Vinayagar or Ganapathi, popularly identified as the elephant god, is one of the most significant Hindu Deities who provides wisdom and good fortune. Before any new activity such as laying of the foundation of a house or beginning of any new venture, Vinayagar is worshipped to shower his blessings.
Vinayagar means supreme or “one with none other more supreme”. The form of Vinayagar characterises the Auspicious “Aum” written in Tamil. The sound made by an elephant approximately represents the sound made when pronouncing “Aum”.
Ganapathi represents a character of perfection who has realized the Supreme truth. The form of the Lord is filled with suggestions that carry the highest Vedantic thoughts.
The large head and ears of the Lord signify that he had gained deep wisdom through listening (Sranvana) and reflecting (manana) upon the truths of the Vedanta Philosophy.
Vinayagar has many names such as Ganapathi (lord of the Ganas or attendants), Vigneshwara (the lord who removes obstacles) and Gajaanana (Elephant Faced). By worshiping Vinayagar, one seeks His blessings to achieve success in one’s efforts in the physical world and for attaining bliss thereafter.
Name of Lord Ganesha and Meanings:
Nideeshwara: “He is The Giver of Wealth and Treasures”.
Musikvahana: who has a mouse as Charioteer”.
Mangalamurti: All Auspicious Lord”.
Lambakarna: “The Large-Eared Lord”.
Kshipra: “The one who is easy to appease”.
Kavisha: “He is the master of the Poets”.
Gaurisuta: “He is the son of Gauri (a name of Parvati)”.
Ganadhakshya: “He is the Head/Leader of all Gods”.
Gajavaktra: “The one who has mouth like an elephant”.
Gajavakra: “He possesses the trunk of an elephant”.
Gajananeti: “The Elephant-Faced Lord”.
Gajanana:
Gajakarna: “The One who has Ears like an Elephant”.
Ishanputra: “Lord Shiva’s Son”. (Here, Isha refers to lord Shiva, Isha means God.)
Ekadrishta: “The Single-Tusked Lord”.
Ekadanta: “The Single-Tusked Lord”.
Durja: “The Invincible Lord”.
Dhoomravarna: “The smoke-hued Lord”.
Dharmik: “The one who gives Charity”.
Devarakshaka: “He is the Protector of the Gods”.
Devantakanashakari: “He is the God who destroys the evils and the asuras”.
Buddhividhata: “He is the creator of knowledge”.
Buddhipriya: “He is fond of knowledge”.
Buddhinath: “He is the God of Wisdom”.
Balaganapati: “The beloved and lovable Child”.
Avighna: “Remover of Obstacles”.
Avaneesh: “Lord of the whole World”.
Anantachidrupamayam: “He is infinite and Consciousness Personified”.
Amit: “The Incomparable Lord”.
Alampata: “The ever-eternal Lord”.
Akhuratha: “The one who has a mouse as His charioteer”.
Mrityunjaya: A name of Lord Shiva, which means “He is the conqueror of death”.
Vighna vinashaka: A name of Lord Krishna as well as Lord Narsimha, which means “The destroyer of obstacles”.
Vighna vighataka: A name of Lord Krishna as well as Lord Narsimha, which means “The destroyer of obstacles”.
Lambodara: “The Huge Bellied Lord”.
Devavrata: Devavrata is the former name of Bhisma deva. It is also “The one who accepts penances”.
Ganapati: “He is the Head/Leader of all Gods”.
Gananatha: “He is the Lord of the ganas (Here, ganas refers to the demigods).
Sadguna Gauranga: It refers to Lord Gauranga, who possesses good qualities.
Garbhapushtikara: “He strengthens the embryonic child”.
Giroshayi: “He rests in the mountains”.
Gatajvara: “He is free from sickness”.
Gatatrasa: “He is free from fatigue”.
Godugdra: “He pervades humanity”.
Gauripravana: “He brings joy to mother Gauri (Parvati)”.
Gajadhvanavi: “His voice is like that of an elephant”.
Gaja pati: “He is the Lord of the elephants”.
Gunotkata: “He is highly virtuous”.
Gunasthayi: “He is established in virtue”.
Gunavata: “He is the personification of virtue”.
Gunabhuva: “He is filled with gunas (good qualities)”.
Guneshvara: “He is the God of gunas (qualities)”.
Ganapalaka: “He is the Guardian of the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganamurdhabhishikta: “He is coronated by the Ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganashrida: “He is the bestower of wealth to the Ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganastutasantusta: “He is pleased by the praise of the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganotkata: “He is Great among the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganastuta: “He is praised by the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganabhartra: “He is the maintainer/supporter of the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganodyata: “He is the inspirer of the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganatratra: “He is the Protector of the Ganas (Here, Gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganeshwara: “He is the Lord of the Ganas (Here, Gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganadhipa: “He is The Emperor among the Ganas (Here, Gana refers to the demigods)”.
Ganaswami: “He is the Lord of the ganas (Here, gana refers to the demigods)”.
Yashaskara: “He is the bestower of Fame and Fortune”.
Yogadhipa: “The Lord of Meditation”.
Vinayaka: “He is the Lord of all”.
Vighnaraja: “He is The Lord of All Obstacles”.
Vighneshwara: “He is The Lord of All Obstacles”.
Vara prada: “Granter of Wishes and Boons”.
Vakratunda: “The one who has a curved Trunk”.
Umaputra: “The Son of Goddess Uma (Parvati)”.
Kartikeyapurvaja: “He is the elder brother of Kartikeya”.
Siddhivinayaka: “Bestower of Success”.
Siddhidata: “Bestower of Success and Accomplishments”.
Shubhagunakana: “One who is The Master of All Virtues”.
Hambhavi: “He is the son of Parvati”.
Rudrapriya: “He is the Beloved of Lord Shiva”.