§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Sankatahara Ganapati
The form that removes all difficulties, troubles, and distress. Represents the compassionate savior who rescues devotees from all forms of suffering and hardship. Holds elephant goad, noose, modaka, lotus, bowl of jewels, and varada mudra.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Saṅkaṭahara Gaṇapati सङ्कटहरगणपति
Remover of distress
Vighnahartā विघ्नहर्ता
Destroyer of obstacles
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
Distress removerCompassionate saviorTrouble removerProtector
अं
Aṅkuśa
Elephant goad, symbol of control over obstacles.
पा
Pāśa
Noose to bind difficulties.
मो
Modaka
Sweet dumpling, symbol of spiritual reward.
प
Padma
Lotus, purity and detachment.
र
Ratnapātra
Bowl of jewels, bestowing prosperity.
व
Varadamudrā
Gesture of boon-giving, granting wishes.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Red or golden complexion. Four-armed, holding goad, noose, modaka, and lotus. One hand in varada mudra.
§ 09Mantras
Sacred utterances
Mūla Mantra
ॐ सङ्कटहरगणपतये नमः
Oṁ Saṅkaṭaharagaṇapataye namaḥ
Salutations to Sankatahara Ganapati, the remover of distress.
— Mudgala Purāṇa
§ 12Festivals & Vrata
The year of Sankatahara Ganapati
Bhādrapada · Śukla Caturthī
Vināyaka Caturthī
Major Ganesha festival, worship for removing obstacles.
Māgha · Kṛṣṇa Caturthī
Saṅkaṭahara Caturthī
Monthly observance for relief from distress.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
01
Morgaon
Maharashtra
Primary Aṣṭavināyaka temple, associated with all Ganesha forms.
02
Ranjangaon
Maharashtra
Aṣṭavināyaka temple, form known as Girijātmaja.
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Mudgala Purāṇa
Describes the 32 forms of Ganesha, including Sankatahara Ganapati.
c. 13th century
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
ग
Primary form; Sankatahara is one of 32 manifestations.
Gaṇeśa
गणेश
श
Father (according to Purāṇas).
Śiva
शिव
प
Mother.
Pārvatī
पार्वती
स
Brother.
Skanda
स्कन्द
स
Consort (in some traditions).
Siddhi
सिद्धि
ब
Consort (in some traditions).
Buddhi
बुद्धि