods

Lord Ganesha, Protector of the gods is their beloved. With a large form, who has the mouse as his vehicle, he is the embodiment of peace and tranquillity-the giver of peace to all.

20. Dharmik

One Who Favours Charity

The Great Lord Ganesha is gentle, forgiving and compassionate- ' He likes to prod man with his goad to the path of righteousness and truth so that he can learn to be charitable.

21. Dhoomravarna

Smoke-Coloured Body

The smoke-hued Ganesha is the beloved Lord of gods and mortals. His body is sometimes compared with a red lotus. His hands are ornamented with gem-studded bangles and his whole smoke-coloured image is enchanting.

22. Durja

The Invincible

Ganesha, the elephant-faced, pot-bellied Lord is Infinite Strength and Power personified. He is deathless, has no beginning or end - he is invincible.

23. Dvaimatura

Son Of Two Mothers

Goddess Parvati created~ a child from the perspiration that came off her body. She lowered him into the River Ganga and he grew into a large being. Both Parvati and Ganga claimed to be his mother.

24. Ekaakshara

Of The Single Syllable

Lord Ganesha is the symbol of a single syllable 'OM', the symbol of the Great God. He is also known as Pranava, the sound from which the world emanated.

25. Ekadanta

He Of Single Tusk

The rotund, massive Ganesha sports a single tusk, a broken one, which symbolises him as beyond the rules of cosmic orderliness, as he is the cosmos itself. The broken tusk represents the shedding of the ego,

26. Ekadrishta

Single-Tusked

The single-tusked Ganesha stands for one direction. He gathers information from various directions, but having decided his course of direction, he does not waver. The single tusk represents the non-dualistic nature of reality.

27. Eshanputra

Son Of Shiva

Lord Ganesha is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is the elephant-faced son, having a simple broken tusk and a trunk that is askew. He is the delight of them.



28. Gadadhara

Wielder Of The Mace

As Gadadhara, Lord Ganesha wields powerful weapons for destroying demons of evil. The gada or Mace is the divine weapon used to wipe out evil and slay the asuras.

29. Gajakarna

Elephant-Eyed

The elephant-eyed Ganesha is the embodiment of goodness and virtue, his size belying his non-violent nature. The small eyes radiate wisdom and compassion, powerful, yet gentle.

30. Gajanana

Elephant-Faced

Lord Ganesha in the form of Gajanana, with an elephant face, is deemed to be a very auspicious symbol, warding off possible mishaps and troubles. He stands for power and strength.

31. Gajananeti

Elephant-Faced

The elephant-faced Lord Ganesha is one-tusked, has a large, body with a huge belly, and is capable of destroying all obstacles'.

32. Gajavakra

Elephant Trunk

Ganesha with his twisted trunk is symbolic of his vast knowledge and powers of discrimination, vital for spiritual progress. The curved trunk is shaped like 'OM' also symbolic of the life force energy.

33. Gajavaktra

Elephant-Mouthed

The elephant-mouthed Ganesha is very fond of sweets. With a huge belly signifying wealth and the modaka sweet in his hand, symbolic of the sweetness of the realised Inner Self, he personifies love.

34. Ganadhakshya

Lord Of The Celestial Hordes

Lord Ganesha is the Chief of the group of gods, the. celestials. He is the first to be worshipped by the gods and mortals alike. He is the Lord of all he surveys, the Master of the earth, the universe, the cosmos, all creation.

35. Ganadhyakshina

Lord Of The Celestials

Lord Ganesha is the Lord of the gods and is the beloved of all. As the Chief and Supreme God among gods', he is worshipped by all.

36. Ganapati

Lord Of The Ganas

Lord Ganesha is also called Ganapati, the Lord of the celestial hordes. He is the Supreme Deity, Lord Almighty, who rules over the entire kingdom of the gods.



37. Gaurisuta

Son Of Gauri

Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati. Gaurisuta is Lord Ganesha, the deft son of Gauri. He enlightens and causes his mother's face to blossom with his love and devotion.

38. Gunina

Lord Of All Virtues

Gunina, the Lord of all virtues, is Grace personified, making everything auspicious. His immense grace and radiance is supreme and ethereal, and is adored by one and all.

39. Haridra

The Golden One

Lord Ganesha, although smoke-coloured, is the Golden One, as he has a moon crest on his forehead, a sacred thread in the form of a serpent round his body, cheeks anointed with a vermilion paste, glowing golden like the rays of the sun.

40. Heramba

Beloved Of The Mother

Lord Ganesha is Heramba, the fire-headed Protector of the weak. He is his mother's beloved, and is her protector.

41. Kapil

Tawny-Coloured

The tawny-coloured elephant-faced Ganesha is the God of wisdom who teaches that the path of success and achievement is through the use of intellect, and that through wisdom alone can one reach salvation.

42. Kaveesha

Lord Of Poets

Ganesha is the Lord of wisdom from whom emanates knowledge that is divine. All poets invoke his grace before picking up their pens, for he is the Lord of poets from whose divine pen flow divine words.

43. Kirti

Lover Of Music

Lord Ganesha is Nada Brahman, Lord of music. He is the repository of knowledge and a mine of virtues from whom emanates illimitable erudition, and cosmic music and rhythm.

44. Kripakaram

Who Is Merciful

Lord Ganesha, as Kripakaram, wavy with profound kindness, is the sea exhibited by his eyes. He is ever Merciful and the beacon of divine fight.

45.Krishapingaksha

Black- Yellowish -Brown -Eyed

Lord Ganesha, whose, eyes radiate power, compassion, wisdom and love, is omnipotent and infinite. His small eyes dazzle with the exuberance of the fight of a million suns.



46. Kshamakaram

Abode Of Forgiveness

Constant and regular chanting of Lord Ganesha's name is a sure path for atonement of sins. He is the abode of forgiveness, the seat of compassion, and most forgiving. Repose faith in him and he will protect you.

47. Kshipra

Quick-Acting

Handsome of appearance and red in colour like the hibiscus flower, he holds his broken tusk, noose, goad, and sprig of the wish-fulfilling tree in his, hands and a pot of precious gems in his trunk.

48. Lambakarna

Large-Eared

The large-eared Ganesha is a mine of information gathered from all directions. His large ears are used for winnowing information, retaining only the essentials.

49. Lambodara

Huge-Bellied

The big-bellied Ganesha is the symbol of the whole universe-all that is conceivable in the whole cosmos- from which all events of the world emerge. It is symbolic of his capacity to assimilate the whole information.

50. Mahabala

Extremely Strong

Lord Ganesha, with his huge body, is symbolic of the cosmos or the universe. He is extremely strong and powerful, endowed with intellectual prowess.

51. Mahaganapati

The Omnipotent And All-Powerful

Lord Ganesha, the Almighty, the Supreme Infinite, is omnipotent and all powerful. His infinite form is beyond man's comprehension, and is limitless.

52. Maheshwaram

Lord Of The Universe

Maheshwaram, from whom the universe is born, is the Eternal Brahman. All the elements-earth, fire, air, water and ether-are manifest in him. He is the Supreme Lord of the universe.

53. Mangalamoorti

The Auspicious

Lord Ganesha is the personification of all that is auspicious. He who was worshipped by Lord Shiva before his vanquishing Tripurasur, by Lord Vishnu before his tying of Bali in the rope, by Lord Brahma before creating the world, by Parvati before her slaying the demon Manisha, is Mangalamoorti.

54. Manomay

Conqueror Of One's Heart

Lord Ganesha is the God of all people, big and small, educated and illiterate. He is compassionate and forgiving, wise and intellectual. With his huge body, gentle eyes and calm countenance, he fills one's heart with love.

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55. Mritunjaya

Deathless

The Infinite Lord Ganesha has no beginning or end. He is deathless and the root cause of the creation. He is the embodiment of 'OM', the symbol of the Great God who has no end and is invincible.

56. Mudakaram

Abode Of Joy

Lord Ganesha is the home of Siddhi and Buddhi, the repository of knowledge and the abode of joy. He bestows happiness and welfare to all.

57. Muktidaya

Giver Of Eternal Peace

Muktidaya is Lord Ganesha who grants security to his devotees, thereby providing eternal peace. He destroys all the obstacles that one may face when entreated by his devotees.

58. Musikvahan

He With The Mouse As His Vehicle

Lord Ganesha, with I his massive body, favours the Mouse as his beloved vehicle. The mouse, known to cause great havoc, is kept under the control of Ganesha by serving as his vehicle.

59. Nadapratithista

Lover Of Music

Lord Ganesha is symbolic of the music and rhythm of the cosmos. He loves music and sometimes a veena is one of the attributes seen in his hands. He is the patron of music and dance.

60. Namasthetu

Destroyer Of All Sins

Lord Ganesha is the sea-fire to end the sea. He purges the devotees of all sins by incinerating the sins and impieties by his holy fire.

61. Nandana

Son Of Lord Shiva

Nandana, son of Lord Shiva, is the mind-born son of Lord Shiva, or, as popularly believed, the creation of Parvati. He is the elder son of Shankara, and the beloved of his mother, Uma.

62. Nideeswaram

Master Of All Kinds Of Treasures

Lord Ganesha, the repository of knowledge, is adorable, with his plump body, his tusk broken and single. His is the Lord of all wealth-material as well as spiritual-endowed with intrinsic qualities that command the respect of all.

63. Pashin

One Who Sits Like A Rock

Lord Ganesha is Infinite and Consciousness personified, solid and unwavering like a rock, who is unshakeable, invincible, the seat of infinite power, the pure essence of luminous mind.



64. Pitambar

Wearer Of Yellow Clothes

Lord Ganesha, who wears clothe-5 of white and yellow, personifies purity and uniqueness. With a deep knowledge of the self, he is the eternal spirit who is changeless yet causes change all around.

65. Pramod

Lord Of The Place

As Pramod, Lord Ganesha is the only refuge of the shelterless as he is Lord of the place. He is the Lord of the gods, the repository of wisdom, the seat of spiritual awakening, from whom creation has come.

66. Prathameshvar

One Who Holds The First Place

Lord Ganesha, the eternal spirit, the Brahman, is the God of Auspiciousness, holding the first place. He is the Beginning of all beginnings, worshipped by Mahesha and other gods.

67. Purush

The Supreme Authority

Lord Ganesh is Punish, the Supreme Authority. He is the Omniscient Lord Almighty who rules over the entire universe. He is the Ultimate Reality, the One Truth, the Manifest Spirit.

68. Rakta

Red-coloured

Lord Ganesha's body hue is compared to the red lotus and his tusk to the vermilion blood marks when it is thrust into his enemies for destruction.

69. Rudrapriya

Beloved Of Shiva

Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Shiva, is the Master of all, whose virtuous qualities are orisoned by even the creator, Brahma. He is Shiva's revered and noble son.

70. Sarvadevatman

Accepter Of Celestial Offerings

As Lord of the gods, Lord Ganesha is happy to accept the loving offerings of the celestials. They adore and worship him, and as their Master, and he bestows his grace on them.

71. Sarvasiddhanta

Provider of Adeptness To His Disciples

The repository of wisdom and knowledge, Lord Ganesha bestows success on his devotees. He who

chants his name continually will be sure of being blessed with the ability to be adept in all his actions.

72. Sarvatman

Blesser Of The Universe

He who dwells in every heart in a secret manner, by whose command this entire world exists, who is Infinite and the Enlighter of the hearts, by knowledge, he is Sarvatman, Lord Ganesha.



73. Shambhavi

Son Of Parvati

Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati. He is the playfully deft son and is adored by his parents. He enlightens and causes his mother's face to blossom with love for him.

74. Shashivarnam

Moon -Complexioned

He who is attired in a white garment and who is all pervading, is Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced Lord with a moon-complexion that glows brightly, indicating mental enlightenment, the moon being the symbol of peace.

75. Shoorpakarnai

Large-Eared

Lord Ganesha is the Lord with large ears. These large ears serve the purpose of gathering information from all possible directions. Like a winnowing basket, His ears are receptive and attuned to every mortal's cry of woe or praise.

76. Shuban

One Who Is Auspicious

A prayer to Lord Ganesha precedes all worship for he is auspicious and nothing can take place without invoking his name. For, he is the remover of obstacles in one's path, and the guarantor of success in. all ventures.

77. Shubhagunakanan

Mine Of All Virtues

Lord Ganesha is the Lord of all treasures and virtues; symbolic of perfection and infinite beauty he is compassionate, forgiving, endearing and protector of all that is good.

78. Shweta

White Colour

The huge-bellied Lord Ganesha, with an elephant face, a single-tusk which is askew, has his body and clothes white, being worshipped on the shore of ocean of milk with white flowers. His face beams the beatitude.

79. Siddhidhata

Bestower Of Success

The chanting of Lord Ganesha's name will pay rich dividends in the form of being bestowed with success. The Lord is the bestower of the desired abilities.

80. Siddhipriya

Bestower Of Boons

Siddhipriya is Lord Ganesha who grants the desires and boons of his devotees. Being compassionate and large-hearted the elephant-faced Ganesha fulfils the wishes of worshippers.

81. Siddhivinayaka

Bestower Of Success

Lord Ganesha's huge pot-belly is symbolic of wealth and success. He bestows both on his devotees, being the kind and compassionate Lord who grants them boons and showers them with success.



82. Skandapoorvaja

Older Than Skanda

Ganesha is the older son of Shiva and Parvati, and brother of Skanda (Karthik). He is the destroyer of the asura's pride, and protector of the weak and helpless. He protects and loves his brother Skanda.

83. Sumukha

Of Auspicious And Pleasant Visage

His strange visage is in the form of 'OM', the sound symbolic of the cosmic reality. Ganesha, with the bulky body, stands for the cosmos in its entirety. He is the symbol of auspiciousness.

84. Sureshwaram

Lord Of All The Gods

Sureshwaram is Lord Ganesha as Head of the ganas or celestials. He is the Supreme Being, the Foremost Being, the very cause of the creation of the cosmos Lord Almighty.

85. Swaroop

Lover Of Beauty

Lord Ganesha, the Master of resourcefulness and perfection in all spheres, is a lover of beauty. His awkward body signifies that outward form has no connection with inner beauty and spiritual perfection.

86. Tarun

The Youthful

The young Ganesha, ever youthful, is Wisdom personified. His huge body takes on the colour of red like the noonday sun, depicting the strength of, youth.

87. Uddanda

Punisher Of Evil

Uddanda is Lord Ganesha as punisher of evil. He also forgives those who seek his pardon. He is the vanquisher of demons and remover of all obstacles.

88. Umaputra

Son Of Uma

Uma, another name of Parvati, desired to have a son. Lord Shiva granted her wish and Ganesha took form. He is the beloved son of Uma, her delight, and obedient servant, ever ready to serve her.

89. Vakratunda

Askew-Trunked

Lord Ganesha, the single-tusked one, is attributed with an askew proboscis or trunk, which symbolises power, capable of destroying all obstacles and evil.

90. Varaganapati

Bestower Of Boons

Ganesha is the bestower of' all fruits of desire and granter of all adeptness that his worshippers seek. He is magnanimous and forgiving, being a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.



91. Varaprada

Granter Of Boons

Lord Ganesha grants boons to his devotees. He is most efficacious. He gives knowledge to the seeker of wisdom, prosperity to those desiring wealth, issues to the childless, and guidance to the attainment of spiritual liberation.

92. Varadavinayaka

Bestower Of Bounty And Success

The massive Ganesha, the granter of boons to his devotees, is the guarantor of success in all ventures. His devotees need never fear failure. As the benefactor of his devotees, he is greatly adored by them.

93. Veeraganapati

The Valiant Warrior

The red-complexioned Ganesha is sometimes attributed with eight pairs of arms, holding a bow, arrow, goblin, spear, hammer, mace, pick-axe, serpent, banner, trident, discus, goad, noose, battleaxe, sword and shield - all signs of a valiant warrior.

94. Vidyavaridhi

Repository Of All Knowledge

Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom. He incinerates ignorance by his divine fire and enlightens by his knowledge. He is a goldmine of knowledge and wisdom.

95. Vignahara

Destroyer Of Evil

Vignahara is Lord Ganesha, who, like a vigorous wind, scatters away and destroys the dark clouds of evil. His name's mere recollection removes all sins.

96. Vignaharta

Destroyer Of Obstacles

Lord Ganesha is a veritable sceptre that destroys all obstacles. He is the destroyer of multitudes of obstacles, destroyer of all afflictions.

97. Vighnanashin

Destroyer Of Obstacles

The askew-trunked Ganesha, also called Vighnanashin, is the destroyer of all impediments. He is the destroyer of darkness created by' Obstacles.

98. Vighnaraja

Lord Of All Obstacles

The veritable sceptre to destroy all objects, Lord Ganesha is invincible. He is the inimitable jungle fire who destroys the jungle of troubles for his devotees. He is the destroyer of multitudes of obstacles.

99. Vighnarajendra

Lord Of All Obstacles

The noble Ganesha is the King of all the factors causing obstacles. He causes obstacles for the demons and enemies, causing them to stumble and be vanquished.



100. Vighnavinashanaya

Destroyer Of All Afflictions

The four-armed Ganesha is sometimes attributed with eight pairs of hands that are symbolic of destruction of evil. He protects his devotees by destroying all afflictions.

101. Vigneshwar

Lord Of All Obstacles

Vigneshwar, the only sun to destroy the darkness caused by obstacles, the only fire to incinerate the jungle of impediments, the only Garuda to browbeat the haughty snakes of troubles, is the Lord of all obstacles

102. Vikat

Of The Monstrous Figure

Lord Ganesha, the most adorable one, adored by all gods, is endowed with a huge, monstrous body, symbolising unity of the primeval forest denizen with man - combining the physical energies of mortals.

103. Vinayaka

Lord Of All

As Vinayaka, Lord Ganesha is the Supreme Leader of all, being endowed with special qualities. He is the Chief of all the celestial demi-gods, and is ever adored by them.

104. Vishwamukha

Lord Of The Universe

Lord Ganesha is the Supreme Reality, the Atman of all. He is the witness of all that is happening in the world. He is the Lord of the universe, the Supreme Being who has no beginning, who has no end.

105. Yagnakaya

Accepter of Sacrificial Fires

The calm and majestic Ganesha, with the strength and power of an elephant, is the Lord of the universe. He evokes great love and accepts the sacrificial fires offered to him by gods and mortals.

106. Yashaskaram

Giver Of Fame And Glory

Lord Ganesha is worshipped by both the devas and the asuras, for he is the Lord of the gods. He gives prosperity, fame and glory to-all the worlds, shining with a lustrous glow.

107. Yashvasin

The Popular

The pot-bellied, askew-trunked single-tusk Ganesha is popularly the beloved of all. He is the subject of those who sing his praise, the jewel from whose face flows nectar.

108. Yogadhipa

Lover Of Meditation

Lord Ganesha is the fountainhead of wisdom, the Great God ' that Eternal Truth, that Eternal Reality. His name is chanted at the beginning and end of meditation at all times.

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What does a snake around Ganesha’s stomach represent?
Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesha’s Birthday comes on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-Paksh of Hindu calendar in (August/September). Milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganesh at home and at temples, and worshippers visit Ganesh temples for Ganesh Puja. Ganesha’s vehicle is the Mooshak.  Lord Ganesh is very fond of modak. On one of His birthday’s Mata Parvati, cooked for him twenty-one types of delicious food and a lot of  of modak. Ganesha ate so much that even his big belly could not contain it. Then he set out moving on his mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled as it had seen a snake and became frightened with the result of that Ganesha fell down.
 
His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Ganeshji stuffed them back into his stomach and, caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly. Seeing all this, the moon in the sky had a hearty laugh. This unseemly behavior of the moon annoyed him immensely and so he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name.
 
The symbology behind the mouse and snake and Ganesha’s big belly and its relationship to the moon on his birthday is highly philosophic. The whole cosmos is known to be the belly of Ganesha (hence, his other name is Mahodara) .Parvati or Shakti is the primordial energy. The seven realms above, seven realms below and seven oceans, are inside the cosmic belly of Ganesha, held together by the cosmic energy (kundalini ) symbolized as a huge snake which Ganesha ties around Him. The mouse is nothing but our ego. Ganesha, using the mouse as a vehicle, exemplifies the need to control our ego. One who has controlled the ego has Ganesha consciousness or God-consciousness.

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Why is Ganesha called the remover of obstacles (Vighneshwara)?
Ganesha is known as Vigneshwara because his devotees believes Ganesha roots out obstacles and difficulties from their lives and ensure success.
 
“Eshwara’” is the embodiment of all riches – physical beauty and strength, knowledge, wisdom, material wealth, spiritual enlightenment. “Vighna” translates as an unforeseen obstacle or impediment.
 
Abhinandan, king started a Yagya in order to fulfill his goal of becoming the Indra ( or King of Heaven).  When the news of the yagya spread, Lord Brahma tried to block King Abhinandan’s overweening ambition of ruling  the heavens and decided to create obstacles in the his path. He summoned Kalapurush and asked him to destroy the Yagya. After killing Abhinandan and destroying the yagya Kalapurush acquired the name Vighnasura, the creator of obstacles.  But Vighnasura, ran amok himself and and destroyed all Vedic practices on earth.  He could be thwarted by none, except Ganesha who in those days was at the ashram of Sage Parashar.
 
Gajanan took birth as Parshwaputra and Deepvatsala son and fought valiantly with Vighnasura, who had to except defeat. He abdicated himself to the Lord and asked to be blessed. Ganesha spared Vighnasura’s life, on the condition that the demon would not appear in any place where Ganesha was worshipped. Before disappearing, the demon extracted a promise from Ganesha, that he incorporates his name with that of the Lord. Thus, Ganesha acquired the name Vighneswara or “Destroyer of Obstacles”.  Legend also has it that the very same Devtas installed an image of Vigneshwara at Ozar on Ganesh Chaturti and offered worship.

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This God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also called Vinayak (knowledgeable) or Vighneshwer (god to remove obstacles). He is worshipped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness. He has four hands, elephant’s head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees’ attachments), and a sweet dessert ball -laddoo- (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand’s palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind.

[SS91]

32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

1. Bala Ganapati

Bala Ganapati is "the Childlike" God of golden hue. In His hands He holds a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth's abundance and fertility. His trunk garners His favorite sweet, the modaka.

2. Taruna Ganapati

Eight-armed, Taruna Ganapati, "the Youthful," holds a noose and goad, modaka, wood apple, rose apple, His broken tusk, a sprig of paddy and a sugar cane stalk. His brilliant red color reflects the blossoming of youth.

3. Bhakti Ganapati

Shining like the full moon during harvest season and garlanded with flowers, Bhakti Ganapati, dear to devotees, is indeed pleasant to look upon. He holds a banana, a mango, coconut and a bowl of sweet payasa pudding.

4. Vira Ganapati

Eight-armed, Taruna Ganapati, "the Youthful," holds a noose and goad, modaka, wood apple, rose apple, His broken tusk, a sprig of paddy and a sugar cane stalk. His brilliant red color reflects the blossoming of youth.

5. Shakti Ganapati

Four-armed and seated with one of His shaktis on His knee, Shakti Ganapati, "the Powerful," of orange-red hue, guards the householder. He holds a garland, noose and goad, and bestows blessings with the abhaya mudra.

6. Dvija Ganapati

Four-headed Dvija Ganapati, "the Twice-born," is moon-like in color. Holding a noose, a goad, an ola leaf scripture, a staff, water vessel and a his japa beads, He reminds one and all of the urgency for disciplined striving.

7. Siddhi Ganapati

Golden-Yellow Siddhi Ganapati, "the Accomplished," is the epitome of achievement and self-mastery. He sits comfortably holding a bouquet of flowers, an axe, mango, sugar cane and, in His trunk, a tasty sesame sweet.

8. Ucchhishta Ganapati

Ucchhishta Ganapati is "Lord of Blessed Offerings" and guardian of culture. Of blue complexion and six-armed, He sits with His Shakti, holding a vina, pomegranate, blue lotus flower, japa mala and a sprig of fresh paddy.

9. Vighna Ganapati

Vighna Ganapati, "Lord of Obstacles," is of brilliant gold hue and bedecked in jewels. His eight arms hold a noose and goad, tusk and modaka, conch and discus, a bouquet of flowers, sugar cane, flower arrow and an axe.

10. Kshipra Ganapati

Handsome, red-hued Kshipra Ganapati, "Quick-acting" giver of boons, displays His broken tusk, a noose, goad and a sprig of the kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree. In His uplifted trunk He holds a tiny pot of precious jewels.

11. Heramba Ganapati

Five-faced, white in color, Heramba Ganapati, "Protector of the Weak," rides a big lion. He extends the gestures of protection and blessing while holding a noose, japa beads, axe, hammer, tusk, garland, fruit and modaka.

12. Lakshmi Ganapati

Lakshmi Ganapati, pure white giver of success, sits flanked by Wisdom and Achievement. Gesturing varada mudra, He holds a green parrot, a pomegranate, sword, goad, noose, sprig of kalpavriksha and a water vessel.

13. Maha Ganapati

Accompanied by one of His shaktis, "the Great," Maha Ganapati, is red-complexioned and three-eyed. He holds His tusk, a pomegranate, blue lily, sugar-cane bow, discus, noose, lotus, paddy sprig, mace and a pot of gems.

14. Vijaya Ganapati

Four-armed, of red hue and riding His resourceful mushika, Vijaya Ganapati is "the Victorious" bestower of success. His insignia are the broken tusk, elephant goad, a noose and a lucious golden mango, His favorite fruit.

15. Nritya Ganapati

The happy "Dancer," Nritya Ganapati, is four-armed and golden, with rings on His fingers, holding a tusk, goad, noose and modaka sweet. He prances under the kalpavriksha tree, epitomizing exuberant activity and joy.

16. Urdhva Ganapati

Seated with one of His shaktis on His left knee, Urdhva Ganapati is "the Elevated" Lord of golden hue. In His six hands He holds a sprig of paddy, a lotus, the sugar cane bow, an arrow, His ivory tusk and a blue water lily.

17. Ekakshara Ganapati

Ekakshara, of "Single-Syllable" (gam), is three-eyed, of red complexion and attire. Crescent moon on His crown, He sits in lotus pose upon Mushika, offers the boon-giving gesture and holds a pomegranate, noose and goad.

18. Varada Ganapati

Varada Ganapati, "the Boon-Giver with prominent third eye of wisdom, holds a dish of honey, the noose and goad and encloses a pot of jewels in His trunk. His shakti is at His side, and the crescent moon adorns His crown.

19. Tryakshara Ganapati

Tryakshara Ganapati, "the Lord of Three Letters" (A-U-M), is gold in color and has fly whisks in His big floppy ears. He carries the broken tusk, goad, noose and mango and is often seen grasping a sweet modaka in His trunk.

20. Kshipra Prasada Ganapati

Kshipra Prasada Ganapati, "the Quick Rewarder," presides from a kusha-grass throne. His big belly symbolizes the manifest universe. He holds a noose, goad, tusk, lotus, pomegranate and a twig of the wish-fulfilling tree.

21. Haridra Ganapati

Haridra Ganapati, the golden one dressed in bright yellow vestments, sits calmly on a posh, regal throne. Along with His tusk and a modaka, He wields a noose to hold devotees close and a sharp goad to spur them onward.

22. Ekadanta Ganapati

Ekadanta, of "Single Tusk," is distinguished by His blue color and sizeable belly. The attributes of this murti are an axe for cutting the bonds of ignorance, prayer beads for japa, a laddu sweet and the broken right tusk.

23. Srishti Ganapati



Riding on His docile and friendly mouse, Srishti Ganapati is the lord of happy "Manifestation." This active God, of red complexion, holds His noose a goad, a perfect mango, and His tusk, representing selfless sacrifice.

24. Uddanda Ganapati



Uddanda Ganapati is the bold "Enforcer of Dharma," the laws of being. His ten hands hold a pot of gems, a blue lily, sugar cane, a mace, lotus flower, sprig of paddy, a pomegranate, noose, garland and His broken tusk.

25. Rinamochana Ganapati



Rinamochana Ganapati is humanity's liberator from guilt and bondage. His figure of alabaster skin is apparelled in red silks. He bears a noose and a goad, His milk-white tusk and a favorite fruit, the rose apple.

26. Dhundhi Ganapati



Red-hued Dhundhi Ganapati, "the Sought After," holds a strand of rudraksha beads, His broken tusk, an axe and a small pot of precious gems thought to represent the treasury of awakenings He saves for all ardent devotees.

27. Dvimukha Ganapati



Dvimukha Ganapati, called Janus by the Romans, with two divergent faces, sees in all directions. His blue-green form is dressed in red silk. He wears a bejeweled crown and holds a noose, goad, His tusk and a pot of gems.

28. Trimukha Ganapati



Trimukha Ganapati, the contemplative "three-faced" Lord of red hue, sits on a golden lotus, telling His beads, holding a noose, goad and vessel of nectar. He gestures protection with a right hand and blessings with a left.

29. Sinha Ganapati



Sinha Ganapati, white in color, rides a lion and displays another lion in one hand, symbolizing strength and fearlessness. He also holds a kalpavriksha sprig, the vina, a lotus blossom, flower bouquet and a pot of jewels.

30. Yoga Ganapati



Yoga Ganapati is absorbed in mantra japa, His knees strapped in meditative pose, hands holding a yoga staff, sugar cane stalk, a noose and prayer beads. His color is like the morning sun. Blue garments adorn His form.

31. Durga Ganapati



Durga Ganapati, the "Invincible," waves the flag of victory over darkness. This splendid murti is of deep gold hue, dressed in red, holding a bow and arrow, noose and goad, prayer beads, broken tusk and a rose apple.


32. Sankatahara Ganapati



Sankatahara Ganapati, "the Dispeller of Sorrow," is of sunlike hue, dressed in blue, and seated on a red lotus flower. He holds a bowl of pudding, a goad and a noose while gesturing the boon-granting varada mudra

32 Forms of Lord Ganesha

As with the 64 forms of Shiva, 32 forms of Ganapathi are recognized in the Agamic scriptures

1. Baala Ganapathi - Red colored image of a four armed Ganesha

2. Dharuna Ganapathi - Red colored image of an eight armed Ganesha

3. Bhakti Ganapathi - Grey colored image of four armed Ganesha

4. Veera Ganapathi - Red colored image of 16 armed Ganapathi

5. Shakti Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Ganapathi, seated with his consort to his left

6. Dwija Ganapathi - White colored image of four-faced Ganesha with 4 arms

7. Siddhi Ganapathi - Golden colored image of four armed Ganapathi

8. Ucchishta Ganapathi - Blue colored image of six armed Ganapathi with his consort

9. Vigna Ganapathi - Gold colored image of eight armed Ganapathi

10. Kshipra Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganesha bearing a ratna kumbham

11. Heramba Ganapathi - Black colored image of ten-armed Ganesha with five faces, seated on a lion

12. Lakshmi Ganapathi - White colored image of eight-armed Ganesha with two consorts

13. Makara Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, 10 arms, bearing a ratna kumbham, with his consort

14. Vijaya Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Ganesha on the mooshika mount

15. Nritta Ganapathi - Gold colored image of Ganesha in a dance posture

16. Urdhva Ganapathi - Gold colored image of six armed Ganesha with his consort

17. Ekakshara Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with a third eye, seated on a lotus

18. Vara Ganapathi - Red colored image of 4 armed Vinayaka with a third eye

19. Dhryakshara Ganapathi - Gold colored image of four-armed Vinayakar, decorated with Chaamara ear rings

20. Kshipraprasaada Ganapathi - Red colored image of six armed Ganapathi

21. Haridra Ganapathi - Yellow colored image of four armed Ganapathi

22. Ekadhanta Ganapathi - Blue colored image of four armed Ganapathi

23. Srishti Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganapathi seated on his mooshika mount

24. Utthanda Ganapathi - Red colored image of 10 armed Ganesha with his consort to his left

25. Ranamochana Ganapathi: Crystal image of four armed Vinayakar

26. Dundi Ganapathi - Four-armed image of Ganesha bearing a tusk, a garland, an axe and a gem studded vessel

27. Dwimukha Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with two faces and four arms

28. Trimukha Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with three faces and six arms seated on a golden lotus

29. Simha Ganapathi - White colored image of Ganesha with eight arms (with an arm bearing a lions face)

30. Yoga Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha in the posture of a yogi

31. Durga Ganapathi - Red colored image of Ganesha with eight arms

32. Sankatahara Ganapathi - Red colored image of four armed Ganesha clothed in blue, seated on a lotus peetham with his consort to his left

[SS91]

108 Names of  Lord Ganesha
108 Names Of Lord Ganesha                    No. Name Meaning
        1 Akhurath                                                One who has Mouse as His Charioteer

        2 Alampata                                                Ever Eternal Lord

        3 Amit                                                       Incomparable Lord

        4 Anantachidrupamayam                            Infinite and ConsciousnessPersonified

        5 Avaneesh                                               Lord of the whole World

        6 Avighna                                                  Remover of Obstacles

        7 Balaganapati                                           Beloved and Lovable Child

        8 Bhalchandra                                            Moon-Crested Lord

        9 Bheema                                                  Huge and Gigantic

        10 Bhupati                                                  Lord of the Gods 1

        11 Bhuvanpati                                             God of the Gods

        12 Buddhinath                                             God of Wisdom

        13 Buddhipriya                                            Knowledge Bestower

        14 Buddhividhata                                         God of Knowledge

        15 Chaturbhuj                                              One who has Four Arms

        16 Devadeva                                               Lord of All Lords

        17 Devantakanashakarin                              Destroyer of Evils and Asuras

        18 Devavrata                                               One who accepts all Penances

        19 Devendrashika                                         Protector of All Gods

        20 Dharmik                                                  One who gives Charity

        21 Dhoomravarna                                         Smoke-Hued Lord

        22 Durja                                                       Invincible Lord

        23 Dvaimatura                                              One who has two Mothers

        24 Ekaakshara                                              He of the Single Syllable

        25 Ekadanta                                                  Single-Tusked Lord

        26 Ekadrishta                                                Single-Tusked Lord

        27 Eshanputra                                               Lord Shiva's Son

        28 Gadadhara                                                One who has The Mace as His Weapon

        29 Gajakarna                                                 One who has Eyes like an Elephant

        30 Gajanana                                                  Elephant-Faced Lord

        31 Gajananeti                                                Elephant-Faced Lord

        32 Gajavakra                                                 Trunk of The Elephant

        33 Gajavaktra                                                One who has Mouth like an Elephant

        34 Ganadhakshya                                           Lord of All Ganas (Gods)

        35 Ganadhyakshina                                         Leader of All The Celestial Bodies

        36 Ganapati                                                    Lord of All Ganas (Gods)

        37 Gaurisuta                                                   The Son of Gauri (Parvati)

        38 Gunina                                                       One who is The Master of All Virtues

        39 Haridra                                                      One who is Golden Coloured

        40 Heramba                                                    Mother's Beloved Son

        41 Kapila                                                        Yellowish-Brown Coloured

        42 Kaveesha                                                    Master of Poets

        43 K rti                                                            Lord of Music

        44 Kripalu                                                        Merciful Lord

        45 Krishapingaksha                                           Yellowish-Brown Eyed

        46 Kshamakaram                                              The Place of Forgiveness

        47 Kshipra                                                        One who is easy to Appease

        48 Lambakarna                                                  Large-Eared Lord

        49 Lambodara                                                    The Huge Bellied Lord

        50 Mahabala                                                       Enormously Strong Lord

        51 Mahaganapati                                                Omnipotent and Supreme Lord

        52 Maheshwaram                                               Lord of The Universe

        53 Mangalamurti                                                 All Auspicious Lord

        54 Manomay                                                       Winner of Hearts

        55 Mrityuanjaya                                                  Conqueror of Death

        56 Mundakarama                                                Abode of Happiness

        57 Muktidaya                                                      Bestower of Eternal Bliss

        58 Musikvahana                                                   One who  has Mouse  as Charioteer

        59 Nadapratithishta                                              One who Appreciates and Loves Music

        60 Namasthetu                                                     Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins

        61 Nandana                                                         Lord Shiva's Son

        62 Nideeshwaram                                                Giver of Wealth and Treasures

        63 Omkara   One who has the Form Of OM

        64 Pitambara                                                         One who has Yellow-Coloured Body

        65 Pramoda                                                           Lord of All Abodes

        66 Prathameshwara                                                First Among All

        67 Purush                                                              The Omnipotent Personality

        68 Rakta                                                                One who has Red-Coloured Body

        69 Rudrapriya                                                Beloved Of Lord Shiva

        70 Sarvadevatman                                         Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings

        71 Sarvasiddhanta                                         Bestower of Skills and Wisdom

        72 Sarvatman                                                Protector of The Universe

        73 Shambhavi                                                The Son of Parvati

        74 Shashivarnam                                          One who has a Moon like Complexion

        75 Shoorpakarna                                           Large-Eared Lord

        76 Shuban                                                     All Auspicious Lord

        77 Shubhagunakanan                                  One who is The Master of All Virtues

        78 Shweta                                                      One who is as Pure as the White Colour

        79 Siddhidhata                                           Bestower of Success and Accomplishments

        80 Siddhipriya                                            Bestower of Wishes and Boons

        81 Siddhivinayaka                                     Bestower of Success

        82 Skandapurvaja                                      Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik)

        83 Sumukha                                                Auspicious Face

        84 Sureshwaram                                          Lord of All Lords

        85 Swaroop                                                 Lover of Beauty

        86 Tarun                                                      Ageless

        87 Uddanda                                                  Nemesis of Evils and Vices

        88 Umaputra &nbs ;                                     The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)

        89 Vakratunda                                              Curved Trunk Lord

        90 Varaganapati                                            Bestower of Boons

        91 Varaprada                                                Granter of Wishes and Boons

        92 Varadavinayaka                                       Bestower of Success

        93 Veeraganapati                                          Heroic Lord

        94 Vidyavaridhi                                             God of Wisdom

        95 Vighnahara                                                Remover of Obstacles

        96 Vignaharta                                                Demolisher of Obstacles

        97 Vighnaraja                                                  Lord of All Hindrances

        98 Vighnarajendra                                           Lord of All Obstacles

        99 Vighnavinashanaya                     Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments

        100 Vigneshwara                                        Lord of All Obstacles

        101 Vikat                                                     Huge and Gigantic

        102 Vinayaka                                              Lord of All

        103 Vishwamukha                                      Master of The Universe

        104 Vishwaraja                                            King of The World |

        105 Yagnakaya                            Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrficial Offerings

        106 Yashaskaram                                      Bestower of Fame and Fortune

        107 Yashvasin                                          Beloved and Ever Popular Lord

        108 Yogadhipa                                           The Lord of Meditation

[SS91]

Why the shani bhagwan did not ''catch'' Ganesa and Anjaneya ?

The worship of Lord Hanuman is a panacea for the harsh effects of the 'unfavourable' presence of Lord Shani. In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani from the clutches of Ravana and in gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that anyone who prayed to Him (Hanuman), especially on Saturdays, would be rescued from the "malefic" effects of Saturn, or at the very least, the effects would be softened.
 
Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan is that once Shani climbed on to Hanuman's shoulder, implying that Shani's influence was beginning on Lord Hanuman. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught painfully between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was unbearable, Lord Shani requested Lord Hanuman to release him, promising in return, that if a person prayed to Lord Hanuman, he (Shani) would moderate or eliminate the malefic effects of his influence on that person; following this, Lord Hanuman released Shani. Bhagwan Ganesha the first God, who destroys the evil and doing good may be reasons.

[SS91]

Why is Lord Ganesha's Vehicle the Mouse ?

In The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka. What is the inner significance of the mouse? The mouse is considered as the embodiment of the sense of smell. The mouse is a symbol of the attachment to worldly tendencies (vaasanas). It is well known that if you want to catch a mouse, you place a strong-smelling edible inside the mouse-trap. The mouse also symbolizes the darkness of night. The mouse can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle the mouse signifies an object that leads man from darkness to light. The Vinayaka-principle, thus, means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in men and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts. "

[SS91]

Lord Ganesha is the Lord of Good Fortune
Lord Ganesha is thought to have been derived from an animistic deity, possibly a Dravidian sun god. Lord Ganesha is a propitious god, promising success, prosperity, and peace and is invoked before any sort of enterprise. It is his responsibility to decide between success and failure, to remove obstacles or create them as necessary. His pot-belly symbolizes a pitcher full of prosperity, a sort of abdominal cornucopia.
 
Lord Ganesha has many names. Ganesha's earliest name was Ekadanta (Having One Tusk), referring to his single whole tusk, the other having been broken off. The main ones are Ganapati (Lord of the tribe or attendants), Vighnesvara (controller of all obstacles), Gajanana (elephant-faced), Gajadhipati (Lord of elephants), Lambkarn (long-eared), Lambodar (pendant-bellied) and Vinayaka (the prominent leader).
 
A description of all of the characteristics and attributes of Ganesha can be found in the Ganapati Upanishad (an Upanishad dedicated to Ganesha) of the Rishi Atharva, in which Ganesha is identified with Brahman and the Atman.
 
In general terms, Ganesha is a much beloved and frequently invoked divinity, since he is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity and fortune and also the Destroyer of Obstacles of a material or spiritual order. It is for this reason that his grace is invoked before the undertaking of any task (e.g. traveling, taking an examination, conducting a business affair, a job interview, performing a ceremony,) with such incantations as Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah (hail the name of Ganesha), or similar. It is also for this reason that, traditionally, all sessions of bhajan (devotional chanting) begin with an invocation of Ganesha, Lord of the "good beginnings" of chants. Throughout India and the Hindu culture, Lord Ganesha is the first idol placed into any new home or abode.
 

[SS91]

First appearance
 
Ganesha appeared in his classic form as a clearly recognizable deity with well-defined iconographic attributes in the early 4th to 5th centuries. Shanti Lal Nagar says that the earliest known iconic image of Ganesha is in the niche of the Shiva temple at Bhumra, which has been dated to the Gupta period.[149] His independent cult appeared by about the 10th century. Narain summarizes the controversy between devotees and academics regarding the development of Ganesha as follows:
 

What is inscrutable is the somewhat dramatic appearance of Gaņeśa on the historical scene. His antecedents are not clear. His wide acceptance and popularity, which transcend sectarian and territorial limits, are indeed amazing. On the one hand there is the pious belief of the orthodox devotees in Gaņeśa's Vedic origins and in the Purāṇic explanations contained in the confusing, but nonetheless interesting, mythology. On the other hand there are doubts about the existence of the idea and the icon of this deity" before the fourth to fifth century A.D. ...
 
Possible influences
 
Courtright reviews various speculative theories about the early history of Ganesha, including supposed tribal traditions and animal cults, and dismisses all of them in this way:
 

In this search for a historical origin for Gaņeśa, some have suggested precise locations outside the Brāhmaṇic tradition.... These historical locations are intriguing to be sure, but the fact remains that they are all speculations, variations on the Dravidian hypothesis, which argues that anything not attested to in the Vedic and Indo-European sources must have come into Brāhmaṇic religion from the Dravidian or aboriginal populations of India as part of the process that produced Hinduism out of the interactions of the Aryan and non-Aryan populations. There is no independent evidence for an elephant cult or a totem; nor is there any archaeological data pointing to a tradition prior to what we can already see in place in the Purāṇic literature and the iconography of Gaņeśa.
 
Thapan's book on the development of Ganesha devotes a chapter to speculations about the role elephants had in early India but concludes that, "although by the second century CE the elephant-headed yakṣa form exists it cannot be presumed to represent Gaṇapati-Vināyaka. There is no evidence of a deity by this name having an elephant or elephant-headed form at this early stage. Gaṇapati-Vināyaka had yet to make his debut."
 
One theory of the origin of Ganesha is that he gradually came to prominence in connection with the four Vinayakas (Vināyakas).In Hindu mythology, the Vināyakas were a group of four troublesome demons who created obstacles and difficulties but who were easily propitiated. The name Vināyaka is a common name for Ganesha both in the Purāṇas and in Buddhist Tantras. Krishan is one of the academics who accepts this view, stating flatly of Ganesha, "He is a non-vedic god. His origin is to be traced to the four Vināyakas, evil spirits, of the Mānavagŗhyasūtra (7th–4th century BCE) who cause various types of evil and suffering". Depictions of elephant-headed human figures, which some identify with Ganesha, appear in Indian art and coinage as early as the 2nd century. According to Ellawala, the elephant-headed Ganesha as lord of the Ganas was known to the people of Sri Lanka in the early pre-Christian era.[/i]

[SS91]

Auspicious Ashta vinayaka Temples

 

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha .All the Eight  Ashtavinayak Templs are Swayambhu (self-originated) and Jagrut.There are various names of Lord Ganesh for various places. The various names of Lord Ganesh are Moreshwar, Mahaganpati, Chintamani, Girijatmak, Vighneshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar and Varad Vinayak . These Temples are situated at Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Theur, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Siddhatek, Pali and Mahad. These places are at Pune, Ahamadnagar and Raigad district. Of the 8 vinayakas, 6 are in Pune district area and 2 in Raigad district but still comparatively nearer to the Pune areas.

Ballaleshwar Palli



Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Among the Ashtavinayakas, Ballaleshvara at Pali is the only Ganesha who is famous by the name of his devotee and who is dressed up as a brahmin.

Village Pali is situated between fort Sarasgad & river Amba flowing on the other side. On being pleased by devotion of Ballal, Shri Ganesh remained in the stone worshipped by Ballal & hence is called as Ballaleshwar of Pali. Village Pali is situated in the Sudhagad taluka in the district of Raigad. This place is nestled between the fort Sarasgad and River Amba. The nearest railway station is Karjat, which is 30Kms away.

[SS91]

Chintamani Theur

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage tour covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. At Theyoor in the Haveli Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra is the Ashtavinayak temple dedicated to Chintamani Vinayak. The village is along the river Mulamutha. Lord Ganesha as Chintamani is god who brings peace of mind and drives away all perplexities of the mind.

It is believed that Brahma the creator once felt tharva that is restive. To still his mind he called upon Lord Ganesh. The place where Brahma achieved the quietude he was looking for is known as the Sthavar region or as Theur.