21 Names of Lord Ganesha – Their importance and significance

“Oh my friend Ganesha, tu rehna saath hamesha.” You’ve surely remembered this line. Yes, this belongs to the movie, “My Friend Ganesha”. The entire movie showcases how the life of a kid changes after the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The movie represents an inseparable bond between Ganesha and his devotees. Known by 1000 names. Whether you’re struggling with your career or facing a challenge in your relationships, Bappa is always there for help. However, chanting each of the 1000 names 108 times is unachievable. So, in this blog you’ll explore the 21 names of Lord Ganesha. However, the numbers could be less, but the impact is more than enough. Let’s see what these 21 names of lord ganesha are and what they mean.

The below mentioned verse is known as Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotram or Shri Ganesh Stotram. This stotram includes only the 12 names of Lord Ganesha elaborated by Naradha Muni.

प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकम्। 

भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यम् आयुष्कामार्थसिद्धये ॥1॥ 

प्रथमं वक्रतुण्डं च एकदन्तं द्वितीयकम्। 

तृतीयं कृष्णपिंगाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकम् ।।2।।

लम्बोदरं पञ्चमं च षष्ठं विकटमेव च। 

सप्तमं विघ्नराजं च धूम्रवर्णं तथाष्टमम् ॥३॥ 

नवमं भालचन्द्रं च दशमं तु विनायकम्।

एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तु गजाननम्।।4।। 

Now, let’s explore all the 21 names. 

lord ganesha- 21 name of lord ganesha

The 21 names of Lord Ganesha and what these names represents is given below

Sumukhaya

This means “beautiful face”. It refers to Ganesha’s radiant and pleasant appearance. This name personifies the beauty and radiance of Ganesha. 

Ganadhishaya

This name means “leader of the ganas”(celestial troops). It highlights Ganesha’s leadership and authority over his devotees. 

Gajanana

Elephant faced lord. It is the most well known name of Ganesha. It symbolizes wisdom, strength, and ability to remove obstacles. Also, it refers to his elephant-like appearance. 

Uma Putraya

This means Son of Uma (Parvati). It represents Ganesha’s connection to the divine mother and goddess of power. It showcases his respect for parents. This could be seen when he was challenged by his elder brother Karthikaya. He challenged Ganesha that the one who goes around the universe first will win. So, Ganesha started circling his parents. This shows that for him his parents are his entire universe. 

Gajamukha

Elephant-headed. Ganesha is well known for his love with food. That’s why devotees offer him with various food items. Modak is one of his favorites. This name not only signifies his love for food but his prosperity and abundance. 

Harsunavey

Remover of sorrow. 

Shurpa Karnaya

One with wide and large ears. Ganesha’s large ears signify his attentiveness to the prayers of his devotees. He listens with an open heart and responds with compassion. 

Vakratundaya

It means one who has a twisted or curved trunk. This name represents his ability to adapt to adverse situations. And the curve of the trunk is associated with his flexible and versatile nature. 

Guhagrajaya

Victor over darkness. This name celebrates Ganesha’s triumph over ignorance and negativity. He removes darkness and fear, guiding his devotees towards the light of knowledge and wisdom. 

Ekadantaya

One tusked. After a fiercest battle against Parshurama, Lord Ganesha lost one of his tusks. However, this name has a symbolic significance too. It represents his ability to overcome duality and contradictions. 

Herambalaya

One born in the lap of Uma. This name also expresses the deep bond between Ganesha and his mother. It highlights his mother’s immense love for him. 

Chaturhotra

One with four arms.Ganesha’s four arms symbolizes his ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. He represents action, efficiency and the ability to handle complexities of life with grace. 

Sarveshwaraya

Lord of everything. This name shows the great power of Lord Ganesha. He is the one who removes obstacles not only for people but for everyone in the universe.

Vikata

Fearsome one. This name shows Ganesha in his fierce form. Showing that he’s capable of conquering demons and negativity. 

Hematundaya

Golden bodied. It is a symbol of purity, divinity and enlightenment. He embodies the highest ideals of human beings.

Vinayakaya

Remover of obstacles. The meaning of this name is similar to “Vighnaharta”. This means the destroyer or remover of obstacles. This name signifies his ability to clear his devotee’s path and bestow them with happiness and success. 

Kapilaaya

Yellow or tawny one. It shows his connection with light and knowledge. 

Vatave

Banyan tree dweller.

BhalChandraya

Ganesha adorns a crescent moon on his head. This is the reason he is known by BhalChandraya. It means Crescent moon bearer. This name signifies intuitiveness and empowerment. Also, it compares his divine light with the moon. 

You can also read our blog – 7 chiranjivis – unheard secrets and stories

Gaṇapati

It’s one of the most well known names of Lord Ganesha. This name represents his status as the remover of obstacles. 

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