32 forms of Ganesha

‘Trauna’ is a word from Sanskrit (तरुण) meaning ‘young’. This is the youthful form of Lord Ganesha and his brilliant red color represents the freshness of youth. It is believed that dedicating self to this Ganesha form will bestow you with beauty and youthfulness. This beautiful form of lord Ganesha holds a noose, goad, modak, wood apple, rose apple, his broken tusk, a sprig of paddy, and a sugar cane stalk.

This is the commanding pose of Ganesha, and he denotes fearlessness. With a genuine collection of weapons, including a goad, flag, bow and arrow, discus, sword, shield, big hammer, spear, sword, axe, trident, noose, mace, and chakra, Lord Ganesh is portrayed as being powerful and upright. According to popular belief, Vira Ganapati defeats both ignorance and evil.
This is the standing posture of Ganesha and is revered widely among believers.

This form of Ganesha is known as the twice-born. It tells us of Lord Shiva beheading Ganesha and reviving him with the skull of an elephant. According to the Upanayana, Dvija Ganapati is equal to Lord Brahma. He has four heads and four hands, each bearing a palm-leaf inscription, a stick, meditation beads, a water pot, a noose, and a goad. He is represented in a moon-like color.

This form of Ganesha is known as the “Lord of Holy Offerings” and a cultural protector. He is six-armed, has a blue complexion, and sits with his Shakti while holding a japa mala, pomegranate, blue lotus flower, vina, and a sprig of new paddy.

He is also referred to as Ganapati, who is simple to please and rewards his followers quickly. He is represented in beautiful red hues. He is seen clutching a noose, a goad, and a branch from the kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree with four hands and a broken tusk. A little jar filled with priceless jewels that he is holding in his raised boot is thought to be a representation of the prosperity that he can bestow onto his devotees.

On both of his thighs, he is seen to have the Goddesses Siddhi (Achievement) and Budhi (Knowledge). He is having a pure white hue, with a beautifully ornated look. He is holding a green parrot, a pomegranate, a sword, a noose, an elephant goad, a sprig of Kalpavriksha (the wish-fulfilling tree), a water vessel, and other objects with his other hands while making the varada and abhaya mudras. Both of his wives are holding white lotuses.

This Ganapathi is known as the bestower of success, “the victorious”. This form represents 4 arms, and a red beautiful hue, explaining his exquisite form of victory over evil. He is seen riding on Mooshika, the mouse, his chariot of divinity. A broken tusk, a noose, a goad, and a ripe mango are carried in his four arms.

Urdhva Ganapati, who is seated and has one of his shaktis on his left knee, is “the Elevated” Lord of a golden color. He is holding a blue water lily, a lotus, a sugar cane bow, an arrow, his ivory tusk, and a sprig of paddy in his six hands.

Varada means the boon, this Ganesha is known as a boon giver with a prominent third eye on the forehead. The noose, a goad, and a honey pot are in his hands. He has Devi Shakthi on his side, and his foot is filled with a pot of gems. He is having a beautiful crown, and crescent on his head and is looking stunning in his glorious appearance.

As the name goes this form of Ganapathi bestows quick rewards to the followers. He sits on a grass thrown. His large belly represents the manifest universe. He carries a noose, a goad, a tusk, a lotus, a pomegranate, and a twig from the wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha).

As the name suggests ‘Ekadanta’ means single tusk. Ganesha is recognized by his large belly, with blue hues. This murti’s characteristics include a broken right tusk, prayer beads for japa, an appetizing laddu, and an axe for severing the bonds of ignorance.

Uddanda Ganapati is the fearless “Enforcer of Dharma,” or the rules of existence. His ten hands contain a gem pot, a blue lily, sugar cane, a mace, a lotus blossom, a paddy sprig, a pomegranate, a noose, a garland, and his broken tusk.

Dhundhi Ganapati is another form of Lord Ganesha who is worshipped for his ability to remove obstacles and safeguard against negative energies. Dhundhi Ganapati has four arms and is carrying a noose, a goad, an axe, and a sweet laddu (Indian sweet). Dhundhi Ganapati, “the Sought After,” in red, clutches a strand of rudraksha beads.

Trimukha Ganapati is portrayed with three faces, representing the past, present, and future eras of time. Those who want to succeed in their undertakings and overcome challenges generally worship him. The “three-faced” red-hued Lord is sitting on a golden lotus, counting beads while holding a noose, a goad, and a nectar jug. He gestures protection with a right hand and blessings with a left hand.

Yoga Ganapati is a representation of Lord Ganesha who is shown with a Sugarcane stick, a bowl of sweet modak (Indian sweet), and in a meditative position. Those who are interested in education, intelligence, and spiritual development revere him. Through meditation and yogic practices, Yoga Ganapati is thought to aid his followers in discovering their true selves and finding inner peace.
With his knees secured in a contemplative position and his hands grasping a yoga staff, a sugar cane stalk, a noose, and prayer beads, Yoga Ganapati is engrossed in mantra japa. His hue is like the sun in the morning and his attire is all in blue.

He is portrayed with eight arms holding a bow and arrow, a goad and noose, prayer beads, a rose apple, and his broken tusk. He represents the unconquerable Ganapati giving devotion to Mother Durga.