The Avatars Of Lord Ganesh
May 27, 2007
The Ganesh Purana states that there are four main Avatars (Divine Incarnation) of the Lord and He manifested in the four Yugas (Era). The Gods incarnate to destroy evil and negative forces to bring back the order of the universe and Dharma (The Path of Righteousness).
Satya Yuga or Krita Yuga:
Ganesh was born as the divine son of Sage Kashyapa and Aditi. He was named Vinayaka. He incarnated to destroy the demons Davantaka, Narantaka and Dhurmraksa.
Once there was a Rishi (Sage) named Rudraketu. He had two sons Davantaka and Narantaka. They lived in the holy city of Kashi. The sons on the advice of their father performed penances to please Lord Shiva and were successful. They were blessed with invincible powers. But this boon was misused and they created endless havoc. Vinayaka appeared with a red complexion, ten arms, riding a lion to end the miseries.
The demon, Dhurmraksa tried to prevent Vinayaka from going to Kashi to slay the Rishi’s sons. In the process, he was killed. Vinayaka killed Davantaka and Narantaka. It is believed that those who die in Kashi get instant liberation. This symbolizes that there maybe many impediments in the spiritual journey but once we reach a holy place like Kashi, all evils are destroyed.
Treta Yuga:
Lord Ganesh incarnated as Mayureshwar in the Treta Yuga, riding a peacock. He has a white complexion with six arms. He came to slay the demon king Sindhu.
Dwapara Yuga:
Reddish complexioned, four-armed Gajanan rode on a Mouse in is His third incarnation. One day, Brahma was creating the Universe when he accidentally yawned and a son was born. This boy was handsome with a glowing pink complexion, so Brahma named him Sindura (Sindur – Vermilion). Sindura’s laughter was unique. Its resonance shook the three worlds. Brahma blessed him with the powers of invincibility and the ability to travel wherever he pleased in an instant.
Sindura enjoyed the boons given by his father and roamed freely from one galaxy to another. One day, he decided to test the extent of these powers. He realised his boons were unmatchable with the other gods and were equivalent to the forces of the Trinity. When Lord Brahma found that his son had an evil instinct to misuse such divine blessings, he cursed him that his end would be in the hands of Gajanan. It was during this incarnation of Lord Ganesh that the discourses of Ganesh Gita were explained.
Kali Yuga:
Ganesh will be born in the Kali Yuga (The Age of Struggle, Dark Iron Age) in the form of Dhumraketu. He will be ash-gray in color with two arms and will ride a horse. He will annihilate the degeneration of the society, eradicate the sufferings of numerous ailments and restore balance, peace and harmony.
In the pantheon of thirty-three million Hindu gods and goddesses, He is revered for being merciful and the endower of joy and success. Lord Ganesh came into being amidst numerous and unique circumstances, and continues to rule the hearts of His countless devotees in every Yuga.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
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[...] take a lifetime to understand, comprehend and to practice in its true essence. One can identify Lord Ganesh easily among thirty-three million Hindu gods and goddesses because He has the head of an elephant [...]
hello, is there any way i can purchase a small poster or picture of this because i enjoy seeing it. the picture is ganesh and the avatars. it is so beautiful and peaceful to look at. thank you, brad
Hi Brad,
Thanks for writing in. I can send this image to you if you like. Photographs and idols of Lord Ganesh are available on many websites. So you can get in touch with them if you have any specific requirements. Let me know… Good Luck