Names of Lord Ganesha
'Ganeshsahastranam' containing the thousand Names of Lord Ganesh. The Dvadashanam verse (stotra) contains the following twelve Names of Ganapati.
प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकम् ।
तृतीयं कृष्णपिङ्गाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकम् ।।
लम्बोदरं पञ्चमं च षष्ठं विकटमेव च ।
सप्तमं विघ्नराजेन्द्रं धूम्रवर्णं तथाष्टकम् ।।
नवमं भालचन्द्रं च दशमं तु विनायकम् ।
एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तु गजाननम् ।।
Meaning
First Vakratunda, second Ekadanta
Third Krushnapingaksha, fourth Gajavaktra
Fifth is Lambodar, sixth is Vikata
Seventh Vighnarajendra, eighth Dhumravarnam
Ninth Bhalachandra, tenth Vinayak
Eleventh Ganapati, twelfth Gajanan.
The meaning of these twelve names and some others is given below.
1. Vakratunda
Generally it is considered that Vakratunda means one with a crooked mouth or trunk. However, this is incorrect. 'वक्रान् तुण्डयति इति वक्रतुण्ड: ।', meaning Vakratunda is one who punishes those who follow the wrong (unrighteous) path and leads them onto the righteous path. Vakratunda is one who straightens the tiryak and visphutit frequencies, that is the crooked raja-tama predominant 360 frequencies by means of His trunk and makes them sattvik (sattva predominant) like the 108 frequencies.
2. Ekadanta or Ekashrunga
This Name is bestowed because He has only one unbroken tusk (the other is broken). Of the two tusks, the right tusk is complete while the one on the left is broken. The right side represents the surya (sun) channel (nadi). As the surya channel is effulgent, the tusk on this side of Lord Ganapati can never be broken. It is symbolic of the singular Brahman (God principle). The word dantin (दंतीन) is derived from the root dru-darshayati (दृ-दर्शयति) [meaning to show]. Thus the Name also means that He is the one who shows the direction to acquire the spiritual experience of Brahman which is non-dual. According to one school of thought, medha and shraddha (faith) are the two tusks. Medha means intellect, the ability to comprehend. Medha is the incomplete (broken) tusk and shraddha the complete one.
3. Krushnapingaksha
This word is derived from Krushna (कृष्ण) + pinga (पिंग) + aksha (अक्ष). Krushna means the one with a dark complexion, pinga means smoky and aksha means the eye. The dark complexion is in the context of earth while smoky refers to the clouds. Thus it means one who has the earth and the clouds as the eyes, that is one who can view everything on the earth and the clouds.
4. Gajavaktra
Gaja means cloud which is considered to be the representative of the dyu region (devlok) - the region of the deities. Vaktra means mouth. Thus Gajavaktra is one whose mouth is constituted by the dyu region (expansive). If Om (स्) is placed vertically, one gets the experience of Gajavadan (Ganapati). The Mudgal Puran has explained the meaning of the word 'gaja'as ga = the principle wherein everything undergoes dissolution and ja = the principle from which everything is created. So Gaja means Brahman (God principle).
5. Lambodar
Lambodar is derived from the words lamba (large) and udar (belly). Saint Eknath has explained the meaning of this word as,
The entire animate and inanimate creation dwells within You. Hence You are called Lambodar. - Shri Eknathi Bhagvat 1:3
According to the Ganapatitantra, Lord Shiva played the Damaru (a small hour glass shaped drum). Lord Ganesh grasped the knowledge of the Vedas through the deep sound of the Damaru. He learnt dancing by watching the TanDav dance everyday and music from the sound of the anklets of deity Parvati. Since He imbibed such varied knowledge, that is digested it, He developed a large belly.
6. Vikat
Vi (वि) + krut (कृत) + akat (अकत) [akuti]. Vi means in a specific manner, krut means done and akat means the Final Liberation (Moksha). Hence, Vikat means the one who generates frequencies in a specific manner and bestows the Final Liberation.
7. Vighnesh
Vighna (विघ्न) + ish (ईश) = Vighnesh (विघ्नेश). The word 'vighna' is derived from 'visheshen ghnati' which means mainly distress. The one who controls and destroys obstacles is Vighnesh. The obstacle in this context is entrapment by the 360 (raja-tama) and 108 (sattva) frequencies. This is contrary to the aim of traversing beyond the three components (trigunatit). Ish (ईश) is derived from i (ई) + sha (श). I-ikshate (ई-इक्षते) means to watch and sha-shamayate (श-शमयते) means to cool. So Ish is the one who keeps a watch and destroys the heat generated by the 360 and 108 frequencies. Vighnaharta (vanquisher of obstacles) is another Name of Ganapati. Since Ganapati gets rid of obstacles, He is worshipped before performing any auspicious religious ceremony.
8. Dhumravarna
Dhumra means smoke. Smoke is the initial state of materialisation. It is the transitory state between the solid manifest (sagun) and the unmanifest (nirgun) states. Thus, one who possesses such a smoky complexion is Dhumravarna. Ganapati also possesses the fire element [embers (angar)].
9. Bhalachandra
Bhal means the forehead. The frequencies arising from Prajapati, Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and Minakshi merge into one another and produce many groups of thousands of frequencies. Though Prajapati, Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and Minakshi are unmanifest (nirgun), Their frequencies are composed of the three components (gun). The point of origin of three of these frequencies namely those of affection, mercifulness and motherly love (ahlad) is referred to as the moon (chandra). Thus, the one who adorns such a 'moon' on the forehead is Bhalchandra.
Actually this is the Name of Lord Shankar. But since Ganapati is His son, it also came to be linked with Him !
10. Vinayak
The word 'vinayak' is derived from 'visheshrupen nayakaha'. It means one who is endowed with all the features of a leader (nayak). 'It is universally accepted that there are six Vinayaks. The summary of information on Vinayaks given in the Manavgruhyasutra and Baudhayangruhyasutra is that the Vinayak attendants (gan) create obstacles. Vinayak, that is Ganapati is the presiding deity of these Vinayaks (who bring about destruction).'
'According to the information given in the Manavgruhyasutra, there are four Vinayaks - 1. Shalakankat, 2. KushmanDarajputra, 3. Urimat and 4. Devjayan. Sage Yadnyavalkya has mentioned sixVinayaks - 1. Mit, 2. Sammit, 3. Shal, 4. Kantak, 5. KushmanDa and 6. Rajputra. Rudra and Brahma appointed the Vinayaks as the presiding deities of the attendants and entrusted them with the task of posing obstacles in various human activities. According to the Shaiva sect, Ganapati is the mild form while Vinayak is the ferocious form. The Smrutis Purans (mythological texts), stone engravings, etc. mention that Ganapati and Vinayak are one and the same; but it cannot be said when this concept became prevalent.' (Reference - Abhinav Marathi Dnyankosh, part four.)
11. Ganapati
Refer point why is lord ganapati first worshipped before any pooja or task.
12. Gajanan
Gaja means elephant and anan means countenance. Thus Gajanan is one whose countenance is like that of an elephant (and whose body constitutes the entire universe).
13. Vratapati
'In the Ganapatyatharvashirsha, Ganapati is offered salutation as "Namo Vratapataye". Vratapati is the chief of the vratyas. The Aryans bestowed the name vrat, on the group of non-Aryans who favoured vowed religious observances (vrat) and did not believe in sacrificial fires (yadnya). The people belonging to this group are vrat. "व्रात इव व्रात्यः ।", meaning those like the vrat are vratya. A twice born (dvij) who does not have any sanskars (rites) performed on him is called a vratya.'
14. Chintamani
Chintamani is another Name of Lord Ganapati. An extroverted tendency (kshipta), a more extroverted tendency which may even lead to sin (mudha), an introverted tendency (vikshipta), a more introverted tendency (ekagra) and a state in which all activities have ceased (niruddha) are the five states of the subconscious mind (chitta). [Information on this is provided in 'Science of Spirituality : Vol. 16 - Path of Meditation (Dhyanyoga)'.] The one who enlightens on these states is Chintamani. The theory according to the Mudgal Puran is that by devotion unto Chintamani, the five states of the subconscious mind are destroyed and total Serenity (Shanti) is acquired.'
15. Mangalmurti
'Man' means complete and 'glu-gayate' means one endowing Serenity or purity. That which purifies both internally as well as externally is auspicious (mangal). An icon bringing auspiciousness is Mangalmurti.
In Maharashtra, 'Mangalmurti morya' is used to proclaim Ganapati's glory. The word 'morya' in it refers to a famous devotee of Lord Ganesh from the fourteenth century, Morya Gosavi from Chinchvad, near Pune in Maharashtra. This depicts the inseparable relationship between God and His devotee.
16. Umaphal
Uma is Parvati and phal means product. Ganapati acquires this Name as He is the product, that is the son of Parvati. Umaphal also means spiritual knowledge (dnyan). Ganapati is the deity of spiritual knowledge. So this Name befits Him in both ways.
17. Vidyapati
Lord Ganesh is the master of the 18 vidyas - 1. Science of proper articulation and pronunciation (shiksha), 2. A part of the Vedas explaining rituals (kalpa), 3. Grammar (vyakaran), 4. Etymological explanation of difficult Vedic words (nirukta), 5. Astrology (jyotish), 6. Science of prosody (chandas), 7. Rugveda, 8. Yajurveda, 9. Samaveda, 10. Atharvaveda, 11. Purva-Uttarmimansa (concerned with the correct interpretation of Vedic rituals and the settlement of dubious points with regard to Vedic texts), 12. System of Hindu philosophy founded by Sage Gautam (nyaya), 13. Purans, 14. Science of Righteousness (Dharmashastra), 15. Ayurveda, 16. Dhanurveda, 17. Gandharvaveda and 18. Science of ethics or morality (nitishastra) Hence before commencing the study of any of these or in the ritual performed for their study, the ritualistic worship of Lord Ganesh is important.
18. Brahmanspati
The Vedas are referred to as Brahman. They may also be termed as Vedabrahman. Lord Ganesh is the master of the mantras in these Vedas. Hence He is called Brahmanspati.
19. Various Names according to the regions
One finds that Lord Ganesh is known by varied names in various regions. In Nepal, He is known as 'Suryaganapati', in Myanmar (formerly Burma) as 'Mahapini', in Mongolia as 'Dhotkar', in Tibet as 'Ekadanta', in Cambodia as 'Pradganesh', in the Java islands as 'Kalantak', in China as 'Kvanshitiyik' while in Japan He is known as 'Vinayakasha'.
108 Names of Lord Ganesha
| Name | Meaning |
| Akhuratha | Onewho has Mouse as His Charioteer |
| Alampata | Ever Eternal Lord |
| Amit | Incomparable Lord |
| Anantachidrupamayam | Infinite and Consciousness Personified |
| Avaneesh | Lord of the whole World |
| Avighna | Remover of Obstacles |
| Balaganapati | Beloved and Lovable Child |
| Bhalchandra | Moon-Crested Lord |
| Bheema | Huge and Gigantic |
| Bhupati | Lord of the Gods |
| Bhuvanpati | God of the Gods |
| Buddhinath | God of Wisdom |
| Buddhipriya | Knowledge Bestower |
| Buddhividhata | God of Knowledge |
| Chaturbhuj | One who has Four Arms |
| Devadeva | Lord of All Lords |
| Devantakanashakarin | Destroyer of Evils and Asuras |
| Devavrata | One who accepts all Penances |
| Devendrashika | Protector of All Gods |
| Dharmik | One who gives Charity |
| Dhoomravarna | Smoke-Hued Lord |
| Durja | Invincible Lord |
| Dvaimatura | One who has two Mothers |
| Ekaakshara | He of the Single Syllable |
| Ekadanta Single | Tusked Lord |
| Ekadrishta Single | Tusked Lord |
| Eshanputra | Lord Shiva's Son |
| Gadadhara | One who has The Mace as His Weapon |
| Gajakarna | One who has Eyes like an Elephant |
| Gajanana Elephant | Faced Lord |
| Gajananeti Elephant | Faced Lord |
| Gajavakra | Trunk of The Elephant |
| Gajavaktra | One who has Mouth like an Elephant |
| Ganadhakshya | Lord of All Ganas (Gods) |
| Ganadhyakshina | Leader of All The Celestial Bodies |
| Ganapati | Lord of All Ganas (Gods) |
| Gaurisuta | The Son of Gauri (Parvati) |
| Gunina | One who is The Master of All Virtues |
| Haridra | One who is Golden Coloured |
| Heramba | Mother's Beloved Son |
| Kapila | Yellowish-Brown Coloured |
| Kaveesha | Master of Poets |
| Kirti | Lord of Music |
| Kripalu | Merciful Lord |
| Krishapingaksha | Yellowish-Brown Eyed |
| Kshamakaram | The Place of Forgiveness |
| Kshipra | One who is easy to Appease |
| Lambakarna | Large-Eared Lord |
| Lambodara | The Huge Bellied Lord |
| Mahabala | Enormously Strong Lord |
| Mahaganpati | Omnipotent and Supreme Lord |
| Maheshwaram | Lord of The Universe |
| Mangalamurti | All Auspicious Lord |
| Manomay | Winner of Hearts |
| Mrityuanjaya | Conqueror of Death |
| Mundakarama | Abode of Happiness |
| Muktidaya | Bestower of Eternal Bliss |
| Musikvahana | One who has Mouse as His Charioteer |
| Nadapratithishta | One who Appreciates and Loves Music |
| Namasthetu | Vanquisher of All Evils and Vices and Sins |
| Nandana | Lord Shiva's Son |
| Nideeshwaram | Giver of Wealth and Treasures |
| Omkara | One who has the Form Of OM |
| Pitambara | One who has Yellow-Coloured Body |
| Pramoda | Lord of All Abodes |
| Prathameshwara | First Among All |
| Purush | The Omnipotent Personality |
| Rakta | One who has Red-Coloured Body |
| Rudrapriya | Beloved Of Lord Shiva |
| Sarvadevatman | Acceptor of All Celestial Offerings |
| Sarvasiddhanta | Bestower of Skills and Wisdom |
| Sarvatman | Protector of The Universe |
| Shambhavi | The Son of Parvati |
| Shashivarnam | One who has a Moon like Complexion |
| Shoorpakarna | Large-Eared Lord |
| Shuban | All Auspicious Lord |
| Shubhagunakanan | One who is The Master of All Virtues |
| Shweta | One who is as Pure as the White Colour |
| Siddhidhata | Bestower of Success and Accomplishments |
| Siddhipriya | Bestower of Wishes and Boons |
| Siddhivinayaka | Bestower of Success |
| Skandapurvaja | Elder Brother of Skand (Lord Kartik) |
| Sumukha | Auspicious Face |
| Sureshwaram | Lord of All Lords |
| Swaroop | Lover of Beauty |
| Tarun | Ageless |
| Uddanda | Nemesis of Evils and Vices |
| Umaputra | The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati) |
| Vakratunda | Curved Trunk Lord |
| Varaganapati | Bestower of Boons |
| Varaprada | Granter of Wishes and Boons |
| Varadavinayaka | Bestower of Success |
| Veeraganapati | Heroic Lord |
| Vidyavaridhi | God of Wisdom |
| Vighnahara | Remover of Obstacles |
| Vignaharta | Demolisher of Obstacles |
| Vighnaraja | Lord of All Hindrances |
| Vighnarajendra | Lord of All Obstacles |
| Vighnavinashanaya | Destroyer of All Obstacles and Impediments |
| Vigneshwara | Lord of All Obstacles |
| Vikat | Huge and Gigantic |
| Vinayaka | Lord of All |
| Vishwamukha | Master of The Universe |
| Vishwaraja | King of The World |
| Yagnakaya | Acceptor of All Sacred and Sacrficial Offerings |
| Yashaskaram | Bestower of Fame and Fortune |
| Yashvasin | Beloved and Ever Popular Lord |
| Yogadhipa | The Lord of Meditation |