The Eight Forms Of Ganesha

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Lord Ganesha is known by various names such as the Vakratunda, Lambodara, Gajanan etc. These names are actually the various forms in which Ganesha is worshiped throughout India. There are a number of theories about the forms of Ganesha. According to the Ganesha Purana, Ganesha has four forms- each for the four yugas (era). However the Mudgala Purana says that Ganesha has eight forms and every form has a specific attribute.

The eight forms of Ganesha have different attributes. All the forms differ in physical qualities like skin colour, vehicle or the things which He holds in his hand. The purpose of all the forms or incarnations of Ganesha is one- to slay the demons or the negative energies surrounding us. All the eight forms of Ganesha symbolize certain abstract qualities and have similar purpose of existence.

Let's see which are the eight forms of Ganesha and how are they significant:

Vakratunda

This is the first form of Lord Ganesha. Vakratunda means the twisted trunk. The purpose of this incarnation was to kill the demon named Matsaryasura which symbolically represents envy in humans. So, this form is a mark of Ganesha's triumph over envy. The mount of this form is a lion.

Ekadanta

Ekadanta means single tusk. This form was born to kill the demon Madasura who represents the intoxication of humans due to power and other vices. Ekadanta took birth to triumph over the intoxication of humans. The mount of this form is a mouse.

Mahodara

This is the third form of Ganesha symbolized by a big belly. This incarnation killed the demon of delusion known as Mohasura. This form is also known to destroy ignorance and negative thoughts. The mount of this form is a mouse.

Gajanana

Gajanana means the elephant faced. This form is said to slay the demon of greed. The mount of this form is a mouse.

Lambodara

This is the fifth form of Ganesha. Lambodara means pot bellied. Ganesha in Lambodara form destroyed Krodha or the demon of anger. The mount of this form is a mouse.

Vikata

The name Vikata means unusual shaped. The purpose of this form of Ganesha was to destroy the demon of lust. The mount of this form is a peacock.

Vighnaraja

This incarnation of Ganesha destroyed Mama or the demon of ego. Vighnaraja means the remover of all obstacles. His mount is a serpent named Sesha.

Dhumravarna

This is the eighth incarnation of Lord Ganesha. Dhumravarna means ' smoke coloured'. The purpose of this form was to overcome the demon of arrogance, Abhimanasura. His mount is a mouse.