New Delhi: Lord Ganesha, the lord of the lords is one of the most worshipped Hindu gods. Son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganapati is an elephant-faced god who is worshipped before every new beginning by devotees. The ritual of worshipping Lord Ganesha before every important event is called Ganesh Vandana. In India, we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that marks the arrival of the god in the form of an idol in every household for ten days. The significance of the festival is to welcome happiness and say goodbye to all the problems and suffering. The festival is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and the preparations begin days before the festival, pandals and mandaps are set up and decorated with lights and flowers. The festival ends with the 'Visarjan' ceremony and with the promise of welcoming the lord again, the following year.
Lord Ganesha has many names and we bring to you some of them and their meanings:
Vignharta
Lord Ganesha is also known as the Vignaharta, the one who takes away all the problems and pain. He is worshipped as the remover of all obstacles and suffering of his devotees.
Gajanana
Gajanana meaning the one with the face of an elephant. Lord Ganesha has the body of a human with the face of an elephant. Hence, Gajanana means faced like an elephant.
Lambodara
Ganesha is known by the name 'Lambodara' meaning one having a big belly.
Vinayaka
The god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati is also called the Vinayaka.
Ekdant
The one having one tooth is called 'Ekdant'. Lord Ganesha who has the face of an elephant has only one tusk, hence he is also called Ekdant.
Vikata
Meaning 'the mishappen' one who has a frightful appearance and a terrific aura, the one who can overcome any danger and obstacle.
Sumukh
The one with a beautiful face is called 'Sumukh'. Lord Ganesha who possesses the face of an elephant is known as 'Sumukh'.
Bhalchandra
Lord Ganesha is called 'Bhalchandra' which means the one who carries the moon on his head.
The names of Lord Ganesha are derived from the Sanskrit language.