From Akhurath to Yogsdhipa: 108 Names of Lord Ganesha

108 Names of Ganesh Ji

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.

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?

The one requirement is to chant the name with full devotion, calm mind and focus. Doing it fast or hurriedly will not help.

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.