From Akhurath to Yogsdhipa: 108 Names of Ganesha
One fine evening as I was taking a walk on the streets, I saw a couple of tempo (small-sized trucks) carrying big idols of Ganesh. The idols were covered with plastic and cloth. A big smile spread over my face as the tempo passed – Ganeshotsav had arrived!
Once again, it was the time of the year to welcome Lord Ganesh.
Instantly different shapes, sizes and poses of Lord Ganesh started flashing in my mind.
In addition to that different names of Ganesh ji started popping in my mind. He is also known as Vinayak, Vighnaharta, Ganapati…
As the names ran in my head, I was fascinated by the thought that Lord Ganesh has so many unique names.
I knew that he had a total of 108 names. Collectively they are called Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
I knew just a few of the names.
I got curious to once again visit the hundred and eight names of Ganesh who comes every year bringing with him a wave of excitement and fresh energy.
Shakespeare said, ‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet’
What he was referring to is that names are given to distinguish things and people. They themselves don’t have any worth or meaning.
Guess what, maybe he had not heard of Lord Ganesha who has 108 unique names and each name symbolizes a characteristics and a specific quality. As we will see, some names emphasizes the wisdom that he carries while some name defines him as the remover of obstacles.
Ganesh Chaturthi: A festival of Joyful Energy and Devotion
The coming of Vinayak Chaturthi once again brings an opportunity to embark on a journey into the heart of Hindu spirituality.
The celebration sound and arti takes us into the world of Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed god known by 108 different names.
People flock to the pandals across their city to get darshan of their favourite god who is established there in different sizes and themes.
During the evenings various cultural programs and lighting shows are held at big pandals educating the devotees on social issues relevant at that time in the society.
The Symbolism Behind Lord Ganesh Form:
Have you closely observed the unique appearance of Ganapati?
He has the head of an elephant, his ears are large, he has a broken tusk and in some photographs and idols he is shown with four hands.
These are not just imagination . Every single element has deep meaning and philosophy behind it. For example, the elephant head signifies wisdom and intelligence; the big ears represents his ability to listen attentively to all his devotees.
Because of the symbolisms he represents, he is not only adored by people of India, but also he has become an inspiration for people across the world.
On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I invite you to take a journey with me as I unveil all the 108 names of Lord Vinayak along with the meaning behind each name.
ARE YOU READY TO UNLOCK THE DEVINE WISDOM?
HERE ARE THE 108 NAMES OF LORD GANESHA AND THEIR MEANING:
1. Akhurath: One who has mouse as his charioteer
2. Alampata: Ever eternal lord
3. Amit: Incomparable lord
4. Anantachidrupamayam: Infinite and consciousness personified
5. Avaneesh: Lord of the whole world
6. Avighna: Remover of obstacles
7. Balaganapati: Beloved and lovable child
8. Bhalchandra: Moon-crested lord
9. Bheema: Huge and Gigantic
10.Bhupati: Lord of the gods
11.Bhuvanpati: God of the gods
12.Buddhinath: God of wisdom
13.Buddhipriya: Knowledge bestower
14.Buddhividhata: God of knowledge
15.Chaturbhuj: One who has four arms
16.Devadeva: Lord of all lords
17.Devantakanashakarin: Destroyer of evils and asuras
18.Devavrata: One who accepts all penances
19.Devendrashika: Protector of all gods
20.Dharmik: One who gives charity
21.Dhoomravarna: Smoke-Hued lord
22.Durja: Invincible lord
23.Dvaimatura: One who has two mothers
24.Ekaakshara: He of the single syllable
25.Ekadanta: Single-Tusked lord
26.Ekadrishta: Single-Tusked lord
27.Eshanputra: Lord Shiva’s son
28.Gadadhara: One who has the mace as his weapon
29.Gajakarna: One who has eyes like an elephant
30.Gajanana: Elephant-Faced lord
31.Gajananeti: Elephant-Faced lord
32.Gajavakra: Trunk of the elephant
33.Gajavaktra: One who has mouth like an elephant
34.Ganadhakshya: Lord of all Ganas (Gods)
35.Ganadhyakshina: Leader of all the celestial bodies
36.Ganapati: Lord of all Ganas (Gods)
37.Gaurisuta: The son of Gauri (Parvati)
38.Gunina: One who is the master of all virtues
39.Haridra: One who is golden coloured
40.Heramba: Mother’s beloved son
41.Kapila: Yellowish-Brown coloured
42.Kaveesha: Master of poets
43.Kirti: Lord of music
44.Kripalu: Merciful lord
45.Krishapingaksha: Yellowish-Brown eyed
46.Kshamakaram: The place of forgiveness
47.Kshipra: One who is easy to appease
48.Lambakarna: Large-Eared lord
49.Lambodara: The huge bellied lord
50.Mahabala: Enormously strong lord
51.Mahaganapati: Omnipotent and supreme lord
52.Maheshwaram: Lord of the universe
53.Mangalamurti: All auspicious lord
54.Manomay: Winner of hearts
55.Mrityunjaya: Conqueror of death
56.Mundakarama: Abode of happiness
57.Muktidaya: Bestower of eternal bliss
58.Mushikvahana: One who has mouse as charioteer
59.Nadapratithishta: One who appreciates and loves music
60.Namasthetu: Vanquisher of all evils and vices and sins
61.Nandana: Lord Shiva’s son
62.Nideeshwaram: Giver of wealth and treasures
63.Omkara: One who has the form of OM
64.Pitambara: One who has yellow-coloured body
65.Pramoda: Lord of all abodes
66.Prathameshwara: First among all
67.Purush: The omnipotent personality
68.Rakta: One who has red-colored body
69.Rudrapriya: Beloved of lord Shiva
70.Sarvadevatman: Acceptor of all celestial offerings
71.Sarvasiddhanta: Bestower of skills and wisdom
72.Sarvatman: Protector of the universe
73.Shambhavi: The son of Parvati
74.Shashivarnam: One who has a moon like complexion
75.Shoorpakarna: Large-eared Lord
76.Shuban: All auspicious lord
77.Shubhagunakanan: One who is the master of all virtues
78.Shweta: One who is as pure as the white colour
79.Siddhidhata: Bestower of success and accomplishments
80.Siddhipriya: Bestower of wishes and boons
81.Siddhivinayaka: Bestower of success
82.Skandapurvaja: Elder brother of Skanda (Lord Kartik)
83.Sumukha: Auspicious face
84.Sureshwaram: Lord of all lords
85.Swaroop: Lover of beauty
86.Tarun: Ageless
87.Uddanda: Nemesis of evils and vices
88.Umaputra: The son of goddess Uma (Parvati)
89.Vakratunda: Curved trunk lord
90.Varaganapati: Bestower of boons
91.Varaprada: Granter of wishes and boons
92.Varadavinayaka: Bestower of success
93.Veeraganapati: Heroic lord
94.Vidyavaridhi: God of wisdom
95.Vighnahara: Remover of obstacles
96.Vignaharta: Demolisher of obstacles
97.Vighnaraja: Lord of all hindrances
98.Vighnarajendra: Lord of all obstacles
99.Vighnavinashanaya: Destroyer of all obstacles and impediments
100.Vigneshwara: Lord of all obstacles
101.Vikat: Huge and gigantic
102.Vinayaka: Lord of all
103.Vishwamukha: Master of the universe
104.Vishwaraja: King of the world
105.Yagnakaya: Acceptor of all sacred and sacrificial offerings
106.Yashaskaram: Bestower of fame and fortune
107.Yashvasin: Beloved and ever popular lord
108.Yogadhipa: The lord of meditation
On the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi devotees connect to Lord Ganesha at a deeper level by reciting his 108 names and seeking his blessings.
In Conclusion
The 108 names of Lord Ganapati shines no less than constellations of stars in the sky with each name representing a unique characteristic.
If you pick up each name and dive deep into its meaning and philosophy, you will find that each name may have an interesting story behind it. And behind that story will be a philosophy of life that we can learn from even in the twenty-first century.
Every single name is an open doorway inviting each one of us to come and reflect on our own virtues that we possess. In the process we can transform our lives.
In my day to day living I have developed a unique connection with the lord of wisdom and I believe you too must be having a personal, special and deep connection with his divine qualities and characteristics.
The one requirement is to chant the name with full devotion, calm mind and focus. Doing it fast or hurriedly will not help.
I would like to hear from you.
Have you been chanting Ganapati’s name and incorporating his wisdom in your day to day life?
Out of the 108 names, is there a particular name of Lord Ganesha that resonates with you and inspires you the most?
Do share why the name holds special significance in your life.
Your valuable insights and one of its kind experience that you may have had matters a lot in collective understanding of our Lord Ganesha’s 108 names.
As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s all come together and share our thoughts so that we can deepen our spiritual connection and inspire each other with our personal journey.
I look forward to reading your comments and thoughts.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!!
Mangal Moorti Morya!!!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. Why does Ganeshji have an elephant head?
As per Hindu Mythology Ganeshji’s elephant head symbolizes wisdom and intelligence.
Q2. Do I need to follow any hard and fast rule to chant the name of Ganesha?
Q3. What are the benefits of chanting Lord Ganesha’s 108 names?
Chanting the name with calmness and devotion can bring you inner peace, clarity of thought and inspire you to focus on your personal growth.
