§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Vira Ganapati
Fourth of the 32 Ganapati forms. The warrior form of Ganesha, depicted with sixteen arms holding various weapons. Represents the protective, martial aspect that vanquishes obstacles and enemies.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Vīra Gaṇapati वीरगणपति
Valiant Lord of the Ganas
Mahāvīra महावीर
Great Warrior
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
WarriorValorProtectionStrengthObstacle vanquisher
प
Paraśu
Axe, symbolizing the cutting of attachments.
बा
Bāṇa
Arrow, representing focused energy.
ध
Dhanus
Bow, symbolizing control over the senses.
ग
Gadā
Club, representing strength.
च
Cakra
Discus, symbol of the mind's wheel.
मु
Muṣala
Hammer, representing power.
ख
Khaṭvāṅga
Club with skull, symbol of detachment.
पा
Pāśa
Noose, representing the binding of obstacles.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Red complexion. Sixteen arms holding various weapons and symbols. Seated on a lotus. Fierce, valiant expression. Often depicted with a sword and shield.
§ 09Mantras
Sacred utterances
Mūla Mantra
ॐ वीरगणपतये नमः
Oṁ Vīragaṇapataye namaḥ
Salutations to the Valiant Ganapati.
— Mudgala Purāṇa
§ 12Festivals & Vrata
The year of Vira Ganapati
Bhādrapada · Śukla Caturthī
Vināyaka Caturthī
Ganesha's main festival, celebrated with fasting and worship.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
Pan-IndiaWarrior communities
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Mudgala Purāṇa
Describes the 32 forms of Ganesha, including Vīra Gaṇapati.
c. 13th century
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
ग
Base form; Vīra Gaṇapati is one of his 32 forms.
Gaṇeśa
गणेश
स
Consort (in some traditions).
Siddhi
सिद्धि
ब
Consort (in some traditions).
Buddhi
बुद्धि
श
Father.
Śiva
शिव
प
Mother.
Pārvatī
पार्वती