Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most-awaited festivals in India. The festival, also known as Ganeshotsav or Vinayak Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of the Lord Ganesha, who is considered the God of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. As per religious beliefs, it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, corresponding to the month of August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 falls on September 19, 2023, Tuesday while the Ganesh Visarjan will be held on September 28. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idols privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals. As Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 nears, take a look at the eight avatars of Ganesha, popularly known as Ganpati Bappa! Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples, Yatra Sequence & Map: Know the History and Significance of 8 Ganesh Temples in Maharashtra This Ganeshotsav.

1. Vakratunda

The first avatar of Lord Ganesha is known as ‘Vakratunda’. The name ‘Vakratunda’ means ‘twisted trunk’ and is hence depicted with a curved or twisted trunk riding a lion to defeat the demon Matsarasur. This form represents the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.

2. Ekadanta

In this form, Ganesha is shown with one tusk while the other is broken. The name ‘Ekadanta’ means ‘one tusked’. This avatar signifies self-control and the ability to overcome ego. In this avatar, a mouse is his ‘vahana'. It is said that Lord Ganesha fought against the demon Madasura in this avatar.

3. Mahodara

The third avatar of Lord Ganesha is the ‘Mahodara’ avatar, which refers to ‘big belly’. It is an avatar of Lord Ganesha, where he is depicted with a large tummy. This form represents the concept of contentment. The third avatar was of Mahodara, who vanquished Mohasura, the demon of Delusion and Confusion.

4. Gajanana

Gajanana is the name of the elephant-faced avatar. Lord Ganesha chose this avatar to fight  'Lobha', the demon of greed which was born out of Goddess Parvati's curse and to free the world of greed. In this form, Ganesha is depicted as having the face of an elephant, which emphasizes the power and strength of Ganesha.

5. Lambodara

It is said that Krodhasura, the demon of rage, was fought by Lord Ganesha in the form of Lambodara. This Ganesha image represents breaking the chains of wrath and liberating the world from it.

6. Vikata

In the Vikata form, Lord Ganesha is seen having a fierce appearance. This form signifies Ganesha's ability to protect his devotees from negative forces. It is believed that when the gods and goddesses were being tortured and troubled by Kamsura, they prayed a lot to the divine forces. Eventually, this avatar of Lord Ganesha emerged, who controlled Kamasura.

7. Vighnaraja

Vighnaraja, which means the ‘King of obstacles’, is an avatar that highlights Ganesha's role as the remover of obstacles. In this form, Ganesha is shown with multiple arms and weapons to symbolise his power. It is one of the most popular avatars of Lord Ganesha.

8. Dhumravana

This avatar of Lord Ganesha defeated Ahamkarasur- the demon of self-infatuation or ego. This avatar reminds us that ego is one of the main reasons for self-destruction.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Date, History, Significance Of Festival Celebrating The Birth Of Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi festivities end on the day of Anant Chaturdashi when the Ganesha idol is carried in a public procession and is immersed in a water body, which is called ‘visarjan’.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2023 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).