32 Forms of Ganapati: Trimukha Ganapati - The 28th 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 Trimukha Ganapati

Trimukha Ganapati is regarded as the 28th among the 32 different forms of Ganapati. The term ‘Trimukha’ is a combination of two words, ‘Tri,’ indicating the number three and ‘Mukha,’ meaning face. Trimukha Ganapati is thus the three-faced Lord, who is seated on a golden lotus, with six hands. He is reddish in complexion, holds the Japa Mala of Rudraksha beads and the elephant goad in two of his right hands, and has a noose and an urn filled with nectar in his left hands. Also, while he is holding the boon-granting Varada mudra in his main right hand, his principal left hand sports Abhaya mudra, offering protection to the devotees.

While this form is worshipped at many places, this Lord can be seen in an idol form in the famous Lord Jagannath temple at Puri, in the state of Orissa. The star Avittam, also known as Dhanishta Nakshatra, is said to be related to Trimukha Ganapati.

Blessings of Worshipping Trimukha Ganapati

Trimukha Ganapati is a benign and powerful aspect of the Lord. It is believed that he would look after the welfare of the devotees and their families. Praying to this Lord with faith is believed to bring success in life and make the devotees victorious in their endeavors.

Mantra for Trimukha Ganapati

The mantra, which reads as under in Sanskrit, describes his wonderful form, as carrying a sharp and shining hook and a rosary in his right hands; holding the noose and a pot of Amrut in his left; also sporting the boon-giving Varada and the protecting Abhaya postures in his hands; sitting on a lotus in a golden throne; having three-eyes in his elephant face; and shining like a blazing flame of a forest flower. This sloka, thus, sings his glory, prays for his blessings and seeks the Lord’s protection against all the perils in life.

Chanting the Trimukha Ganapati mantra with faith, can be an effective means of propitiating the powerful Lord.