Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Why is Lord Ganesha called 'Vighnaraj'? Read the mythological story here

News Topical, Digital Desk : It is said that "Hari Anant, Hari Katha Ananta". There is no limit or circumference of all the forms of God and their stories! There are many stories about our beloved Lord Vinayak.

In Hinduism,  Ganesha  is considered to be the destroyer of obstacles and the one who brings good luck. There is a tradition of worshipping him before every auspicious work. The description of Ganesha's various forms and incarnations is found in the Puranas and folk tales.

Whenever the evil demons caused unrest among the gods and the world, Ganapati Bappa took different incarnations to destroy them and protect religion. These eight forms are called Ashtavinayakas. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, let us know the characteristics of these eight incarnations and the mythological stories associated with them.

Vakratunda Avatar

A demon named Matsarasur was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He got a boon that he would not be afraid of any creature. In the pride of the boon, he and his two sons started harassing the gods a lot. The gods got scared and started calling Ganesh ji. Then Ganesh ji came in the form of Vakratunda and killed Matsarasur and his two sons with his fierce form. The gods again got peace and fearlessness.

Ekdant Avatar

A demon named 'Mad' was born from the penance of Maharishi Chyavan. This demon was the son of Chyavan Rishi, but later he started troubling the gods after learning from Guru Shukracharya. When his terror increased, the gods remembered Ganesha. Ganesha appeared in the form of Ekadanta and defeated Madasur in the battle. Then he assured the gods that he would always protect them.

Mahodar Avatar

Shukracharya created a demon named Mohasur and sent him to fight the gods. The gods were afraid because of Mohasur. Then Ganesha appeared in the form of Mahodar. The big-bellied Mahodar reached the battlefield riding on a mouse. Seeing his brilliance, Mohasur got scared and accepted Ganesha as his idol without fighting.

The Wicked Incarnation

According to mythology, Kamasur was a part of Lord Vishnu, who was born due to the violation of the chastity of Jalandhar's wife. After getting education from Shukracharya, he decided to conquer the whole universe and did a severe penance of Lord Shiva. He gave up food and water and by chanting the Panchakshari Mantra, he emaciated his body through penance. Pleased, Lord Shiva gave him the boon of being the lord of the universe, Shiva bhakti and Mrityunjayi.

After getting the boon, Kamasur conquered both the earth and heaven. Troubled by his atrocities, the gods and sages worshipped Ganesh Ji under the guidance of Maharishi Mudgal. Pleased, Ganpati Bappa took a fierce avatar, rode on a peacock and fought with Kamasur and defeated him and extinguished the flames of his ego.

Gajanan Avatar

Due to Kuber's greed, a demon named Lobhasur was born. He did severe penance and got the boon of being fearless from Lord Shiva and captured all the three worlds. The gods got scared and went to Ganesh ji for refuge. Ganesh ji appeared in the form of Gajanan. When Lobhasur saw him, he understood that it was impossible to fight with him. So he surrendered without fighting. The gods got peace again.

Lambodar avatar

A demon named Krodhasur pleased the Sun God and got a boon that he could conquer the universe. After getting the boon, he started spreading terror everywhere. The gods got scared and called Ganesh ji. Then Ganesh ji came in the form of Lambodar. He explained to Krodhasur that conquering the universe is impossible. After listening to Ganesh ji, Krodhasur gave up his campaign and went to Patal Lok.

Vighnaraj Avatar

A demon named 'Mam' was born from the laughter of Mother Parvati. With the power of his penance and demon powers, he became Mamasur and started imprisoning the gods. The troubled gods sought help from Ganesha. Ganesha appeared in the form of Vighnaraj and defeated Mamasur in the battle and freed the gods. Since then Ganesha came to be known as Vighnaharta.

smoky avatar

Once the Sun God became arrogant. From his sneeze, a demon named 'Aham' was born, who later came to be known as Ahantasur. He did penance and got a boon from Ganesh ji and then started harassing the gods. The gods again called Ganesh ji. This time Ganesh ji came in a smoky form. His body was as huge as smoke and he had a noose burning with fire in his hand. He killed Ahantasur and freed the gods from arrogance.

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