Last Updated: August 24, 2022, 09:56 IST
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will start on August 31 and end on Anant Chaturdashi, September 9. (Image: Sachin Gokhale)
Just as Ganesh Chaturthi is popularly also called as Vināyaka Chaturthī, or Vinayaka Chaviti, the deity too has multiple names. It may sound surprising, but Lord Ganesha has 108 names
GANESH CHATURTHI 2022: One of the most-awaited festival, Ganesh Chaturthi is just round the corner. The celebrations will start on August 31 and end on Anant Chaturdashi, September 9. Just as Ganesh Chaturthi is popularly also called as Vināyaka Chaturthī, or Vinayaka Chaviti, the deity too has multiple names. It may sound surprising, but Lord Ganesha has 108 names.
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The name Ganesha is a compound Sanskrit word which means ‘lord’ (isha) of a ‘multitude of people’ (gana). Likewise, the name ‘Ganapati’ (or Ganadhyakshaya) by which the Shiv-Parvati son is commonly known, also means the same. However, if we try and dig a little deeper, there is a whole list of names that we didn’t even know existed.
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As a matter of fact, Ganesha who is the lord of wisdom and good fortune is known to be addressed by 108 names.
Most uncommon names of Lord Ganesha!
- Alampata
One who is forever eternal - Balaganapati
Beloved and lovable child - Dhoomravarna
Smoke; Hued Lord - Eshanputra
Son of Lord Shiva - Gunina
The Lord of Virtues - Ganadhakshya
The lord of Lords - Haridra
One who is golden coloured - Heramba
Mother’s beloved son - Kirti
Lord of music - Manomay
The winners of hearts - Mahabala
The one who is enormously strong - Nadapratithishta
One who appreciates and loves music - Omkara
One who has the form of Om - Purush
The omnipotent personality - Rakta
One who has a red coloured body - Siddhidhata
Bestower of accomplishments and success - Tarun
The one that is ageless - Uddanda
Nemesis of evils and vices - Vidyavaridhi
God of wisdom - Vigneshwara
Lord of all obstacles - Yogadhipa
The Lord of meditation
HERE’S A LOOK AT 8 COMMON NAMES OF LORD GANESHA:
- Gajanan
The elephant-headed god is known by this name as he is the one with the elephant’s (gaja) face (anan); just as the name suggests. According to the Mudgala Purana, Gajanan is Ganesha’s eighth avatar to whom Lobhasura had surrendered. - Vighnaharta
‘Vighna’ implies troubles while ‘harta’ means one who removes. Ganesha is often addressed by this name that suggests the divine power which Ganesha embodies, that is the ability to remove problems and sufferings from the devotees’ lives. - Vinayaka
This is another name of ‘Gaurisuta’ (Gauri’s son) that is similar to Vighnaharta. It means one who is the master at removing all hindrances. - Bhalchandra
The name derives its significance from the avatar of Ganesha (Bala/child) who carries chandra (moon) on his forehead. Brahmanda Purana states that Ganesha rescued Chandra from Darbhi saint’s curse when as a boy he took pity and wore moon as tilak on his forehead. - Ekadanta
The single-tusked Ganesha has one half broken tooth and hence the name ‘eka’ (one), ‘danta’ (tooth). The legend says that Parashuram got angry and chipped one of Ganesha’s teeth when the latter tried to stop him from meeting Shiva. - Vakratunda
This is Ganesha’s first incarnation that means curved (vakra) trunk (tunda). He helped regain the lost kingdom of gods by conquering the demon Matsara. - Lambodara
It literally means the one with a huge belly. According to Mudgala Purana, Ganesha in Lambodara avatar protected the gods from the troublesome Krodhasura. - Krishnapingaksha
It means dark complexion (krishna), smoky (pinga), eyes (aksha). Ganesha who can see everything through earth and clouds and deliver everyone from pain.
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