32 Forms of Ganapati: Bhakta Ganapati - The 3rd Form

Introduction to Lord Ganapati

Ganapati or Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is hailed as a remover of obstacles and a harbinger of success and is both loved and venerated. He has an elephant face, but also has a primordial form with a human head. He is celebrated as a hero of strength, as a happy dancer, as a sweet child and many more. It is considered a good custom to seek his blessings while starting any endeavor or undertaking any venture. Ganapati veneration is done from very ancient times, and Ganapatyam, the Ganapati worship, has been established by Saint Adi Shankara, as one of the six fundamental forms of worship in Hindu religion.

Significance of Bhakta Ganapati

Bhakta Ganapati is regarded as the 3rd among the 32 different forms of Ganapati. ‘Bhakti’ is devotion, and ‘Bhakta’ is a devotee. This form of Ganapati is a compassionate Lord, and he is so kind to his Bhaktas, that he came to be known as Bhakta Ganapati, the devotees’ Ganesha. His benevolence shows in his appearance too, as he looks cool, calm and pleasant. He is fair and white and is shining like a full Moon in the harvest season. He has four arms, but none of them carry any weapons. Instead, they hold in them, a mango fruit, a banana, a coconut and a sweet or a kheer, the sweet payasam (milk pudding) made of jaggery (cane sugar).

This form of Ganesha can be seen as a painting in the Lord Ganapati Temple in the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram and as a sculpture in some temples in Mysore region, where all the 32 Ganapati forms are on display. Bhakta Ganapati can also be worshipped in an idol form in the Theertha Pureeswarar temple, also known as the Arathurai Nathar temple situated near Pennadam, in Tamil Nadu.

Blessings of Worshipping Bhakta Ganapati

Bhakta Ganapati, the mild-mannered aspect of Lord Ganesha is regarded as representing the primordial element Jala, the water. People worship Bhakta Ganapati with added fervor on special occasions like Vinayaka Chaturthi, Sankashti Chaturthi, etc. It is believed that worshipping this kind Lord shall help the devotees to obtain his blessings in abundance and thus, get protected from all dangers and difficulties in life. His worship can also help control temper, get relaxed and feel happy and joyful.

Mantra for Bhakta Ganapati

The mantra, which reads as under in Sanskrit, offers worship to this ‘Lord of his devotees’, describes the Ganapati’s form, and prays for his grace and blessings.

Chanting the Bhakta Ganapati mantra with faith can be an effective means of propitiating this kind-hearted Lord.