The eight incarnations of Ganesha

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Vakratunda

1. Vakratunda ( " twisting trunk " ), first in the series, represents

the absolute as the aggregate of all bodies, an embodiment of the form

of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon

Matsaryasura (envy, jealousy). His mount (vahana) is a lion.

Ekadanta

2. Ekadanta ( " single tusk " ) represents the aggregate of all

individual souls, an embodiment of the essential nature of Brahman. the

purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Madasura

(arrogance, conceit). His mount is a mouse.

Mahodara

3. Mahodara ( " big belly " ) is a synthesis of both Vakratunda and

Ekadanta. It is the absolute as it enters into the creative process. It

is an embodiment of the wisdom of Brahman. The purpose of this

incarnation is to overcome the demon Mohasura (delusion,

confusion). His mount is a mouse.

Gajavaktra

4. Gajavaktra (or Gajanana) ( " elephant face " ) is a counterpart

to Mahodara. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon

Lobhasura (greed). His mount is a mouse.

Lambodara

5. Lambodara ( " pendulous belly " ) is the first of four incarnations

that correspond to the stage where the Puranic gods are created.

Lambodara corresponds to ´Sakti, the pure power of Brahman. The

purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Krodhasura

(anger). His mount is a mouse.

Vikata

6. Vikata (Vikata) ( " unusual form " , " misshapen " ) corresponds to

Surya. He is an embodiment of the illuminating nature of Brahman.

The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon

Kamasura (lust). His mount is a peacock.

Vighnaraja

7. Vighnaraja (Vighnaraja) ( " king of obstacles " ), corresponds

to Vishnu. He is an embodiment of the preserving nature of Brahman. The

purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Mamasura

(possessiveness). His mount is the celestial serpent ´Sesha.

Dhumravarna

8. Dhumravarna (Dhumravarna) ( " grey color " ) corresponds to

´Siva. He is an embodiment of the destructive nature of Brahman. The

purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Abhimanasura

(pride, attachment). His mount is a horse.

 

 

 

See Ashtavinayaka: http://vinayakaperumal.blogspot.com/

<http://vinayakaperumal.blogspot.com/>