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12 Forms Of Ganesha

Ganapati Stotra

Information

Ganesha ,who is originated from the 'Aumkar' is the son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati,has features of an elephant like, a curved trunk,big ears,a huge stomach and body of a human being.Ganesha became the Lord of all existing beings (Ganas) after winning the contest with his brother Kartikaya.

The word 'Ganesh' is formed by union of 'Gana+Ish' ie the God(Ish) of Ganas(Troops),Similarly 'Ganapati'=Gana+Pati ie the Leader of Ganas.

Ganesha appeared in a clearly recognizable form in the 4th and 5th centuries,during the Gupta period.Ganesha images were prevalent in many parts ofIn 9th century,Ganesha was included in the five primary deityies,in 'Smartism',one of the Hindu Sects.

The principal scriptures dedicated to Ganesha are the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgal Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsha.

According to the Kundalini Yoga,Ganesha resides in the first Chakra,called 'Muladhara'(main support) ie is the base of the spine.Thus, Ganesha has a permanent abode in every being at the Muladhara. Ganesha holds, supports and guides all other chakras, thereby governing the forces that propel the wheel of life.

Ganesha's every feature is symbolic.

Elephant head represents the mighty strength of many elephants and the human form is a symbol of wisdom, brilliance and abilities. The mouse is the symbol of a sharp mind.Ganesha's four hands represent four directions of the universe.He carries a rope,in his hands to carry his devotees to the truth.

An axe to cut the devotees' attachments and the sweet dessert ball " Laddoo " for devotees,as blessings.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the 'Mahabharat'.Shri.Ganesha's fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless dissiples.

Shri.Ganesha is the symbol of auspiciousness He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and remover of obstacles.Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride.He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations.

Ganesha is the most widely worshipped deities in Hindus.His image is found through out India and Nepal.All Tantric and spiritual worship in the Hindu tradition begins with the invocation of Ganesha.

He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge,wisdom and wealth.Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu Gods.Ganesha is remembered by all his devotees at every moment of their lives.

He has so many myths and legends to his credit, which show his importance and extent of his power and also cause for his popularity in the whole universe. There will be no religious objection if Ganesha's image is given different forms.

The Shrines of Ganesha are not only found in India but pre-ancient temples and the sculptures are found all over the world.Ganesha has various forms and also names but faith of devotees has always remained the same.

"Shree Ganesh Chaturthi" is the most popular Hindu festival. This is the birthday of Ganesha which comes on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the month "Bhadrapada"(Aug.-Sept.).

Meditation on the Ganesha Yantra creates internal balance.On the begining of every auspicious events, Shri.Ganesha is remembered by the dissiples by reciting the bhajans and by chanting "Ganesh Mantras",- "Aum Shri. Ganeshaya Namaha".

12 Forms Of Ganesha

Ganapati Stotra

The 12 forms of Ganesha are prescribed for good education and removal of all obstacles.The 12 forms are associated with 12 rashis(zodiac signs).These 12 Ganesha names are given by Narad Muni.

01) Vakratunda
Means,a twisted trunk.This form represents the embodiment of the form of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Matsaryasura (jealousy). His mount ie Vahan(vehicle) is a lion.

02) Ekadanta
Means,a single tusk.This form represents the embodiment of the essential nature of Brahman. the purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Madasura (arrogance). His mount is a mouse.

03) Mahodara
Means,'Maha Udara' ie big stomach.This form represents the embodiment of the wisdom of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Mohasura (confusion). His mount is a mouse.

04) Gajavaktra
Means,an elephant face.The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Lobhasura (greed). His mount is a mouse.

05) Lambodara
Means,a Long belly.This form represents the Shakti, the pure power of Brahman.The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Krodhasura (anger). His mount is a mouse.

06) Vikata
Means,mishaps.This form represents the illuminating nature of Brahman.The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Kamasura (lust). His mount is a peacock.

07) Vighnaraja
Means,the king of obstacles.This form represents the embodiment of the preserving nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Mamasura (possessiveness). His mount is the celestial serpent Śesha.

08) Dhumravarna
Means,grey color.This form represents the destructive nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Abhimanasura (pride). His mount is a horse.

9) Bhalchandra
Means, who has a moon on his head.This form represents the power of perfectly knowing the Brahma and storing the entire knowledge of Brahma.

10) Vinayaka
Means,one who is totally master of himself.Vinayaka is the deity who removes all bad qualities,installs virtues and blesses with.He possesses great intelligence and knowledge. Such knowledge issues from a pure and sacred mind.

11) Ganapati
Means, a swami of Ganas (troops).This form represents the controll over-Nar (Men), Asur (Demon),Nag (Snakes) Chaturveda (four vedas) and four Purusharthas. So, known as Ganancha Adhipati.......means Ganapati.

12) Gajanana
Means, the God having the face of elephant.This form represents the determination to protect the dignity and status of mankind forever. It is beleived that a man and an elephant can live up to 120 years of age.Thus, Ganesha has established a relation between a man and an elephant by incarnating himself in this form.