Who is the Hindu Deity Ganesha? 108 names of Lord Ganesha with their meanings, How to do Ganesh Pooja ?

Indian Mythology dates back to innumerable thousands of decades and consists of a unbelievable number, 330 million, of deities.

Lord Ganesha, also called as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vinayaga, Pillaiyar, is known as the God of well beginnings and obstacle remover. Lord Ganesha is worshipped with lot of faith and belief by the Hindu's. Each and every Hindu believe that by worshiping Lord Ganesha before any work results in success.

Lord Ganesha is also called the wisdom God and it is a belief among the students in India that worshipping Lord Ganesha before exams results in supreme success.

According to Hindu Mythology, Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Murugan. There are many debates which contradict that whether Ganesha is elder or younger brother of Murugan. But as per tradition and faith, Murugan is considered as elder brother of Ganesha.

The elephant face of Lord Ganesha with the trunk as his nose, makes him standout among all Gods and Godesses, forming a lovable image for small kids. Almost every kid in India adores Lord Ganesha and happily worship the Lord, asking for their cute naughty wishes.

In a way he is the sweet Santa God for the Kids in India, always showering his kind and affectionate blessings on them.

The carrier of Lord Ganesha is mouse (rat), and is believed to be his messenger, each and every Ganapati temple in India will have a mouse idol in front of the Ganesh Idol , looking towards Ganesha.

In few places, people would whisper their wishes in the mouse ears, so that the mouse communicates the wish back to Ganesha for fulfillment.

(C) Copyright 2013 by Anand

1) Story of birth of Lord Ganesha

Once when Goddess Parvati went to take bath she ordered Nandi (Lord Shiva's Loyal Guard, the Bull) to guard the entrance and let no one inside. But when Lord Shiva came and wanted to go in, Nandi being loyal to Shiva didn't stop him.

Seeing this Parvati felt that there is no one as loyal to her as Nandi to Shiva, and she took the Turmeric paste from her body and shaped it into a boy and gave life to it.

The boy was named as the loyal son of Parvati.

The next time when Parvati went to take bath she asked her Son to Guard the entrance and let no one inside. Being loyal to his mother, he obediently stood to guard the place.

Soon Lord Shiva came and he wanted to go in, but was confronted by the young boy. Seeing this Lord Shiva got angry and sent his army to teach him a lesson.

But the boy being Goddess Parvati's son, toyed with the army and defeated them easily. Seeing this Lord Shiva got furious and threw his Weapon (The Trishul, three pointed spear) towards the boy and the weapon beheaded the boy and sent his head tumbling far away in the galaxy.

When Parvati returned she was in shatters seeing her beheaded son, and got full with rage and wanted to destroy the entire earth and heaven. Seeing this Lord Bramha (Creator of the earth), intervened and asked the Goddess to show mercy.

Listening to Lord Bramha, Parvati asked for two things:

Firstly, the boy should be brought back to life and Second, that he should be worshipped foremost among all the Gods.

By that time Lord Shiva's anger had cooled down and he realised his mistake, so he asks Bramha to get a head for the boy, asking him to get the head of the first creature he sees while travelling towards North.

Soon, Lord Bramha returns with the head of a elephant, which Lord Shiva takes and places as the boys head, bringing him back to life.

After that he was names as Ganesha by all the Gods, and they showered flowers and blessing to the Young Lord Ganesha.

Ganesha or the Supreme among the Ganas (Gods), since then is worshipped the first among all the Gods.

2) Lord Ganesha and Murugan going around the world

Once Saint Narad came across with a fruit and gave it to Lord Shiva and Parvati, asking them to give it to the person they love the most.

Both Shiva and Parvati were in a dilemma whether to give it to their son Ganesha or to their son Murugan.

Shiva then decided to have a competition between both of them and tells them that, whoever goes around the world three times and comes back first will get the fruit.

Hearing this Lord Murugan embarks upon his carried, the peacock and starts for his Journey around the world. Ganesha stays back and thinks for a while and then starts going around his parents Lord Shiva and Paravati, and completes three rounds and says:

'For me my parents are my world and I have completed the challenge by going around the world three times'

Seeing the wisdom of Ganesha, Lord Shiva declares him the winner and gives the fruit to him.

When Murugan returns and learns that he has been defeated he gets upset, seeing which Lord Ganesha readily offers the fruit to him.

Since then, Ganesha is worshipped and known for his wisdom and generosity.

3) Ganesha and Kubera

Once Kubera (Lord of wealth) invites Lord Shiva and Parvati to his palace to have a feast. But both of them say no, and when Kubera insists, Lord Shiva then says that they won't be able to come but can send their son Ganesha, but if Kubera will be able to feed him.

Seeing Ganesha, as a young kid, Kubera burst into laughter and says that he can feed thousands of kids like him.

Ganesha then goes to Kubera's Palace and starts eating, soon all food in the palace gets over. Kubera asks his men to get more food, but Ganesha eats them all and then starts eating the palace furniture's.

Then he goes towards kubera saying that you are not able to feed me, am still hungry so I will eat you. Kubera gets frightened and goes to Lord Shiva, Shiva asks him to give up his pride and feed a handful of rice to Ganesha with modesty.

Kubera learns a lesson and does the same. Ganesha happily eats the rice and his hunger goes away.

4) Ganesha and No Moon day

Once at night when Ganesha was returning from a feast, where he had overeaten, his belly was too heavy and soon burst out. Seeing his belly wide open Ganesha catches a snake passing by and ties his stomach back.

Seeing this the Moon bursts into laughter, feeling insulted Ganesha curses the moon to get vanished in the night.

Moon soon realising his fault, pleads to Ganesha to have mercy on him.

As curse can't be taken back, Ganesha lessens its effect saying that only once in a year the moon will vanish in the sky during the night.

Since then we observer the day as Amavasya or the No Moon day, when there is no moon seen in the Sky during the night.

5) Ganesha and Durva (Bermuda Grass)

Once upon a time, a demon called Anal Asura, who used to emit fireballs from his eyes, has terrorized all the Gods. Anal Asura was a gigantic demon and just his voice would make any God tremble, he was ferocious with the fireballs emitting from his eyes.

All the Gods being terrified go to Lord Ganesha to ask for help. Ganesha hearing about the notorious demon, decides to destroy him. Ganesha then goes to the demons place and they start fighting with their eyes.

Anal Asura starts emitting fireballs simultaneously moving towards Ganesha to gulp him over. Seeing this Ganesha takes a gigantic form and before Anal Asura could understand anything, gulps him over.

After gulping Anal Asura, due to the demons heat emission, Ganesha starts feeling restless.

All Gods come to his help, and start providing remedy one by one. First they all shape the moon essence and place it on his head, then Lord Vishnu (preserver of the universe) puts Lotus in his hand, Lord Shiva ties a cobra round his belly, Rain God showers plenty of water but all go in vain.

Seeing this Saints present there, suggest to place 21 durva grass on Ganeshas forehead, and all Gods agree to that. One placing the Durva grass, Ganesha recovers miraculously. Since then he adores Durva grass and anyone worshipping Lord Ganesha with Durva grass gets boons.

Another story about Durva grass says that, Ganesha was in love with a semi Goddess yakshini, but Parvati doesn't like it, she curses yakshini to become Durva grass. So that no one pays attention to her. But as Yakshini pleads, Parvati blesses her by saying that even she is Durva grass she will always be the object of affection for Ganesha.

6) Ganesha's favorite Modak (Sweet made of Jaggery and coconut filled into rice balls)

Once the Saints come and provide a precious Modak to Shiva and Parvati and say that whoever has this delicious Modak will gain never ending intellect.

There was only one Modaks and Parvati had to now decide between Ganesha and Murugan. She calls both of them and says if you need this delicious Modak you both need to compete, One who goes and worships all Gana's (God's) and comes back the first will have this Modak.

Listening to this Murugan rides his peacock and goes fast to worship all Gana's. Ganesha tempted by the Modak, thinks for a while and sits down to worship Parvati and Shiva. Once done Ganesha says, no one is more supreme and complete in the whole world other than Parents. So I have worshiped all the Gana's in the entire world by worshipping my parents.

Parvati, seeing Ganesha's intellect and sincerity, gives the Modak to him. Ganesha happily consumes the Modak and since then Modak is favorite offering for Lord Ganesha.

7) How Mouse became the vehicle/carrier of Lord Ganesha

Once there was a demon called Gajamugasuram, who got boons from Lord Shiva and became very powerful. In the ego of his power he started tormenting the Gods, and they approached Shiva for help. Shiva sent Ganesha to help the Gods. Ganesha went and fought with the demon with all his weapons and might but failed as the demon had got boons from Lord Shiva.

Then the demon took the form of a huge mouse and ran towards Ganesha to destroy him. Seeing the mouse coming towards him, Ganesha smartly jumped and sat over the mouse. After sitting on top of the mouse, the demon got terrified and asked for mercy.
Ganesha then took pity and said that from that day onwards he will be his vehicle.

Another mythological story says that, One when the music God, Karuncha, accidentally stepped over the feet of a Saint. The Saint cursed him to become a mouse.

Karuncha transformed into a gigantic mouse and started destroying everything in his path. Ganesha then came to the rescue and sat over the mouse, not able to bear the weight of Ganesha, Karuncha pleaded for mercy.

Ganesha then made himself light weighted to give Karuncha relief and said that from that day onwards, the mouse will be his vehicle.

1. "Shuklam bara Dharam vishnu shashi varnam chatur bhujam prasna vardanam dhayet sarva vighna upashantaye", meaning; We pray to Lord Ganesha, who is pure, present everywhere, has ash colored body, has four hands, has a glow of happiness and can destroy any obstacles.
2. "Vakra tunda Mahakaya SuryaKoti Samaprabha Nirvigna Kur mey deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada", meaning; Lord Ganesha, who has a trunk and huge body, and shine that of millions of Suns rays, please remove all obstacles from the path of the work that I am going to do.
3. "Gajanana boodra Ganati sevitam Kavita Jamphobala sara Bakshitam Umasootam shoka vinasha karanam namami vigneshwara pada pankajam", meaning; Lord Ganesha with the elephant face, worshipped by all the Gods, who likes the fruits Kavita and Jamphobala, son of Parvati, destroyer of obstacles and miseries, we worship your Lotus feet.
4. "Tatpurushaya vidmahe Vakratunda dheemahe Tanno dhandati prachodayaate", meaning; We worship the supreme power, single tusked, generous boon giver, Lord Ganesha.
5. "Aum Gan Ganpatayh Namha"; meaning; O Lord of the World, Ganesha, we offer our sincere bows and greetings to you as your devotees. This is the mul or main Prayer for Lord Ganesha and when recited 108 times a day is said to remove all obstacles and evil from your life.
6. Aarti for Lord Ganesha

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh
Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki parwati
Pita maha deva

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh
Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki parwati
Pita maha deva

Ek dant daya want
Char bhuuja dhari

Ek dant daya want
Char bhuuja dhari

Mathe sindor shoye
Muse ki sawari
Pan chadhe Phool Chadhe
Aur Chadhe Mewa
Laduan ko bhog lage
Sant kare seva

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh
Jai ganesh deva
Mata jaki parwati
Pita maha deva

Andhan ko aankh det
Kodhin ko kaya
Andhan ko aankh det
Kodhin ko kaya

Bajhan ko purta det
Nirdhan ko maya

Surya Shaam Sharan aaye
Safal ki jiye sewa

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh
Jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki parwati
Pita maha deva

Lord Ganesha is always associated with one's prosperity, success and well being. Hindu's always chant and worship Ganesha before they venture out for any work or travel or any good deed.

Ganesh chaturthi or Ganesh utsav is celebrated widely in India, on the day of re-birth of Lord Ganesha.

The day when Lord Shiva replaces Parvati's son's head with that of a elephant and declares him as their Son Ganesha (Supreme among all Gods) and blesses him to be worshipped foremost among all Gods.

Ganesh Utsav falls between Aug 19 to September 20 every year and is celebrated over 10 days. The festival is celebrated with most enthusiasm and in a loud manner in Mumbai, the western part of India.

People build large pandals (Huge Tents decorated with Flowers and lights) all over the city and Worship Ganesha's Idol (About 50-80 feet high), made of clay, over 10 days before the Idol is carried with music and dance towards the Sea for Immersion.

Why to Immerse Ganesha's Idol in water ? The process of immersing Ganesha's clay Idol into water is known as Visarjan. It symbolises the Hindu faith of Moksha: Not clinging to the worldly pleasures, You need to leave the earth empty handed, the same way as you came.

Heavy crowd gathers over to move around the city and worship Lord Ganesha with various offerings like Modak, flowers, Durva etc. It feels like the city is buzzing and colorfully lighted 24 X 7 for 10 days.

If you want to take a glimpse of the festival and be part of the immersion crowd, dance and music; then Mumbai is the destination for you between August 19 to September 20.

Not to forget, the EXCELLENT job done by the Mumbai Police, to carefully organize and protect the huge crowd of millions of devotees, during the Immersion process of Lord Ganesha. My heartful salute to them !!

Famous Lord Ganesha temples in India

1) Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra -- One of the most famous Ganesha temple in the world.

2) Chintamani Temple, Pune, Maharashtra -- Another famous temple is known for its uniqueness.

3) Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu -- Temple situated on top of a rock mountain is very famous in Southern India.

All the above cities are well connected by air, road and train. Best time to go is August-September if you like to be a part of large crowd or November- December if you like to pay visit quietly and in serenity.

Famous Ganesha temples in United States of America

You would be amazed to know that there are hundreds of Ganesha temple in USA, the most famous and known once are stated below.

1. Sri Venkateswara Temple at 1230, South McCully Dr, Penn Hills, PA 15235 is one of the oldest Hindu temple in USA. The temple is open everyday between 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM for devotees. More info here: http://www.svtemple.org/
2. Ganesha Temple at Flushing, New York is the first Hindu temple dedicated solely to Lord Ganesha and is a hub for Hindus to gather and conduct bhajans and get together. More info: https://nyganeshtemple.org/
3. Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, 3350 North German Church Road, Indianapolis offers guided tours with religion preaching to its devotees. More info: http://www.htci.org/
4. Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Iowa,3392 155th Lane, Madrid, IA 50156, more info: http://www.iowatemple.org/ReligiousServices.asp
5. Sunnyvale Hindu Temple and Community Center, South Bay provides Yoga classes in addition to the temple worships. More info: www.sunnyvaletemple.org/

1. Akhuratha: One who has mouse as his carrier, shows that nothing in the world is small and each and every living being has its significance, however small they maybe.
2. Alampata: One who is the Lord of all Gods.
3. Amit: One who is beginning of all beginnings, above any comparisons.
4. Anantachidrupamayam: One who is never ending, can be felt only by deep meditation.
5. Avaneesh: One who protects the helpless and destroys the evil.
6. Avighna: One whose name when chanted, removes obstacles.
7. Balaganapati: One who is adorable child of all Gods.
8. Bhalchandra: One who reflects intelligence and peace.
9. Bheema: A symbol of strength and massive power.
10. Bhoopati: One who is even worshipped by the Gods.
11. Bhoovanpati: One on whom all the Gods depend.
12. Budhinath: One who has abundance of never ending wisdom.
13. Buddhipriya: One who can enlighten wisdom in others.
14. Buddhividhata: One whose name when taken day and night, fills your heart and soul with enlightenment.
15. Chatubhujeti: One who has four arms.
16. DevaDeva: Master of all Gods, is the first God to be worshipped before any Hindu rituals can begin.
17. Devantakanashakarin: One who is the destroyer of evil forces.
18. Devavrata: One who accepts every living beings prayers and blesses them with his persona.
19. Devendrashikha: One who protects all Gods.
20. Dharmik: One who is gentle and preaches charity.
21. Dhoomravarna: One who has Eye pleasing smoke-hue colored body.
22. Durja: One who can never be defeated, is invincible.
23. Dvaimatura: One who has two mothers, Goddess Parvati and Ganga are both known to be Lord Ganeha's mother.
24. Ekaakshara: One who is the symbol of the enchanting letter 'Aum'.
25. Ekadanta: One with a single tusk, broken one.
26. Ekadrishta: One who is firm with his direction.
27. Eshanputra: One who is the son of the destroyer Lord Shiva.
28. Gadadhara: One who caries the powerful evil destroyer weapon, the Gada.
29. Gajakarna: One who has elephant eyes, powerful yet gentle.
30. Gajanana: One who has the face of a elephant, stands for power and strength.
31. Gajananeti: One who is elephant faced and can destroy all obstacles.
32. Gajavakra: One who has a elephant trunk, symbol of vast never ending knowledge.
33. Gajavaktra: One who has mouth like a elephant, loves sweets.
34. Ganadhakshya: Only one who is worshiped both by humans and Gods.
35. Ganadhyakshina: Supreme God, worshipped and loved by all.
36. Ganapati: Lord of all the Gods.
37. Gaurisuta: Son of Gauri, is another name for Goddess Parvati.
38. Gunina: One who is Lord of all virtues.
39. Haridra: One who glows like the golden rays of the Sun.
40. Heramba: One who is most adored by his mother and a protector of her.
41. Kapil: One who teaches the path of success and wisdom.
42. Kaveesha: One who is the Lord of poets.
43. Kirti: One who loves music.
44. Kirpakaram: One who is kind and merciful.
45. Krishapingaksha: One whose eyes are black, yellowish and brown eyed.
46. Kshamakaram: One who forgives you.
47. Kshipra: One who quickly answers your prayers.
48. Lambakarna: One who has large elephant like ears.
49. Lambodara: One who has huge belly.
50. Mahabala: One who is extremely strong and powerful.
51. Mahaganapati: One who has unlimited power and can do anything.
52. Maheshwaram: One who is the supreme Lord of the Universe.
53. Mangalamoorti: One who is a sign or symbol of success.
54. Manomay: One who fills your heart with love and affection.
55. Mritunjaya: One who has no end and is invincible.
56. Mudakaram: One who is the source of Joy.
57. Muktidaya: One who provides peace and protects his devotees from obstacles.
58. Musikvahan: One who has mouse as his vehicle
59. Nadapratithista: One who loves music and art.
60. Namasthetu: One who destroys all sins by his holy fire.
61. Nandana: One who is the son of Lord Shiva
62. Nideeswaram: One who is master of wealth and spiritual treasure.
63. Pashin: One who is steady and can't be shaken off.
64. Pitambar: One who wears yellow clothes, symbol of purity
65. Pramod: One who provides shelter to the homeless.
66. Prathameshvar: One who always is at the first place.
67. Purush: One who has the highest authority of the universe
68. Rakta: One who is symbolic of destroying his enemies with his tusk, symbolic to red colored blood.
69. Rudrapriya: One who is adored by Lord Shiva
70. Sarvadevatman: One who accepts offerings from Gods.
71. Sarvasiddhanta: One who provides skills to his devotees.
72. Sarvatman: One who is the well wisher of the entire Universe.
73. Shambhavi: One who is son of Goddess Parvati and is adored by her.
74. Shahsivarnam: One who has the complexion of the moon, symbolic to peace and tranquility.
75. Shoorpakarnai: One who has large ears, and gathers information from all possible directions.
76. Shuban: One who is pure and guarantor of success.
77. Shubagunakanan: One who is a collection of all treasures and good deeds.
78. Shweta: One who is worshipped with milk and white colored flowers.
79. Siddhidhata: One who blesses you with success.
80. Siddhipriya: One who grants wishes to his devotees.
81. Siddhivinayaka: One who grants boons and showers success on his devotees.
82. Skandapoorvaja: One who is elder to Skanda, Lord Murugan.
83. Sumukha: One who has the face of success and purity.
84. Sureshwaram: One who is the commander of all the Gods.
85. Swaroop: One who loves inner beauty.
86. Tarun: One who is youthful and full of wisdom.
87. Uddanda: One who punishes evil or evil doers.
88. Umaputra: One who is son of Uma, Another name of Parvati.
89. Vakratunda: One who has a askew trunk, not in correct position.
90. Varaganapati: One who is the provider of boons.
91. Varaprada: One who grants boons to his devotees.
92. Varadavinayaka: One who is generous and provides success.
93. Veeraganapati: One who is a courageful warrior.
94. Vidyavaridhi: One who has all the knowledge of the universe.
95. Vignahara: One who is the destroyer of Evil.
96. Vignaharta: One who is the destroyer of obstacles.
97. Vighnanashin: One who is the destroyer of obstacles and darkness.
98. Vighnaraja: One who is supreme and can remove any obstacle for his devotees.
99. Vighnarajendra: One who is the controller of obstacles and creates obstacles for evil.
100. Vighnavinashanaya: One who is the destroyer of pain and sufferings.
101. Vigneshwar: One who is controller of all obstacles.
102. Vikat: One who is huge in stature and posses supreme strength.
103. Vinayaka: One who is the Lord of all Gods.
104. Vishwamukha: One who is the controller of the universe.
105. Yagnakaya: One who accepts holy sacrificial fire from his devotees.
106. Yashaskaram: One who provides fame and glory to his devotees.
107. Yashvasin: One who is popular amongst all Gods.
108. Yogadhipa: One who is the lover and admirer of meditation.