:: What is Ganpati ::


Each part of the Ganesh idol has iconographic significance. Ganesh's head represents the 'atma' or the soul of human beings, signifying the ultimate reality of life. His human body represents 'Maya' or the illusory physical existence of humans. His potbelly contains infinite universes. Ganesh's curved trunk represents 'Oum', the sound symbol of cosmic reality. His big, fan like ears symbolize his attention to the prayers of His devotees. The position of his legs symbolizes the importance of participating in both the material and spiritual world. His Goad rids all difficulties and leads human beings ahead in the path of eternal wisdom. The noose in Ganesh's left hand is employed to capture all difficulties. The broken tusk that Ganesh holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice. He broke it for writing the Mahabharat, the great Indian epic. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The sweets indicate the sweetness of 'atma' and the serpent symbolizes power. Ganesh is humble enough to ride the humblest of creatures - the rat, his Vahan (vehicle). According to the rules of Hindu iconography, Ganesh figures with only two hands are taboo. Hence, Ganesh figures are most commonly seen with four hands which signify their divinity. Figures may be seen with six to fourteen hands, each hand carrying a symbol which differs from the symbols in other hands, there being about fifty-seven symbols in all.

:: Ganeshpurana & Mudgal purana.


Like the Ganesha Purana, the Mudgala Purana considers Ganesha to represent the ultimate reality of being. As such, Ganesha's manifestations are endless but eight of his incarnations (Sanskrit: avatāra) are of most importance. The eight incarnations are introduced in MudP 1.17.24-28. The text is organized into sections for each of these incarnations.[5][6] These are not the same as the four incarnations of Ganesha that are described in the Ganesha Purana.

          The incarnation described in the Mudgala Purana took place in different cosmic ages. The Mudgala Purana uses these 
incarnations to express complex philosophical concepts associated with the progressive creation of the world. Each incarnat-
ion represents a stage of the absolute as it unfolds into creation. Granoff[2] provides a summary of the philosophical meaning
of each incarnation within the framework of the Mudgala Purana: Along with the philosophy, typical Puranic themes of battles
with demons provide much of the story line. The incarnations appear in the following order:

1. Vakratunda (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 Matsaryāsura (envy, jealousy). His mount (vāhana) is a lion.


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


3. Mahodara ("big belly") is a synthesis of both Vakratuṇḍa 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 Mohāsura (delusion, confusion). His mount is a mouse.


4. Gajavaktra (or Gajānana) ("elephant face") is a counterpart to Mahodara. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Lobhāsura (greed). His mount is a mouse.


5. Lambodara ("pendulous belly") is the first of four incarnations that correspond to the stage where the Purāṇic gods are created. Lambodara corresponds to Śakti, the pure power of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Krodhāsura (anger). His mount is a mouse.


6. Vikata (Vikata) ("unusual form", "misshapen") corresponds to Sūrya. He is an embodiment of the illuminating nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Kāmāsura (lust). His mount is a peacock.


7. Vighnaraja (Vighnarāja) ("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 Mamāsura (possessiveness). His mount is the celestial serpent Śeṣa.


8. Dhumravarna (Dhūmravarna) ("grey color") corresponds to Śiva. He is an embodiment of the destructive nature of Brahman. The purpose of this incarnation is to overcome the demon Abhimanāsura (pride, attachment). His mount is a horse.