Symbolism .. Lord Ganesha and his Eight avatars - ASTA VINAYAK - Page 2

Originally posted by: dsr11

great post DV.

I took some time(actually a lot of time) to reply to your post, because I was caught up in some personal things. I really wanted to contribute to your post instead of just hitting a like, hence the delay.

I thought I saw only 4 forms of Ganesha, but your Ashtavinayak makes more sense, because Ganesha is believed to have conquered 8 main human vices and their kin in his 8 avatars.

1. Vakratunda (One with the twisted trunk)

defeated Matsaryasura (Envy)

2. Ekadanta (One with the single tusk)

defeated Madasura (Intoxication)

3. Mahodara (One with a great belly)

defeated Mohasura(Confusion/Delusion)

4. Gajanana (One with the elephant face)

defeated Lobhasura(Greed)

5. Lambodara (One with a huge belly)

defeated Krodhasura(Anger)

6. Vikata(One with a big forehead)

defeated Kamasura(Lust)

7. Vighnaraja(One who removes Obstacles)

defeated Mamaasura("I" or Ego)

8. Dhoomravarna (One with a smoke hued body)

defeated Ahantaasura (Arrogance)

Some detailed discourse on these avatars in the below links, if interested.

http://www.ambahouse.org/pdf/avataras1-4.pdf

http://www.ambahouse.org/pdf/avataras5-8.pdf

I feel that all the characters have one or more of these vices. Ganesha creates challenges/obstacles for each of them, so that they can overcome these vices. How many of them learn from the life and conquer their vices is for us to see.

Originally posted by: deepavasudev

Rekha ,

thanks for u reply ..

and what to say.. u are perfect in ur views and precise in ur wordings..

the details what u gave.. I happen to learn a lot ..thanks a lot dear..

How is ur kido.. read in other thread.. praying for his GET WELL SOON AND KICK MOMMY ..

tc..