The 8 Vinayaks: Eight Ways Ganesha Guides Us
- myNachiketa
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
Did you know that Bhagwan Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who loves laddoos and helps remove all problems, has eight special forms? These are called the Ashta Vinayaks—“Ashta” means eight and “Vinayak” means leader or guide. Each of these eight Vinayaks has a different story and teaches us something important—like being brave, kind, patient, or wise.
People visit their temples in Maharashtra and offer prayers to learn these lessons and feel blessed. Just like Ganesha helps his friends in many ways, his eight forms show us how to handle life with courage, goodness, and a big smile!
myNachiketa proudly presents The 8 Vinayaks: Eight Ways Ganesha Guides Us.
Who are the Vinayaks?
The eight forms of Bhagwan Ganesha are the Vinayaks that represent different qualities and teachings that help us in various aspects of our lives. Each Vinayak teaches different values, guiding us through challenges and encouraging us to become better. Let’s learn about each Vinayak!
Vakratunda
There was a terrible demon named Matsarasura. He was full of jealousy and wanted to spread anger and trouble everywhere. He got powerful by doing prayers and began to trouble gods and people alike. Ganesha took the form of Vakratunda, which means "the one with a curved trunk." He didn’t use weapons or anger to fight the demon. Instead, he used wisdom, peace, and goodness.
This avatar(form) of Bhagwan Ganesh teaches us to solve our problems and obstacles with cleverness and flexibility.
So children, while facing difficulty in solving a maths problem, or tackling a tough opponent in a chess game, think of Vakratunda avatar of Shri Ganesh and use your wisdom.
Ekadanta
There was a powerful demon named Madasura. He became very proud and started troubling everyone. The gods prayed to Ganesha for help. Ganesha took the form of Ekdanta, which means "the one with a single tusk." In this form, he was strong, wise, and fearless. He used his wisdom and strength to defeat Madasura—not to hurt him, but to teach him a lesson.
This avatar of Bhagwan Ganesha shows us the importance of being single-minded in pursuing our dreams.
Dear children, sometimes it is important to show mental and physical strength to overcome a challenging situation, like defeating an opponent in a wrestling match requires both.
Mahodara
A demon named Mohasura was spreading confusion and lies. He made people forget what was right and wrong. Everyone was scared and didn’t know what to believe. Ganesha took the form of Mahodara, which means "the one with a big belly." His big belly showed how patient and calm he was—he could hold all worries and troubles without getting upset.
This form of Bhagwan Ganesha teaches us that patience, calm thinking, and truth can solve even the biggest problems.
Children, when you are confused between two options, stay calm to think about the right answer.
Gajanana
Once, there was a demon named Kamasura. He was full of selfish desires and greed. All he cared about was getting what he wanted, no matter who got hurt. The gods asked for help, and Bhagwan Ganesha took the form of Gajanana, which means “the one with the elephant face.”
This form of Ganesha, Gajanana, teaches us to be wise, not be greedy, and think of others—not just ourselves.
Dear children, you should not only think of yourself but also of your friends. Be content with what you have and not desire for more and more.
Lambodara
Once upon a time, a demon named Krodhasura—the demon of anger—was causing big problems. He made people fight, shout, and lose their temper. Peace had disappeared!
The gods prayed to Bhagwan Ganesha, who took the form of Lambodara. Lambodara stayed calm even when Krodhasura tried to make him angry. He gently showed the demon how dangerous anger is and taught him the power of peace and self-control.
This form of Bhagwan Ganesha, Lamodara teaches us to control our temper.
Dear children, remember that when you get angry, it causes more trouble. Think of the Lambodhara form of Bhagwan Ganesh and give your anger to him. He will make you calm and peaceful.
Vikata
Once, a tricky demon named Kamasura was spreading selfishness and making people forget love, kindness, and goodness. He made people think only about what they wanted. Bhagwan Ganesha took the form of Vikata, which means “the unusual one” or “the one who takes a different path. With his unusual ways, Vikata made Kamasura realize that true happiness comes from sharing and caring, not being selfish.
Vikata teaches us that sometimes, thinking differently and using creativity can solve even the hardest problems.
Dear Children, remember sharing things, helping friends and family, and caring for others gives true happiness. Also, whenever you are stuck in a situation, you can try an unusual way to come out of it.
Vighnaraja
A scary demon named Mamasura started creating endless obstacles. He was full of ego. Because of his pride, he created obstacles for everyone. He made sure nothing good could happen—he blocked prayers, stopped celebrations, and troubled kind people. Bhagwan Ganesha, who took the powerful form of Vighnaraja, which means “the King of Removing Obstacles.”
Vighnaraja removed all the obstacles and problems of the people and showed Mamasura that creating problems for others is not the right thing to do.
Children, whenever you are doing some work in school or at home, make sure that it is not creating problems and obstacles for others.
Dhoomravarna
There was a demon named Ahamasura, the demon of pride. He thought he was smarter, stronger, and better than everyone. Because of his pride, he started troubling people and making them feel small. Ganesha took the form of Dhoomravarna, which means “the one with the smoky color.” In this form, Ganesha looked strong and mysterious, like clouds filled with power and calm.
Dhoomravarna teaches us that being proud can make us lonely, but being kind and respectful brings true strength.
Children, if you are good at something like dance, drawing, singing, or any other activity, you should not be boastful and arrogant about it. Rather be humble, polite, and modest.
Buy our books to explore more inspiring stories and lessons for children
The Ashta Vinayaks are like eight gentle guides who show us how to live a happy and good life. The amazing stories of the Vinayaks teach us to be brave, kind, and wise. Just like Bhagwan Ganesha, we can face problems without fear and find smart ways to solve them. So, the next time you face a challenge, remember the Vinayaks and what they teach us. Their stories will help you do the right thing! Let’s always thank and celebrate Ganesha, our loving guide who helps us through every up and down in life!
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