108 Ganesh Names
Ganesh Namavali: 27-33/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Ganesh is called Eshanputra - “the Son of Shiva”, a name bestowed upon him by his doting parents.
Ganesha’s best known weapon is the ‘gada’ or mace and hence the name Gadadhara, the divine Mace Wielder who destroys the most vile and terrifying of demons.
His elephantine form invites multiple, overlapping descriptions. He is Gajakarna, the elephant-eyed. While the large, round contours of his frame reflect his warmth and benevolence, the small, sharp eyes are all-seeing. Gajanana and Gajananeti stand for elephant-faced, a sign of auspiciousness that keeps ill fortune at bay.
Gajavakra points to his elephant trunk, a symbol of his limitless wisdom and capacity to discern. The curve of the trunk resembles the letter Om, reminding one of the universal life force residing within Ganesha.Ganesha has the appetite and girth of an elephant, hence Gajavaktra or Elephant-mouthed. Metaphorically, his enormous belly signifies plenitude, while the modak resting in his hand is representative of the enlightened soul in all its purity and sweetness.
Pictured above: Abstract Soapstone Ganesh Statue from Ganesh MallGanesh Namavali: 20-26/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in
the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Some names evoke Ganesha’s physical attributes, while many praise
his qualities.
- As Dharmik, Ganesha embodies righteousness, gently prodding followers with his goad onto the path of truth, mercy and compassion.
- Dhoomravarna refers to his body, said to be the color of smoke. In some descriptions he is compared to a red lotus.
- As Durja, he is the Invincible One. He is eternal and therefore, indestructible.
- Ganesha is Dvaimatura, or ‘son of two mothers’. Parvati created him from her body, but the river Ganga nurtured him; hence, both claim him as their own.
Three of his names begin with the word ‘Ek’ or ‘One’ – aptly so,
for Ganesha is one of a kind.
- He is Ekaakshara, the personification of OM, the sound of the Universe.
- Ekadanta describes him as the Single-Tusked One, a unique attribute that hints at his being above the laws of the world.
- ‘Drishti’ means ‘direction’; as Ekadrishta, Ganesha has a wide vision, but having decided on a course of action, remains unwavering.
Ganesh Namavali: 15-19/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Ganesha was – and is – the original multi-tasker, long before the term was coined! One of his names is Chaturbhujeti, the Four-Armed One. Each arm stands for one of Hinduism’s four main castes, namely, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, a simple, potent representation of the importance of all beings in the scheme of life.
Devadeva is Master of masters, the one who is worshiped first among all heavenly beings. He is also Devantakanashakarin, born with specific powers to destroy demons and reinstate peace in all worlds.Ganesha assumes the name of Devavrata in response to his devotees’ propitiation. To those who undertake penance, he is benevolence personified, granting the boons they seek.
The word ‘shika’ in Devendrashika again refers to Mooshika, his mouse vehicle. He is the Divine Protector of the humblest of creatures.
Ganesh Namavali: 8-14/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
Balachandra is also Ganesha as a child, sporting a crescent moon on his forehead. Many legends are associated with this aspect.
Loved for his plumpness as a child, Ganesha is also an awesome figure when fully grown as Bheema, or the Gigantic One.
Bhoopati is Lord of all lords, the one who is worshiped in all worlds.
As Bhoovanpati, he is propitiated by the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, in order to save the world from the forces of darkness.
Knowledge and wisdom are particularly associated with Ganesha. He is Buddhinath, the supreme lord of the intellect, the ultimate repository of all knowledge.
As Buddhipriya, he is ever willing to bestow the riches of the mind – one has only to ask.
Ganesha presides over the Mooladhara Chakra, the root of psychic energy
that lies coiled at the base of the spine. By worshipping him as Buddhividhata, a devotee gains enlightenment and sharpens his intellect
Ganesha Namavali: 4-7/108
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.
As Anantachidrupamaya, he is the personification of the Universal Consciousness. Meditation removes the veils of illusion and helps his devotees realize his infinite power.
He is Avaneesh, master and protector of our earth, one to whom the most helpless of beings can turn to in times of need.
Avighna denotes one of Ganesha’s best known aspects, the One before whom all obstacles cease to exist.‘Bala’ means child; as Balaganapati, he is a young boy, radiant as the rising sun and adored by all, both gods and lesser beings.
Ganesha Namavali: 1-3/108
In the pantheon of Hindu deities, Ganesha packs quite a punch! As the son of Shiva and Parvati, who symbolize the universe, Ganesha possesses manifold, awe-inspiring qualities that give him a prime position in the hierarchy of gods. On earth, Ganesha’s devotees connect to him at an everyday level, seeking his intervention even in the most mundane of enterprises. Perhaps it’s for these reasons that Ganesha needs not just a couple, but 108 names, to encompass all that there is to him!
A single Ganesha Namavali consists of 108 names, one for each bead in the japa-mala or chain held while chanting his praises.1/108: As Akhuratha, he is one whose divine vehicle is the humblest of creatures, the mouse, or Akhu. Among the many interpretations that exist, the mouse is desire or the ego that needs to be controlled.
2/108: Ganesha is Alampata, the eternal lord without beginning or end.
3/108: Amit praises Ganesha as the Incomparable One. He is invoked at the start of all enterprises. His form embodies the spirit of the universe, or OM.
