Haridrā-Gaṇapati
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Haridrā-Gaṇapati literally means ‘Gaṇapati of yellow complexion like turmeric powder’.
Gaṇapati is a very popular deity even today. One of the important forms worshiped by the tāntrik sect is Haridrā-Gaṇapati. He is described as yellow in complexion and clad in yellow garments. He has six arms carrying:
- Pāśa - noose
- Aṅkuśa - goad
- Paraśu - axe
- Abhaya or protection mudrā or pose
- Varada or boon- giving mudrā or pose
- Krodha or indignation mudrā or pose
A murti can be prepared from powdered turmeric for worship. Since the word ‘mśā’ (= rātri or night) is another name for ‘haridrā’, this aspect of Gaṇapati is also referred to as ‘Rātri-Gaṇapati’.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore