Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, is widely revered and worshipped in Hinduism. He is known by many names, each with a specific meaning and significance. In this article, we will explore 21 of the most popular names of Lord Ganesha, their meanings, and their significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality.
Introduction
Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, or Vighnaharta, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is worshipped as the God of beginnings, wisdom, and obstacles. Ganesha is believed to be the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good luck and prosperity. He is depicted as a chubby, gentle, and benevolent deity with an elephant head and a human body.
1. Ganapati
Ganapati is one of the most popular names of Lord Ganesha. It means the Lord of multitudes or the Lord of categories. The name signifies Ganesha’s ability to remove obstacles and bring success in various endeavors.
2. Vinayaka
Vinayaka is another popular name of Lord Ganesha. It means the remover of obstacles or the leader of the multitude. The name signifies Ganesha’s power to remove all obstacles and lead his devotees to success and happiness.
3. Vighnaharta
Vighnaharta means the destroyer of obstacles. It is one of the most significant names of Lord Ganesha. The name signifies Ganesha’s ability to remove all obstacles and pave the way for his devotees to achieve their goals.
4. Lambodara
Lambodara means the one with a big belly. The name signifies Ganesha’s love for food and his ability to digest everything, both physically and spiritually. The big belly of Ganesha is also symbolic of his generosity and abundance.
5. Ekadanta
Ekadanta means the one with a single tusk. The name signifies Ganesha’s unique appearance and his ability to overcome duality and contradictions. The single tusk of Ganesha is also symbolic of his wisdom and intellect.
6. Gajanan
Gajanan means the one with an elephant face. The name signifies Ganesha’s unique appearance and his close association with elephants, which are considered to be the embodiment of wisdom and strength.
7. Siddhivinayaka
Siddhivinayaka means the one who grants success. The name signifies Ganesha’s ability to remove obstacles and bring success and prosperity to his devotees. It is believed that worshipping Siddhivinayaka can bring good luck and fulfillment of desires.
8. Bhalchandra
Bhalchandra means the one with the moon on his forehead. The name signifies Ganesha’s radiance and brightness, which are compared to the full moon. The moon on Ganesha’s forehead is also symbolic of his calm and peaceful nature.
9. Heramba
Heramba means the one who is fearless. The name signifies Ganesha’s courage and bravery, which are believed to be necessary qualities for success in life. Heramba is also known as the protector of the weak and the oppressed.
10. Vakratunda
Vakratunda means the one with a curved trunk. The name signifies Ganesha’s unique appearance and his ability to adapt to different situations and circumstances. The curved trunk of Ganesha is also symbolic of his flexibility and versatility.
11. Mushikavahana
Mushikavahana means the one who rides a mouse. The name signifies Ganesha’s humility and his ability to use even the smallest of creatures to accomplish his tasks. The mouse on which Ganesha rides is also symbolic of his control over his desires and impulses.
12. Durja
Durja means the invincible one. The name signifies Ganesha’s strength and his ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge. Durja is also known as the Lord of power and is worshipped for his ability to grant physical and mental strength to his devotees.
13. Sumukha
Sumukha means the one with a beautiful face. The name signifies Ganesha’s beauty and radiance, which are believed to be the source of his divine grace and blessings. Sumukha is also known as the Lord of good beginnings and is worshipped for his ability to bring auspiciousness and prosperity.
14. Dhumravarna
Dhumravarna means the one with a smoke-colored complexion. The name signifies Ganesha’s association with fire and smoke, which are considered to be purifying and transformative elements in Hindu mythology. Dhumravarna is also known as the Lord of sacrifice and is worshipped for his ability to purify and transform the lives of his devotees.
15. Kshipra
Kshipra means the quick one. The name signifies Ganesha’s speed and agility, which are believed to be necessary qualities for success in life. Kshipra is also known as the Lord of forgiveness and is worshipped for his ability to grant forgiveness and remove obstacles in the path of his devotees.
16. Tarun
Tarun means the youthful one. The name signifies Ganesha’s eternal youthfulness and his ability to remain fresh and vibrant even in the face of challenges and obstacles. Tarun is also known as the Lord of knowledge and is worshipped for his ability to grant wisdom and enlightenment to his devotees.
17. Uddanda
Uddanda means the one who punishes the wicked. The name signifies Ganesha’s role as a protector of righteousness and justice. Uddanda is also known as the Lord of discipline and is worshipped for his ability to impart discipline and self-control to his devotees.
18. Vighnaraja
Vighnaraja means the king of obstacles. The name signifies Ganesha’s ability to control and overcome obstacles and challenges in life. Vighnaraja is also known as the Lord of leadership and is worshipped for his ability to guide and lead his devotees towards success and prosperity.
19. Gaurisuta
Gaurisuta means the son of Goddess Gauri. The name signifies Ganesha’s close association with his mother, Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri. Gaurisuta is also known as the Lord of devotion and is worshipped for his ability to inspire devotion and love in the hearts of his devotees.
20. Nrityapriya
Nrityapriya means the lover of dance. The name signifies Ganesha’s love for music and dance, which are considered to be sacred arts in Hindu mythology. Nrityapriya is also known as the Lord of creativity and is worshipped for his ability to inspire creativity and innovation in the minds of his devotees.
21. Shaktinath
Shaktinath means the Lord of power. The name signifies Ganesha’s association with Shakti, the divine feminine energy in Hindu mythology. Shaktinath is also known as the Lord of energy and is worshipped for his ability to grant power and strength to his devotees. He is also believed to be the remover of all obstacles and the harbinger of good fortune and success.
How To Recite the 21 Names of Lord Ganesha
Reciting the 21 Names of Lord Ganesha is a popular ritual among Hindus. This ritual is believed to help one overcome obstacles in life and attain success. Here’s how you can recite the Ganesha 21 Names:
- Start by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes.
- Sit in a quiet place with a peaceful mind, facing the east or north direction.
- Place a picture or idol of Lord Ganesha in front of you.
- Light a lamp and incense stick as a symbol of devotion.
- Begin the recitation by chanting “Om” three times to invoke the divine energy.
- Now, recite each of the 21 Names of Lord Ganesha while meditating on his divine qualities and attributes.
- After completing the recitation, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Ganesha as a symbol of gratitude.
- Finally, conclude the ritual by chanting “Om” three times and seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings for success in your endeavors.
Reciting the Ganesha 21 Names with devotion and faith is believed to bring blessings, remove obstacles, and lead to success and prosperity in life.
Eka Vimshati Namavali of Lord Ganesha
| 1 | सुमुख Sumukha | ॐ सुमुखाय नमः। Om Sumukhaya Namah। |
| 2 | गणाधीश Ganadhisha | ॐ गणाधीशाय नमः। Om Ganadhishaya Namah। |
| 3 | उमा पुत्र Umaputra | ॐ उमा पुत्राय नमः। Om Uma Putraya Namah। |
| 4 | गजमुख Gajamukha | ॐ गजमुखाय नमः। Om Gajamukhaya Namah। |
| 5 | लम्बोदर Lambodara | ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः। Om Lambodaraya Namah। |
| 6 | हरसून Harasuna | ॐ हर सूनवे नमः। Om Hara Sunave Namah। |
| 7 | शूर्पकर्ण Shurpakarna | ॐ शूर्पकर्णाय नमः। Om Shurpakarnaya Namah। |
| 8 | वक्रतुण्ड Vakratunda | ॐ वक्रतुण्डाय नमः। Om Vakratundaya Namah। |
| 9 | गुहाग्रज Guhagraja | ॐ गुहाग्रजाय नमः। Om Guhagrajaya Namah। |
| 10 | एकदन्त Ekadanta | ॐ एकदन्ताय नमः। Om Ekadantaya Namah। |
| 11 | हेरम्ब Heramba | ॐ हेरम्बराय नमः। Om Herambaraya Namah। |
| 12 | चतुर्होत्र Chaturhotra | ॐ चतुर्होत्रै नमः। Om Chaturhotrai Namah। |
| 13 | सर्वेश्वर Sarveshwara | ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः। Om Sarveshvaraya Namah। |
| 14 | विकट Vikata | ॐ विकटाय नमः Om Vikataya Namah। |
| 15 | हेमतुण्ड Hematunda | ॐ हेमतुण्डाय नमः। Om Hematundaya Namah। |
| 16 | विनायक Vinayaka | ॐ विनायकाय नमः। Om Vinayakaya Namah। |
| 17 | कपिल Kapila | ॐ कपिलाय नमः। Om Kapilaya Namah। |
| 18 | वटवे Vatave | ॐ वटवे नमः। Om Vatave Namah। |
| 19 | भालचन्द्र Bhalachandra | ॐ भाल चन्द्राय नमः। Om Bhala Chandraya Namah। |
| 20 | सुराग्रज Suragraja | ॐ सुराग्रजाय नमः। Om Suragrajaya Namah। |
| 21 | सिद्धि विनायक Siddhi Vinayaka | ॐ सिद्धि विनायकाय नमः। Om Siddhi Vinayakaya Namah। |
What is Lord Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali
Lord Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a prayer or hymn that is recited in praise of Lord Ganesha. It consists of 108 different names or epithets of Ganesha, each of which is believed to represent a different aspect of the deity’s personality, qualities, or attributes.
The word “ashtottara” means “108,” while “shatanamavali” means “names.” As such, the prayer is also sometimes called “Ganesha 108 Names” or “Ganesha Sahasranama” (which means “thousand names of Ganesha,” even though the prayer only contains 108 names).
Reciting the Lord Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali is considered a powerful spiritual practice that can help devotees connect with Ganesha’s divine energy and seek his blessings for success, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. It is often recited during Ganesha Chaturthi and other auspicious occasions.
Some of the names of Lord Ganesha included in the Ashtottara Shatanamavali are:
- Vakratunda – One with a curved trunk
- Ekadanta – One with one tusk
- Gajanana – One with the face of an elephant
- Lambodara – One with a large belly
- Vighnaraja – King of obstacles
- Ganapati – Lord of all groups
- Vinayaka – Remover of obstacles
- Siddhidata – Bestower of success
- Bhalachandra – One with a crescent moon on his forehead
- Gajavaktra – One with the face of an elephant
Reciting these names of Ganesha with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring spiritual and material benefits to the devotee.
Famous Temples of Lord Ganesha
Here are some of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha:
1. Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
2. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Andhra Pradesh
3. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
4. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu
5. Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry
6. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi
7. Ganesha Temple, Hampi
8. Ganesh Tok Temple, Gangtok
9. Madhur Ganapati Temple, Kerala
10. Ganesha Temple, Goa
These are just a few of the many temples across India and other countries where Ganesha is worshipped with great devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 32 forms of Ganesha?
The 32 forms of Ganesha are believed to represent various aspects of his divine qualities and attributes. These forms are depicted in Hindu scriptures and art, each with its unique symbolism and significance.
What are the unique names of Ganpati?
Ganpati is also known by various unique names such as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), Vinayaka (leader of the divine forces), Gajanana (elephant-faced), Lambodara (big-bellied), and many more.
What are the 100 names of Lord Ganesha?
The 100 names of Lord Ganesha are collectively known as “Ganapati Atharvashirsha”. These names are recited in Hindu rituals and prayers to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Some of the popular names include Ganapati (lord of the multitudes), Gajanan (elephant-faced), Lambodara (big-bellied), and Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles).
What are the 10 names of Ganpati?
The 10 names of Ganpati are recited during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. These names include Gajanana (elephant-faced), Lambodara (big-bellied), Vakratunda (curved-trunk), Ekadanta (one-tusked), and more.
What is the nickname of Ganpati?
Ganpati is also known by the nickname “Ganesh” or “Ganesha”. The name “Ganesh” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Gana” (multitude) and “Isha” (lord), while “Ganesha” means “lord of the multitudes”.
What are the 12 names of Ganesh?
The 12 names of Ganesh are believed to represent his various forms and attributes. These names include Gajanana (elephant-faced), Siddhivinayaka (bestower of success), Vighnaraja (king of obstacles), and more. These names are often recited during Hindu rituals and prayers to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha.