§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Ganas of Shiva
The host of attendants who serve Shiva, led by Ganesha (Ganapati, the leader of the ganas) and Nandishvara. They are depicted as dwarf-like beings, often playful or fierce. Represent the chaotic yet devoted forces that surround the supreme consciousness.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Gaṇa गण
Host, multitude, troop
Gaṇapati गणपति
Lord of the Ganas (Ganesha)
Nandīśvara नन्दीश्वर
Lord of joy, chief of ganas
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
AttendantsDevotionPlayfulnessFiercenessHost
ग
Dwarf form
Stocky, potbellied bodies representing earthiness and devotion.
अ
Weapons
Trident, axe, or mace held by some ganas.
ड
Musical instruments
Damaru, flute, or drum used in Shiva's tāṇḍava.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Depicted as dwarf-like beings, often with potbellies. Some have animal heads. Shown dancing, playing instruments, or holding weapons.
§ 09Mantras
Sacred utterances
Mūla Mantra
ॐ गणाय नमः
Oṁ Gaṇāya namaḥ
Salutations to the Gana. A general mantra for the host.
— Shaiva tradition
§ 12Festivals & Vrata
The year of Ganas of Shiva
Phālguna · Caturdaśī
Mahāśivarātri
Night of Shiva, when ganas are honored along with Shiva.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
01
Kailāsa
Himalayas
Abode of Shiva and his ganas.
02
Chidambaram
Tamil Nadu
Nataraja temple where ganas are depicted.
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Śiva Purāṇa
Describes the ganas and their roles as attendants.
c. 7th-10th century CE
Skanda Purāṇa
Contains stories of ganas and their leader Gaṇapati.
c. 6th-8th century CE
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
श
Master and object of devotion
Śiva
शिव
ग
Leader of the ganas (Gaṇapati)
Gaṇeśa
गणेश
न
Chief of ganas, gatekeeper of Shiva
Nandīśvara
नन्दीश्वर
भ
A prominent gana, skeletal devotee
Bhṛṅgī
भृङ्गी
प
Consort of Shiva, mother of Gaṇeśa
Pārvatī
पार्वती