Lord Ganesha is one of the most revered and beloved gods in Hinduism. Universally worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the god of new beginnings, and the God of wisdom, Ganesha holds an extraordinary place in the hearts of millions of devotees around the world.
His divine presence is invoked at the start of every important task—be it a wedding, a new business, or a spiritual journey. One of the most fascinating aspects of Ganesha is the multitude of names he is known by. Each name represents different attributes and stories associated with him.
While Lord Ganesha is traditionally associated with 108 names, this article focuses on 12 primary names that capture his most iconic attributes and divine qualities.
1. Sumukh – The One with a Beautiful Face
2. Ekadanta – The One with a Single Tusk
3. Kapil – The Smoky Grey One
4. Gajakarna – The One with Elephant Ears
5. Lambodar – The One with a Big Belly
6. Vikat – The Ferocious One
7. Vighna Nashak – The Destroyer of Obstacles
8. Vinayak – The Leader
9. Dhumraketu – The One with a Smoke Banner
10. Ganadhyaksha – The Lord of the Ganas
11. Balchandra – The Moon-Crested One
12. Gajanana – The Elephant-Faced One
