§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Sankatahara Ganapati
Thirty-second of the 32 Ganapati forms. The form that removes all difficulties, troubles, and distress. Represents the compassionate savior who rescues devotees from all forms of suffering and hardship.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Saṅkaṭahara Gaṇapati सङ्कटहरगणपति
Remover of distress
Vighnaharta विघ्नहर्ता
Remover of obstacles
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
Distress removerCompassionate saviorTrouble removerProtector
अं
Elephant goad
Symbol of control over obstacles.
पा
Noose
To bind and remove difficulties.
मो
Modaka
Sweet symbolizing spiritual reward.
प
Lotus
Purity and divine grace.
र
Bowl of jewels
Bestower of wealth and prosperity.
व
Varada mudra
Gesture of blessing and boon-giving.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Red or golden complexion. Four-armed, holding elephant goad, noose, modaka, and lotus. One hand in varada mudra. Seated on a lotus. Compassionate, protective expression.
§ 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.
Monthly · Kṛṣṇa Caturthī
Saṅkaṭahara Caturthī
Monthly observance dedicated to Sankatahara Ganapati for relief from distress.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
01
Ashtavinayaka Temples
Maharashtra
Eight sacred Ganesha shrines, each form including Sankatahara.
02
Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Prominent Ganesha temple, worship of Sankatahara form.
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Mudgala Purāṇa
Contains descriptions of 32 Ganapati forms including Sankatahara.
c. 13th century
Sankatahara Stotram
Hymn dedicated to Sankatahara Ganapati, recited for relief from troubles.
c. 18th century
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
ग
Primary form; Sankatahara is one of 32 manifestations.
Gaṇeśa
गणेश
स
Consort (in some traditions)
Siddhi
सिद्धि
ब
Consort (in some traditions)
Buddhi
बुद्धि
श
Father
Śiva
शिव
प
Mother
Pārvatī
पार्वती